A wood netsuke of a snake
By Tadatoshi (circa 1770-1840), Nagoya, 19th century
Coiled in asymmetric tight loops with its head at the top and its tongue licking out over its scaly body which forms a compact composition in dark-stained wood, the eyes inlaid, signed with ukibori kanji in a rectangular reserve Tadatoshi. 3.8cm (1½in) wide.