A refined ivory netsuke depicting a seated monkey holding a peach, accompanied by its young. The seated monkey, finely carved with detailed fur and eyes inlaid in brown horn, is portrayed with an attentive and caring expression as it holds the peach contentedly. The young monkey, clinging to its mother with one hand reaching towards the peach, conveys the desire and curiosity characteristic of youth. The himotoshi is natural, formed by the openings between the feet and the space between the two figures. Netsuke, composed of the kanji ne (根), meaning "root," and tsuke (付け), meaning "to attach," are small Japanese sculptures originally used as fasteners to secure objects to the sashes of kimono (obi 帯). From the late 19th century they became highly collectible in Europe and America, admired for the variety of subjects, the fine details, the patina and their strong tactile appeal. ---The netsuke is in very good condition with hairlines typical of the material. Please refer to the pictures for further details. The item will be carefully packed and shipped via DHL or FedEx, accompanied by the original certificate of authenticity issued by Mastromauro Japanese art gallery based in Milan, Italy. This lot complies with the current European Community regulations for the trade of pre-1947 worked ivory. The original CITES certificate will be delivered together with the object (valid only within the European Union). This item cannot be sold outside the EU 109e