Unsigned Japan, 17th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
This netsuke shows a popular theme, adopted from China, and used for some of the earliest Japanese netsuke which derived from Chinese toggles. The present netsuke shows a very deep patina, several age cracks and large and well hollowed-out himotoshi, the edges smoothed from wear. Depicted are two Chinese boys, their facial expressions executed very much in the style of the Ming-dynasty, dressed in Chinese robes and holding a fan together above a tied sack – an allusion to the lucky deity Hotei (in Chinese Budai).
HEIGHT 3.5, LENGTH 4.4 cm
Condition: Worn condition, very appealing patina, age cracks and the fan is slightly chipped′. Provenance: Austrian private collection.