SET OF THREE NETSUKE carved from wood, depicting respectively: a man sneezing in public, seated (with a possibly later-added kakihan); a young oxherder playing the flute, seated on the back of his reclining buffalo, signed Masanobu (a small chip to the animal’s left hind leg and to the flute); a rat-catcher seated in front of his box, with a rat climbing up his back. (A small chip on one himotoshi). Japan, 19th and 20th centuries. THREE WOODEN NETSUKE, JAPAN, 19TH AND 20TH CENTURIES. HEIGHT: 3.5 CM (1 3/8 IN.) – 4 CM (1 9/16 IN.) – 5 CM (2 IN.)