Japanese boxwood carved netsuke of a lady in repose on hardwood stand, signed mid-20th C

Introduction to Japanese Netsuke

Netsuke served as functional toggles used to secure personal items to the sash of a kimono during the Edo and Meiji periods. These miniature sculptures eventually became a way for the owner to express their personal interests and social status through intricate depictions of folklore and daily life. Master carvers often used dense timbers like boxwood to achieve the fine detail and durability required for objects meant to be handled and admired over many generations.

Description of the Lady in Repose

This boxwood netsuke depicts a woman in a peaceful state of repose with her head resting gently against her palm. The carver has achieved a remarkable sense of character and tranquility through the closed eyes and the soft anatomical lines of the upper torso. This style of carving is often associated with the traditional ama divers of Japan or the quiet moments of life in the pleasure quarters. This netsuke is accompanied by its own dark hardwood stand.

The dense boxwood has been carved with exceptional precision particularly in the treatment of the flowing robes and the fine texture of the hair. Every detail from the individual strands of the topknot to the soft folds of the garment has been carefully incised and polished to a high sheen. The surface has developed a warm amber glow through decades of handling which highlights the depth of the work while the base features the signature of the Ishikawa workshop.

Condition

The carving remains in good condition with a smooth surface and no losses to the original wood.

Why You Should Buy

There is a rare sense of quiet intimacy in this carving that makes it feel like a small window into a private and peaceful moment from a bygone era.

General Information

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