**First Time At Auction**

East Asia, Japan, Meiji Period, ca. 1868 to 1912 CE. A delightful boxwood netsuke in the form of two fish, their bodies decorated with regular raised scales, their faces studded with glass eyes, and with a single round, inlaid piece of cow bone with a red-painted signature on it. The fish are twined around each other, forming a Janus-like figure. Size: 1.5" W x 2.2" H (3.8 cm x 5.6 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: private Vaught Collection, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

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#127125

Very light surface wear. Patina from touch.