A FINE IVORY OKIMONO NETSUKE OF A DISSAPOINTED RAT…A FINE IVORY OKIMONO NETSUKE OF A DISSAPOINTED RAT CATCHER BY KIHODO MASAKAZUBy Kihodo Masakazu, ivory okimono-netsukeJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)A fine, ever so slightly stained ivory okimono-netsuke of a rat catcher, armed with a large club and holding down a box with one hand trying to catch the rat, which has escaped onto his back. He is visibly frustrated, as he is exclaiming while turning his head and looking at the innocent and adorable little rat which has eluded him. The rat (nezumi) is a symbol of wealth and the companion of the lucky god Daikoku. That may explain why rat catchers had such a bad reputation, since he is usually depicted emaciated, ugly and demonic, as in the present carving. Note the fine details of the fingers, toes and expressed spine and rib cage of the rat catcher. All eyes inlaid in horn and signature KIHODO MASAKAZU 奇峰堂 正一 and saku 刀 (made) on the underside of the loincloth – One of the great okimono artists of the Meiji period.HEIGHT 4.9 cmProvenance: British collection.Condition: Two age cracks through the back and small chip to the rope attached to the end of the club. Generally, in very good condition.