Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Stag Antler Bather Netsuke to the 19th Century.
Period: Late Edo period (mid-19th century)
Artist: Signed Masayuki to the underside
Dimensions: Height: 4 cm | Length: 4 cm
Weight: 37.4 grams
The piece features a man indulging in a relaxing soak inside a traditional oval wooden bathing tub (furo). Leaning heavily over the rim with his arms outstretched, his face is masterfully rendered to capture a look of pure, blissful exhaustion.
The carver has cleverly utilized the natural, challenging properties of the stag antler, polishing the bather's skin to a smooth, cream-colored finish that mimics bare flesh, while utilizing deep, dark staining to accentuate the porous, rustic texture of the tub’s exterior. The water inside is detailed with deeply incised, concentric swirling ripples. The exterior staves are meticulously carved with a realistic wood-grain effect and bound securely by double bamboo hoops.
The reverse features a beautifully executed, naturalistic depiction of the bather's hair gathered at the back. The underside is fitted with two himotoshi (cord holes) flanked by a crisply incised, authentic two-character signature for the celebrated master Masayuki.
Condition:
In excellent antique condition overall. The stag antler exhibits a superb, warm, honey-coloured age patina to the high-contact areas. Natural, minor age-crazing is visible on the top of the head, entirely consistent with a genuine 19th-century period piece. Free from structural cracks, restoration.
Provenance:
Japanese - Tokyo Private Collection
The G S. May Esquire Private Collection, London
Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Stag Antler Bather Netsuke to the 19th Century.
Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sandbanks Antiques Profile Page
A Rare Japanese Stag Antler Netsuke of a Bather Late Edo Period (Mid-19th Century)
