| Antique
Japanese Tobacco Box Frog
Tonkotsu
Lacquered Ojimi & Antler Netsuke
Unsigned, Circa: early 19th Century
Tonkotsu:
H 3 in.(7.5cm), W 4 in.(10cm), D 2 in.(5cm) Netsuke:
H 0.5 in.(1.25cm), W 2 in.(5cm), D 1.75 in.(4.5cm)
Condition: very good One
of the aspects of netsuke history that is perhaps less known is the tradition
of finding naturally shaped objects and perfecting them with as little carving
as possible to bring out the full character of the piece. In this rare early 19th
century tobacco box there is only the slightest carving indicating the eyes of
the frog; the remaining details are already present in the shape and markings
of the wood. A polished section of staghorn serves as the netsuke, and the ojime
is a brightly lacquered bead. Private Collection
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