A JAPANESE EBONY NETSUKE OF A DAIKOKU AS A RAT-CATCHER SIGNED KAIGYOKUSAI MASATSUGU

19th Century

An unusual representation of the 'Disappointed rat-catcher' as the god of wealth, Daikoku, crouched agape with his hands pressing down on a trap from which a rat has escaped, running up his shoulder, signed Kaigyokusai Masatsugu,

3.2cm high

Provenance: an English private collection, previously acquired from Glendining & Co. on 20th November 1968, lot 138.