Masanao of Kyoto

He was mentioned in the Sōken Kishō (装劍奇賞), a compilation published in Osaka in 1781 by Inaba Tsūyrū, in which over 50 netsuke masters are listed.

The Sōken Kishō refers to Masanao as skillful and deserving of high praise and recognition.

[2] Masanao's ability to exquisitely capture animal forms in ever varying poses, often imbued with a vitality which evokes the sense of a moment frozen in time, strongly suggests direct observation from nature.

Frederick Meinertzhagen remarks: In the carving of animal subjects, particularly those in ivory, Masanao is supreme among netsuke carvers.

The charm of his netsuke lies in their striking originality of design, bold outlines, free subtle curves, smooth surfaces unmarred by extraneous detail, and spirited character.