Far East, Japan, Edo to Meiji periods, ca. 1700 to late 19th century CE. This is a pair of adorable boxwood netsuke, one a carving of a tiny kitten curled into a ball and peering over what appears to be the lid of a wooden barrel, and the other a seated small bear looking alertly to his side. The kitten has a marker's mark carved into the bottom. These two are for animal lovers! Size of largest: 1.5" L x 1.1" W x 1" H (3.8 cm x 2.8 cm x 2.5 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: Ex-estate of Paul and Louise Bernheimer, Cambridge, MA and Laguna Woods, CA - acquired before 1980
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#111913
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品相报告
Both have slight wear but shape and features are clear.