Far East, Japan, Edo to Meiji periods, ca. mid to late 19th century CE. A hand carved boxwood netsuke in the form of a very lively, perhaps dancing bear, signed under the belly. Truly, do I see a bit of John Travolta's Saturday Night Fever pose in those paw gestures? But seriously, take note of the fine craftsmanship here - his coat finely incised, his visage so expressive with beady eyes embellished with metal pins, a shiny nose, an open mouth bearing teeth and fangs, and perky little ears. Perforation through left leg. So precious! Size: 1.125" L x 1.25" W x 1.25" H (2.9 cm x 3.2 cm x 3.2 cm).
Netsukes were both aesthetically pleasing and functional. 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 and Louise Bernheimer collection, Cambridge, MA and Laguna Woods, CA., acquired before 1980.
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