As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this gorgeous quality carved Ivory netsuke from the latter part of the Meiji period circa 1910, the finely carved toggle depicts a baby Octopus or Squid peering out from a Clam shell , one tentacle reaches out to a Hermit Crab , above which sits an Abalone shell , the highly regarded artist has carefully captured the larger Shell resting upon a group of Shells beneath and thus forming a natural himotoshi , the artist has further decorated and stained each shell to give them their lifelike appearance , the signature reads Chokusai and he can be found in Lazarnicks Netsuke and Inro artists book published in 1981 , a stunning little Netsuke from a highly regarded artist.
Note : Lazarnicks suggests that the artist was born in Osaka in 1877 and studied carving between the ages of 16-20 under Isseisai Naomitsu , he then devoted himself mostly to Netsuke carving , amongst his pupils were Kosen Nishimto and Okada Naoaki , he is further described as a fine artist who’s work is rarely encountered , his signature is usually without a reserve ( as seen here )
The condition is lovely, great colour, very very tactile, I can detect two minor flea bite nibbles to the lower opening of the shell, although the top of the opening is definitely carved as nibbled, certainly not offensive by any means, and pointed out only for complete accuracy, a wonderful rare netsuke !!
Approximate sizes :
Width: 1 5/8″ 4.2 cm
Depth: 1.25 ” 3.2 cm
Height: 1″ 2.5 cm
Free worldwide delivery included in the price of this item , buyers outside the EU are fully responsible for the costs of any export licences that may be required.