A prominent metaphor for success in co-operation, the fabled fishermen Ashinaga (Long Legs) and Tenaga (Long Arms) are Eastern Indian in origin. Hence in this beautifully aged wood netsuke, the famous character is the wild and rustic Ashinaga, the long-legged mythical South-Sea Islander. As shown here, Ashinaga is firmly cloaked in a sarong made of leaves. He looks ebullient, with lively characterization and detailed hands and feet, deep spiraling hair curls framing a charming smile. He appears to be elated with a fresh-cut palm leaf over his shoulder and a long rope held in both hands. This demonstrated the carver's remarkable skills with a winding string in an ingenious carved-through. The century-old Ashinaga measures nearly four inches in length. It has a lustrous, smooth surface marking its years of usage— a highly collectible find.