AN EARLY IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECLINING BUGAKU DANCER Unsigned Japan, late 17th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Östasiatiska Museet (1999) Netsuke, p. 71. Exhibited: Östasiatiska Museet, Sweden, Stockholm, 16 October 1999 – 9 January 2000. The dancer wearing a hat and holding a mask in one hand, as he rests on his side leaning on one arm, his loose robe falling from one shoulder. The robe is incised with cloud patterns and the hat with scrolling vines, the top of the hat incised with an unusual face. The underside shows large, deep and asymmetrical himotoshi. Beautiful honey patina. LENGTH 7.4 cm Condition: Very good worn condition with expected age cracks and beautiful patina. Provenance: Ex collection Mrs. Gunvor Bjorkman. Auction comparison: Compare with a similar netsuke sold by Quinn’s Auction Galleries, The Mang Collection of Japanese Netsuke,7 December 2012, Falls Church, lot 566.