UEDA KOHOSAI: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A CROUCHING HARE WITH AMBER EYES By Ueda Kohosai (died 1907), signed Kohosai 公鳳齋 Japan, Osaka, second half of 19th century A wonderfully rounded and compact netsuke depicting a well-fed, bulky rabbit or hare (usagi) crouching with its legs folded beneath, trying to fit its large body on an amusingly small cushion. Its long ears are laid back, resting on its back for compactness. The creamy white ivory is left unstained and largely unworked, but polished to a high degree, smooth to the touch, comparable with works by Kaigyokusai or Mitsuhiro of the Osaka school. The eyes are inlaid in amber. Good, asymmetrical himotoshi through the cushion underneath and signed KOHOSAI. Fine spots of honey patina and the nerve channel of the tusk is visible at the apex of the back. LENGTH 3.8 cm Condition: Superb condition. Provenance: Ex collection Jacques H. Carré.