A rosewood figure of a monkey trainer. Wearing a ribbed conical hat, a three-quarter length robe, legs strappings and large shoes, he is certainly a foreign-variety trainer. The face is also western in appearance. The performer in this duo, the monkey is being gripped tight by his owner, though the monkey does not seem to mind, he is feeding himself something during the break.
This very rare 'hand' I nickname 'bigfoot' for obvious reasons. Although I have only identified four of his works, all demonstrate unusually large feet or foot coverings. Another example of his work is in the museum of LACMA. The Raymond & Frances Bushell collection of netsuke. Page 118, number 49. Based on these four works, I would estimate this artist was active in the period between 1800-1850.
8.7cm High.
