A STAINED IVORY NETSUKE OF SIX FISHES
Ivory netsukeJapanlate 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)An interesting, dense composition of six fishes of different size - a fish market scene. The largest fish in the center should be a tai (seabream). The larger fish all have inlaid eyes with mother-of-pearl and black horn, the smallest only with horn. The scales and fins are precisely carved and special attention was directed to the individual expression of each head, with some fish still alive. Two separately carved and removable fish have been inserted with two pegs, otherwise the entire composition is crafted from one piece. Small himotoshi on the underside.WIDTH 5.3 CMCondition: Good condition. Glue residue where the fish have been attached with the pegs.Provenance: French private collection