A wood figure of Daruma, seated cross legged in an alms bowl. The zen monk appearing to practice some form of self inflicting torture by tugging at his earrings, which to be fair, he endures without any alteration to his meditative expression. Even sitting in this bowl, I would suggest would be an ordeal for most.
Masakazu, is just about the most used and recognisable signature to ever have been cut onto a netsuke. A carver from every corner of Japan appears to have utilised the name as their chomei, in fact in some netsuke making regions multiple artists appear to have utilised the name. Distinguishing them is challenging to say the least. Luckily, this Masakazu is extremely recognisable. He was a follower of Hidemasa and appears also to have mimicked albeit lightly, Dosho's manner. Enjoying Daruma studies, Masakazu paid homage to the monk every chance he got, though with a tinge of humour thrown in for good measure.
For another similar example of his work, please see; The Mang collection catalogue: Page 9, number 9.
