Lot 295: A Large Ivory Netsuke**

A Large Ivory Netsuke** Edo-Meiji period (late 19th century), signed Hidemasa Carved as a large eagle holding a struggling monkey in its talons, the eagle's feathers and monkey's hair naturalistically rendered with finely etched lines stained dark, each animal's eyes inlaid in red stone, on the eagle's wings and on the monkey's back are carved leaves apparently distubed during the struggle 2 1/4 in. (5.6cm.) high

The distinctive signature on this netsuke, Hide written in semi-cursive script ( gyosho ) and Masa written in cursive script ( sosho ), suggests that this is the work of a different artist from those catagorized by Lazarnick as Hidemasa I, II or III (George Lazarnick, Netsuke and Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, vol. I [Honolulu: Reed Publishers, 1981], p. 461). Notice Regarding the Sale of Material from Endangered Species. Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country