
Dimensions: Height 5,9 cm Wide 3,8 cm Depth 2 cm
Weight: 7,4 grams
This polychrome-painted netsuke depicts a standing female figure, possibly an elderly woman , clad in a dark green kimono with a red under-robe. She is shown holding a large sack or bundle over her right shoulder, supported with both hands and wrapped in the flowing sleeve of her robe. The detailing of the folds, ties, and head covering is executed with precision, despite the overall compact scale.
The figure wears a hood or kerchief tied beneath the chin, a typical feature in Edo-period depictions of working women. Her facial features, although softened by wear, suggest a humble demeanor, and the stance — slightly leaning under the weight of the bundle — conveys a moment of movement and effort.
The reverse shows two himotoshi openings integrated into the figure’s back, near a rectangular protruding bundle that may represent goods or tools, enhancing the impression of labor or travel. The underside reveals the natural wood of the feet, coated in red lacquer, a technique typical of earlier pigment application over wood.
The surface is richly pigmented in green, red, black, and cream, though some areas exhibit flaking and fading due to age.
Good overall condition with areas of paint loss, abrasion, and pigment fading. Structural integrity is intact; both himotoshi are clear. The base shows handling wear and minor chipping at the feet, consistent with use.
For lots marked with (R), a 19% VAT is added to the combined hammer price and commission. This VAT is waived for:
- Private buyers outside the EU who officially export the items.
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