Description

Japan Antique Shunga Netsuke Handcrafted in Silver & Copper – 19th Century.

DETAILS

Japan Antique Shunga Netsuke handcarved in yellow/red copper and silver.

• Origin: Japan – end 19th Century
• Size: 2,5 cm x 2,5 cm
• Image: nude woman taking a bath with frog watching from below
• Shunga Netsuke: may depict a male and female in sexual conjugation or may contain only subtle or symbolic erotic references

INFORMATION ON NETSUKES

Netsukes 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.