Unsigned, attributed to Tomokazu
Gifu, circa 1840
A seated monkey takes a bite out of a juicy kaki fruit (persimmon), holding it in both hands at he curls his lip to sink his teeth into the juicy flesh. His expression is one of great intent and he grips another, bigger, fruit between his feet. He is clearly in no mood to share his bounty. Carved with great expression and detail, the quality of this piece suggests the hand of Kano Tomokazu. The eyes are double-inlaid in pale and dark horn
