Far East, Japan, Edo to Meiji periods, ca. 1700 to late 19th century CE. This is a pair of netsuke, made of African ivory, both depicting children with their dogs. In one, a baby sits with a tiny puppy who is dressed in a coat; the baby's face is pure joy, "Look at my puppy!" In the second, a small child sits beside a dog who is perched on a giant sack, a huge smile on his face as together they guard their loot. The level of detail on the first piece is incredible, with new details you will notice on each viewing. The dog is a symbol of the zodiac and having a netsuke with one may refer to the year of the owner's birth; more likely, however, these are just cute depictions of "man's best friend" and children together. Size of largest: 1.4" W x 1.1" H (3.6 cm x 2.8 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.
Bidders should be aware of the changing laws regarding commercialization of ivory and other product containing endangered species both on the Federal and State levels. This lot will be accompanied by a signed affidavit from the client that this object was in the United States prior to January 18, 1990, and is to the best of their knowledge and ability made prior to February 26, 1976 in accordance with Federal law. Ivory cannot be shipped out of the United States or to New York or California. African elephant ivory.
Provenance: Ex-Paul and Louise Bernheimer, Cambridge, MA and Laguna Woods, CA; All ivory items in the collection pre-date 1900 and were acquired long before the 1970 ban on ivory trade.
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#111899
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Some wear to figures with a slightly darker portion on the front of one