Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art has dated this piece to the 1890s.

Provenance:
Private north of England collection for many decades.
Notes :
There are a few examples of this particular type of Netsuke recorded , with varying ages , colours and conditions , Masanao was a much copied artist during the late 19th and early 20th century, if you are looking to add this particular model to your collection then it is my opinion you will struggle to find a more perfect example .

Condition report :
As suggested in my notes he is as crisp and honest as you could wish to find !
Approximate sizes :
Height: 1.5" 4 cm
Depth: 1.5" 4 cm
Width: 1.5" 4 cm
Free worldwide delivery and a certificate of authenticity included in the price of this item.
Steve Sly Japanese Works of Art has dated this piece to the 1890s.
Specialists in japanese works of art from the meiji period 1868-1912
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