Description

Japan Antique Erotic Shunga Boxwood signed INRO/Netsuke/ojime – Edo Era est 18th

• Antique Shunga small INRO/Netsuke/ojime
• Material: Boxwood (Buxus Sempervirens)
• Japanese Edo Period (1615 – 1868)
• Size : 4 cm L x 2,8 cm W x 3,4 cm H

Very detailed and smooth finishing. Signed at the bottom.

Shunga netsuke: may depict a male and female in sexual conjugation or may contain only subtle or symbolic erotic references. INRO/ojime were larger carved boxes to put the netsuke in when not in use. Item on sale is a small INRO/netsuke/ojime where the netsuke is part of the ojime (boxed).

MORE INFORMATION

Netsuke are miniature sculptures that were ‘invented’ in 17th-century Japan to serve a practical function (the two Japanese characters ne+tsuke mean “root” and “to attach”). Traditional Japanese garments-robes called kosode and kimono-had no pockets; however, men who wore them needed a place to store their personal belongings. Their solution was to place such objects in containers (called sagemono) hung by cords from the robes’ sashes (obi).

Netsuke, like the inro and ojime, evolved over time from being strictly utilitarian into objects of great artistic merit and an expression of extraordinary craftsmanship. The most beautiful carvings were signed by the ‘master- craftsman’. Netsuke production was most popular during the Edo period in Japan, around 1615-1868. The most sought after netsukes are the ‘erotic’ ones.

Genuine handcrafted artifact – est. 18th C Excellent condition.

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