A fine netsuke of the slumbering Shôjô in medium brown wood

Description:

Japan, signed Masatoshi 正利, Nagoya School, 19th cent.
H. 3,3 cm
Finely carved as a seated shôjô in a deep slumber induced by a large amount of sake. One hand rests in her lap, the other is pressed to her cheek, supporting her face as she gently smiles and perhaps even dreams of drinking more sake. Her finely cut long hair falls neatly over her shoulders, and her robe is decorated with intricately carved patterns. Himotoshi signed by the back and bottom and within a raised rectangular reserve Masatoshi.
From an old Berlin private collection - Minim. traces of age