Japan. Meiji period. Ca. 1900. Ivory with finely carved details, the eyes inlaid dark horn. Very rare depiction of three tadpoles (Otama Jakushi) swimming between stylised wave swirls. A similar piece of wood can be found in the collection Bushell, ill. 429. Length 4.7cm, width 3.1cm. Condition A/B. Age cracks.
Provenance: -Collection Karl M. Schwarz, ill. Netsuke Subjects Addendum, 2001, no. A 207.
Please note that objects made of ivory, rhinoceros horn and turtle shell, due to Cites regulations can only be sold within the European Community. At present the export in third countries is prohibited.