Description:

Far East, Japan, late Edo to early Meiji periods, ca. 19th century CE. A boxwood netsuke in the form of a standing, anthropomorphized animal - Tanuki, a raccoon dog - posed very much like a human. The animal looks up at the viewer and holds a large sack over its back - this is part of its body, which I will leave for you to guess. The animal's body has a lovely incised texture to create an illusion of fur, while the sack is smooth. Size: 0.8" W x 2.1" H (2 cm x 5.3 cm)

The netsuke is an example of the art of everyday objects. They are small sculptures designed to be worn so that objects could be suspended from the traditional sash (obi) that wraps around the kimono. They were used to carry purses, smoking accoutrement, and inro, "seal baskets", which held seals and medicines. The netsuke, made with two holes through it, was used as a toggle to stop the cord on which those items were suspended.

Provenance: private Rochester, Michigan, USA collection

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#126469

  • Condition: Light patina on wood surface from age and handling.

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August 31, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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