Netsuke Signature Translation Help

[hddennis]

Along with the 2 cloisonné miniature vases I picked up over Easter vacation I also found a netsuke that I'd like to know who the maker is.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me,

 

Howard Dennis

[John A Stuart]

Tou 透  Maybe. John

[Stephen]

We have a member who collects snails, if you ever want to move it. PM me if there is a need to know.

[Jean]

As French, I eat them ROFLMAO!!'

[Bugyotsuji]

Is it supposed to be Hide 秀

or Hidekazu

秀

一

?

 

Either way, please be aware that fake signatures probably outnumber genuine ones on Netsuke, and although an extra stroke or dot was sometimes added, this trick was used deceitfully by subsequent mass producers of Netsuke trying to climb onto the bandwagon. In the same way, signatures are often added to a Netsuke because collectors outside of Japan often expect a signature to add value.

[TETSUGENDO]

Piers, I concur with your reading(s).  Ditto on your thoughts- the placement of the signature is most odd.  I suppose the "artist" did not want to be overlooked!

 

 

Steven K

[hddennis]

Thanks Guys, Just curious, where would the "Not" odd signature placement be?

 

 

Howard Dennis

[TETSUGENDO]

Howard,

 

When wearing a Netsuke the signature is usually out of sight- i.e. it is placed on the side where the himotoshi is, or the bottom, or at some area that is concealed.  

 

Steven K

[hddennis]

http://forums.netsuke.org/post/any-extra-thoughts-8069818