AN AMUSING EDO SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A SLEEPING MILLSTONE DRESSER

AN AMUSING EDO SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A SLEEPING MILLSTONE DRESSER
Unsigned
Japan, Edo (Tokyo), second half of 18
th
century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Finely carved as a blissfully sleeping millstone dresser, his head resting on a large millstone, a hammer carved on top, a mischievous boy about to poke him with a long rod. The netsuke amusingly captures the moment right before the millstone dresser's rude awakening. The wood bearing a fine, dark patina. Large, asymmetrical and generously excavated himotoshi through the underside.
LENGTH 4 cm
Condition: Good condition with minor expected wear and minuscule nibbling to edges. A small chip to the edge of the man's kimono.