Ivory, partly with color accentuations
Japan, circa 1920 or slightly later
2 netsuke, signed and with himotoshi on the base
The Hotei figurine with artist’s signature, mounted an oval wooden base
The carvings with a nice sheen and partly smooth crème-colored surface
Dimensions: 5-6.5 x 3.5-7 cm (height x width)
Good condition
These items can only be delivered to an address within the EU

These two ivory netsuke and the okimono, the seated figure of Hotei, were made in Japan, each from one piece of ivory. Shown is a lady in a color-accented robe. She is climbing on the large Tengu mask under her by clinging on the long nose. The other netsuke shows a peacefully sleeping boy on a pillow. On an oval wooden base sits the joyous Hotei, the god of happiness. He is represented big-bellied with a broad smile and long earlobes.



Condition:

The three figures are in very good condition with hardly any sings of age and wear. Hotei shows small drying cracks. The height is 5 to 6.5 cm and the width measures 3.5 to 7 cm.



Japanese Netsuke

Japanese netsuke are small carvings hung on cords as counterweights to the sagemono (‘hanging container’) that were attached to the belt of kimonos, which would otherwise have no pockets. This enabled the wearer to carry small objects like pipes, tobacco, money or other personal belongings. Netsuke were initially made of root wood, but later included ivory, whale and walrus tusk, boxwood, bamboo and stag horn. Netsuke were often mythologically significant. The motif of the ‘Seven Lucky Gods’ was particularly popular, but animals, flowers, fruits and other everyday objects were also carved. Netsuke originated in the late 17th century with the rise of the middle class and remained in use until the 1880s, when the kimono began to go out of style as an everyday item of clothing.

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