The image of the monkey attempting to subdue the Namazu is a common theme in netsuke and represents an impossible task.
Our example, in wood shows a humorous monkey with a pot belly wearing a wide smile. Sat upon the Namazu the monkey looks very pleased with himself, the situation doesn't seem imposable at all, rather he appears to be using the Namazu as a cushion resting comfortably against it.
Early 19th Century
4.2cm
Provenance – Lohrberg Collection - Germany
If you would like to enquire further about this netsuke you can use the following methods:
Phone or Whatsapp: +447534 423 803
Email: robert@willford-ja.co.uk
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