A NETSUKE OF A RAT BY TOMOKAZU. Japan, Gifu, ca 1820, length 4 cm. Boxwood, carved in the shape of a seated rat turned to the right, clutching the tail beneath it with its paws. The s-shaped curled tail forms natural himotoshi. The eyes inlaid in dark horn. Signed in an oval reserve Tomokazu. Provenance: Swiss private collection, acquired 20 November 1987 at St. James Gallery, Zurich (invoice with attest available). ------------------------------------------------- NETSUKE OF A RAT. Japan, Gifu, ca. 1820, l 4 cm. Boxwood, finely carved in the shape of a rat turned to the right, clutching the tail beneath it with its paws. The s-shaped curled tail forms natural himotoshi. The eyes are inlaid in dark horn. Signed Tomokazu in oval reserve. Provenance: Swiss private collection, acquired 20 November 1987 at St. James Gallery, Zurich (invoice with certificate available).