Japanese Carved Wood "Skull & Snake" Netsuke

Description

Japanese carved boxwood anabori netsuke in the form of a snake entwined within the voids and orbits of a skull, Meiji period, ca. 1868-1912. The "memento mori" motif okimono sculptural ornament featuring a finely detailed snake with intricately incised scales and inlaid eyes.

For a similar example, see: "Art of Japan," Christie's, London, December 8th, 2016, lot 20.

Provenance: Private Collection, New York; thence by descent.
Height: 1 3/4 in x width: 2 1/4 in x depth: 2 1/4 in.

Condition

There are no breaks, losses, or repairs.

Buyer's Premium

30%

Japanese Carved Wood "Skull & Snake" Netsuke

Name: Japanese Carved Wood \"Skull & Snake\" Netsuke
SKU: 245351934
Price: 1000 USD
Availability: InStock

Lot 0153

Estimate $2,000-$4,000Nov 10, 2026, 11:00 AM EST

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Arts of Asia

Nov 10, 2026, 11:00 AM EST

St. Paul, MN, United States

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Japanese Carved Wood Sansukumi Netsuke: Japanese carved boxwood katabori netsuke or okimono sculpture ornament depicting a "sansukumi-ken" triad, comprising an intertwined snake, frog, and slug, Meiji period, ca. 1868-1912. The overturned

Nov 10, 2026Japanese Carved Wood Sansukumi Netsuke

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Japanese Carved Wood "Skull & Snake" Netsuke

286

4.7

8218

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