Far East, Japan, Edo to Meiji period, ca. mid to late 19th century CE. Quite the sweet simian creature! Carved from boxwood of beautiful caramel brown and black hues, this netsuke represents a rather playful and hungry monkey, sitting with one hand placed upon his coveted fruit while the other is stuffing his mouth with the delectable delight! There are wonderful details as well. For example, it seems as if he is dressed in a robe or shirt decorated with a geometric motif on the back. His visage is carefully delineated with expressive eyes, a protruding snout, and small ears. The fur of his coat is nicely delineated. Note, the artisan went so far as to carve the underside with legs, tail, paws, fruit! Perforations for suspension. Size: 1.125" W x 1.5" H (2.9 cm x 3.8 cm)
The traditional kimono had no pockets. While women could tuck away small personal items in their sleeves, men suspended their treasured possessions (tobacco pouches, pipes, purses or writing implements and the like) called sagemono on a silk cord, hanging from their obi (sash).
In order to stop the cord from slipping through the obi, a small toggle called a netsuke was attached.
Provenance: Ex-Paul & Louise Bernheimer collection, Cambridge, MA and Laguna Woods, CA.
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