Ivory netsuke depicting a rat and its young, Japan, Edo period, unsigned, eyes inlaid, with box, width 4.5 cm Provenance: Swiss private collection, assembled from 1932 to 1936 in Kobe (Japan). The collection was acquired under the mentorship of Maurice Champoud (1899-1981), Honorary Consul of Switzerland to Japan in Kobe, director of Nestlé's Japanese subsidiary and an expert in Japanese art. The entire collection was inherited and has remained in the family ever since. An ivory netsuke of a rat and its pup, Japan, Edo period, with box, 4.5 cm wide Provenance: private Swiss collection, assembled from 1932 to 1936 in Kobe (Japan). The collection was acquired under the mentorship of Maurice Champoud (1899-1981), Honorary Consul of Switzerland to Japan in Kobe, director of Nestlé's Japanese subsidiary and an expert in Japanese art. The entire collection was inherited and has remained in the family ever since. General surface wear Few surface scratches Few cracks Few tiny dents This lot contains ivory. The ivory trade is regulated. Piguet therefore recommends that buyers inform themselves of the applicable regimes and requirements before taking any action in relation to the purchase or handling of an ivory object. Piguet will not apply on behalf of buyers for exemption certificates, CITES licences, registrations or other necessary documentation, including renewals or updates, and will not arrange import or export permits required for international shipments. The buyer's inability or delay in obtaining the necessary documents or in legally arranging the export or import of the consignment shall not justify cancellation of the sale or delay in payment. Overall wear to the surface Few surface scratches Few splits Few very minute knocks This lot contains ivory. Commercial trade in ivory is regulated. Piguet therefore recommends that, before taking any action related to a potential purchase or handling of an ivory item, buyers seek advice on the applicable regulations and requirements. Piguet will not conduct any applications for exemption certificates, CITES licenses, registrations, or similar documents that may be required, including their renewal or update, nor arrange for import or export permits needed for international shipping. A buyer's inability or delay in obtaining the necessary documentation, or in lawfully arranging the export or import of the lot, will not justify the cancellation of the sale or a delay in payment. A collection of Japanese Art The exceptional collection presented here bears witness to the refinement of Japanese art, notably through a selection of inrô and boxes carefully assembled in Japan between 1932 and 1936. It was assembled in Kobe by a Swiss collector living in Japan, who relied on the expert advice of Maurice Champoud (1899-1981), then Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Kobe. A connoisseur of Japanese art, Champoud played a key role in the creation of this collection. Passed down by inheritance within the same family to this day, this collection reflects a passionate and erudite appreciation of the subtlety and richness of Japanese art.