Featured in this lot is a late 19th Century Carved Monkey Katabori Netsuke, Meiji Period. Provenance: the Owen D. Mort, Jr. Collection. Owen David Mort was an American engineer who amassed an impressive collection throughout his worldwide travels. His collection has included art, artifacts and other historical items from which he has donated to museums at the University of Utah and the Snite Museum of Art at the University of Notre Dame, including African, Afghan and Asian artifacts. A netsuke is a miniature sculpture, originating in 17th century Japan. Initially a simply-carved button fastener on the cords of an inro box, netsuke later developed into ornately sculpted objects of craftsmanship. The traditional Japanese dress, the Kimono, has no pockets to carry small items such as purses, medicine boxes (Inro), portable writing sets (Yatate), tobacco pouches, etc. Women carry them tucked in the sleeves, men suspend them on a cord passed behind their sash (Obi). These hanging objects are called Sagemono. To prevent them from falling, they are attached to a stopper or toggle, called Netsuke, firmly positioned on top of the sash. To be a Netsuke, the carving must have one or two holes (Himotoshi) to allow attachment to the Sagemono. These can be drilled or be a natural opening in the Netsuke design. Over a period of about 300 years Netsuke have evolved from simple practical objects into superb small and intricate carvings appreciated and collected all over the world. Katabori Netsuke, three-dimensional Netsuke, are the most popular ones, depicting people, animals, plants, objects of daily use, etc. This Katabori is carved in the shape of a sitting monkey covering its eyes with a leafy branch. The craftsmanship is readily apparent in the intricate details of the monkey's features. Nice patina noted, measures 1.25"W x 1.5"L.

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