A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A BLIND MASSEUR AND CLIENT, ATTRIBUTED TO JOBUN

A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A BLIND MASSEUR AND CLIENT, ATTRIBUTED TO JOBUN
Attributed to Jobun, unsigned
Japan, Edo (Tokyo), late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Amusingly and boldly carved, the client grimacing in agony with one eye closed and the other rolling to the side as the blind masseur holds his arm back with one hand, digging the other hand into the back of his neck. A central tama-shaped himotoshi through the base. The expressions are masterfully crafted in the manner of Jobun, whom this work is confidently attributed to (see Museum comparison).
LENGTH 4.7 cm
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, particularly to the underside. A small age crack to the side with an associated old fill.
Museum comparison:
Compare a related wood netsuke of a blind masseur lifting a strength stone having a closely related expression, signed Jobun, in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), accession number M.91.250.168.