Far East, Japan, ca. mid to late 19th century CE. An adorable boxwood netsuke carved in the form of a rat, the rodent perched upon its hind legs with its coiled tail wrapped around its feet, round inlaid glass eyes (one red and one yellow), and coat detailed with finely incised striations. Although it is unsigned, the rodent resembles those by Rantei, a netsuke artist who specialized in rodents. Perforated for suspension. Size: 1.25" W x 1.75" H (3.2 cm x 4.4 cm).
The netsuke was not only aesthetically and iconographically intriguing, it also served a practical purpose. 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.
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.