Japanese boxwood carved netsuke group of three, kirin, teapot & foot with hardwood stand

Introduction to Japanese Netsuke

The art of netsuke carving reached its height during the Edo period when these miniature toggles were essential accessories for carrying personal items on the pocketless kimono. While originally purely functional, they became a canvas for master carvers to showcase intricate detail using materials like boxwood and ivory to depict scenes from folklore and daily life. In the post-war era, a significant revival of this craft emerged in Japan to meet global demand for high-quality miniatures that maintained traditional carving techniques.

Description of the Netsuke

This collection brings together three distinct boxwood carvings that showcase the imaginative range of Japanese netsuke. The group features a fierce winged Kirin with a deeply carved mane, a teapot designed as a ripening pumpkin with a vine handle, and a human foot carrying a bat and an insect. Each piece is hand-carved with a focus on contrasting textures and traditional symbolism. All displayed with a dark wooden stand.

The craftsmanship is visible in the anatomical detail of the human foot and the rhythmic patterns of the Kirin wings. The winged figure is finished with small inlaid dark bead eyes that catch the light, while the teapot demonstrates high-relief work in the fruit and foliage on its lid. The carver has used a warm honey-toned stain that emphasizes the fine grain of the boxwood across all three subjects.

On the undersides are functional himotoshi cord holes and a tribute signature for the master Masatoshi (正利). The foot also features cursive inscriptions on its upper surface. These pieces offer a durable and tactile experience that is central to the appreciation of Japanese wood miniatures.

Condition

In good overall condition, some general wear can be found. 

Why You Should Buy

The way a fierce mythical creature and a lucky human foot sit together creates a strange, compelling character that makes it very hard to look away from the group.

General Information

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