SHUZAN: AN EXCEPTIONAL WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAIL ACROBAT

SHUZAN: AN EXCEPTIONAL WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAIL ACROBAT
By Shuzan, signed Shuzan 周山
Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Published:
Bandini, Rosemary (2013) In a Nutshell, A Loan Exhibition of Japanese Netsuke from European Collections, p. 82, no. 161.
A very unusual and humorous twist to the classic netsuke subject of a snail emerging from a shell - here the snail's long and fleshy body loops over the shell, forming an arch, its anthropomorphic head upside down, the two antennae touching the shell, the mouth with a smile and the two eyes staring at the viewer, as if seeking some kind of acknowledgment of this incredible feat. The shell shows a clever arrangement of stippled markings to the smoothly polished, spiraling surface. The eyes of the snail are inlaid in dark horn. One large himotoshi to the underside of the shell, the other large opening 'natural' through the side. The dark-reddish wood bearing a superb, unctuous patina. Signed SHUZAN.
This remarkably striking and possibly unique design is executed here in a bold manner, while still retaining a high degree of delicacy and imbued with a healthy dose of humor - all the hallmarks of what makes a netsuke truly special.
HEIGHT 3.7 cm, LENGTH 4.6 cm
Condition: Very good condition, minor typical wear including some light surface scratches and tiny nicks. One eye is likely replaced, but invisible to the naked eye. Beautiful patina.
Provenance:
Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt. Theodor “Teddy” Hahn was a well-known and respected collector of netsuke and other Asian works of art. After spending time in museums to study the early cultures of the world, finding particular interest in their sculptures, he began collecting, remarking, “I somehow knew it would have a profound influence on my life. How right I was. And how happy I have been.” Teddy Hahn was a passionate collector of snail netsuke, arguably building the greatest collection of snail netsuke ever assembled.