A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF AN OCTOPUS ON AN AWABI SHELL
Ivory netsukeJapan19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)This excellent netsuke depicts an octopus on an awabi, the smooth skin of the mantle highly contrasting to the rough surface of the awabi. The well-carved tentacles (note the suckers and hundreds of tiny punctures to simulate the surface) are all over the place and reaching down to the bottom of the shell. The octopus is looking to feel the soft surface of the snail, highlighting the shunga aspect of this netsuke, however to his dismay the abalone shell is empty. The underside, where the himotoshi can be found, equally carved with extraordinary detail.LENGTH 4 CMCondition: Very good condition with signs of wear, deep yellow honey patina in some areasProvenance: Collection of Sam Felton with CITES permit no. 18US59513C/9. Purchased from Norman L. Sanfield on 18th August 1979 (old invoice available).