Japanese
Edo Netsuke
Sea Shells
With Small Crab
Signature: Ippo, Circa: 19th Century Recorded
in NETSUKE by Neil Davey #838 H
1.4 in.(3.5cm), W 1.3 in.(3.3cm), D 0.8 in.(2cm)
Condition: excellent! Antique
Japanese ivory netsuke, well marked with striations and layering, cream to gold
in color, depicting sea shells and a small crab. Skillfully carved with exquisitely
thinned edges; an unctuous rendition of the sea’s jewels as they appear tossed
from her tides, smoothed from tumbling in the ocean, bleached by the sun, and
providing, aside from esthetic pleasure, a possible morsel for a little crab.
Bivalves and cone shells delicately etched with their patterns, two of them open
to reveal miniature scenic interiors. Signature in cartouch on the bottom: Ippo.
Private Collection | |