Japan, 19th century CE. This is a pair of two bone carved items -- one, a netsuke carved to look like a two dimensional bird with a long, scaly neck holding something its mouth; the other a mermaid. These pieces are probably from the second half of the nineteenth century, when Japan opened its borders to foreigners and foreign trade began to flourish; they may have been made specifically as trade goods for Westerners fascinated by the "exotic East". Size of largest: 2.2" L x 1.2" W (5.6 cm x 3 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: Estate of Paul and Louise Bernheimer, Cambridge, MA and Laguna Woods, CA - acquired before 1980

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