A WOOD NETSUKE OF A MINOGAME ON AN AWABI
Wood netsukeJapanlate 18th to 1st half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The “straw raincoat-turtle” minogame is a symbol of longevity, as its long tail resulted from many years of accumulated algae. This netsuke shows this tail dense and long like that of a guardian lion. The minogame is on top of an awabi shell, which also symbolizes longevity, as dried strips of its flesh (see the underside) were used as gifts, corresponding to the old proverb “May your life be lengthened and stretched like the flesh of the awabi”. Large himotoshi on the underside, fine patina due to age.WIDTH 4.2 CMCondition: Excellent condition, good patina and used himotoshiProvenance: German private collection