NETSUKE: TWO PUPPIES.
Japan. Edo period. 19th c.

Black persimmon wood; fine carved and engraved. Two puppies lying down on so-called Zabuton (hassock). Sign.: Sansha; MCI on p. 695 mentioned with an almost identical piece in the British Museum; dated early 19th century. See also La. p. 913; depicting a similar subject; but accounting it for the 18th century. Width 3.8cm. Condition A/B.Art trade; Van Ham.