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Antique
Japanese Netsuke
Twelve
Zodiac
Animals
Netsuke
Signature: Shosai, Late 19th Century
H 2 in.(5cm.), W 1.75 in.(2.5cm.), D 1.25 in.(3cm.)
Condition: Good, slight
worn Chinese
calendar years are make up with animal symbols. Each governs one year out of a
total of twelve zodiac signs. According to legend, creatures of the zodiac were
determined as the Buddha Shakyamuni attaining Nirvana. Zodiac
animals netsuke(s) are quite popular as since many buyers ordered carvings depicting
the animals under whose influence they were born. As shown in this compact netsuke.
Twelve animals are tightly woven into the tiny spatial configuration: boar, dog,
rooster, monkey, goat, horse, snake, dragon, hare, tiger, ox and mouse. Their
features are enlivened, and the composition given focus on the dragon reigns atop.
It is a fine netsuke with no damage of any kind. Private Collection |
