A Good Japanese Signed Wood Netsuke by Masakazu. Edo Period. 19th. Century

Ht. 1 7/8 ins. (4.8 cms) This unusual piece shows a seated figure of Hotei on a three-legged stand. It is signed Masakazu. There are two recorded netsuke carvers with the same name. One was a pupil of Masanao who worked in Miyajiricho in Ise Province. The other, according to Jonas in Netsuke (1928), worked around 18/19th. century in wood and ivory but has no more information. It is in good condition with a good colour and patina. There are three tiny old chips, one low down on a leg and the other two on the "arch" where the legs join the body. There are no repairs. 

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