Far East, Japan, Meiji periods, ca. 19th century CE. This netsuke, made of boxwood, depicts a tiger with her baby perched on her back. Her eyes are small bone details. The tiger is one of the symbols of the zodiac, and after the 18th century it became common for people to carry netsuke relating to the year of their birth. This is a delightful one for cat lovers! Size: 1.2" W x 1.5" H (3 cm x 3.8 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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