Description:

Far East, Japan, Meiji Period / Meiji Era to early 20th century CE. This is a wood netsuke and a gourd-shaped hollow inro. The netsuke, carved in the shape of a fish, is highly naturalistic. Size of netsuke: 7" L x 1.3" W (17.8 cm x 3.3 cm); size of inro: 2.6" W x 5.5" H (6.6 cm x 14 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: Ex - Ex- Paul and Louise Bernheimer collection, Cambridge, MA and Laguna Woods, CA., acquired before 1980.

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#111919

  • Condition: Both pieces have slight patina and signs of wear but are in excellent condition.

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January 28, 2016 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000