TOSHIMASA: AN EXCELLENT WOOD NETSUKE OF A SLEEPING SHOJO By Toshimasa, signed Toshimasa 利正 Japan, Nagoya, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) An excellent wood netsuke depicting a shojo in a deep slumberafter drinking a hefty amount of sake. Her head is resting on her upturned hand and her knees are bent towards her body. One of her distinctive attributes is her full long hair, which was crimson and said to contain a much sought-after dye. Her long hair is delicately carved in the present netsuke, flowing down her back and all the way to the underside. Her cloud-patterned brocade dress is equally well-carved. Her facial features are serene, and one can truly see how tired she is from all the drinking. The wood is finely stained and has developed an appealing patina. The underside with good, asymmetrical himotoshi and the signature, inside a rectangular reserve, in raised ukibori characters – TOSHIMASA – one of the rarer artists of the Nagoya school of carvers. LENGTH 4.5 cm Condition: Excellent condition. Provenance: Old Viennese private collection, collection no. 48, acquired from Galerie Gemini in 1991. Auction comparison: A similar netsuke by Tadatoshi, was sold by Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 10 November 2016, London, lot 294 (sold for 4.375 GBP). Another by Tadatoshi sold at Quinn's Auction Galleries, The Mang Collection of Japanese Netsuke, 7 December 2012, Falls Church, lot 204 (sold for 6.000 USD).