AN UNUSUAL WOOD NETSUKE OF A HATCHING TENGU Signed Hori Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A large and unusual representation of the hatching tengu motif, also referred to as ‘tengu no tomago’. The tengu has an unusually large head and is smiling, the pupils and the tokin-cap are inlaid in black horn. One wing and a large muscular arm protrude from the opening in the eggshell, the surface heavily worn. One foot breaks through the eggshell underneath. Large himotoshi and inscribed with a single kanji character reading ‘HORI’ 堀. HEIGHT 4 cm, LENGTH 4.5 cm Condition: Good, worn condition with surface scratches. Provenance: European collection.