Far East, Japan, Edo to Meiji periods, ca. 1700 to late 19th century CE. This is a pair of boxwood netsuke, one a very dark wood chubby face and the other a light wood whale with open mouth. Size of largest: 1.7" L x 1.3" W x 0.75" H (4.3 cm x 3.3 cm x 1.9 cm).
The netsuke is an example of the art of everyday objects. They are small sculptures designed to be worn so that objects could be suspended from the traditional sash (obi) that wraps around the kimono. They were used to carry purses, smoking accoutrement, and inro, "seal baskets", which held seals and medicines. The netsuke, made with two holes through it, was used as a toggle to stop the cord on which those items were suspended.
Provenance: Estate of Paul and Louise Bernheimer, Cambridge, MA and Laguna Woods, CA - acquired before 1980
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#111816
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品相报告
Both have patina but are intact with clear shapes.