Page 44 - Bonhams French Netsuke collection London November 4, 2020

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AN EBONY NETSUKE OF A SNAKE A BOXWOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAKE AND SKULL
By Morimitsu, 19th century By Kawakata Masanori, late 19th century
The snake coiled in several irregular loops, its head at the top, part The human skull realistically rendered, the snake winding around
of its scaly body forming the himotoshi, the wood barely worn, the and through, its head resting at the top, its tongue extending out in
eyes inlaid; signed in an oval reserve Morimitsu. between the eye sockets, the wood slightly worn; signed Masanori.
3.3cm (1 5/16in). 3.4cm (1 5/16in).

£2,500 - 3,000 £2,500 - 3,000
JPY350,000 - 420,000 JPY350,000 - 420,000
US$3,300 - 3,900 US$3,300 - 3,900
黒檀彫根付 蛇 銘「守光」 19世紀 黄楊彫根付 蛇と頭蓋骨 銘「正則」 19世紀後期

Provenance: Provenance:
Lu Xiaguang Collection. Lu Xiaguang Collection.
Purchased at AuctionArt, Paris, 21 February 2014, lot 15. Purchased at AuctionArt, Paris, 21 February 2014, lot 36.

For similar examples by Morimitsu, see M. Coullery, Baur, p.312,
no.C955; R. Bandini, JNOKI, no.26; F. Meinertzhagen, MCI, p.578;
and G. Lazarnick, NIA, p.799. A similar example by the artist was
sold in these rooms, 8 May 2016, lot 22.

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
42 | BONHAMS please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue.