1980s Japanese Wooden Boxwood Netsuke Hand Carved Dolphin Dancing in the Waves

Description

Netsuke were practical fashion accessories worn by Japanese men of the Edo period (1615-1868). Kimono has no pockets, and only … more Netsuke were practical fashion accessories worn by Japanese men of the Edo period (1615-1868). Kimono has no pockets, and only women's garments had places in the sleeve to keep small objects. In contrast, men would carry their personal accessories by hanging them from the sash wrapped around their waist. Netsuke would therefore act as a 'toggle' that kept the sash hanging by preventing it from slipping.

Like many other art forms, netsuke reflect the nature of the society that produced them, displaying every aspect of Japanese culture, including its rich folklore and religion, crafts, trades, and professions, all types of people and creatures, both real and imagined, and every kind of object.

Netsuke are no longer needed in our modern society but are still adored and collected by people from all over the world.

I will be listing several netsuke that come from the estate of an Asian gift store owner that was doing business in the San Francisco bay area in the 1980's. The receipt was still in the box coming from a Japanese exporter. These netsuke are all new old stock.

This netsuke depicts a dolphin dancing in the waves, has been handcarved from solid wood, and has glass eyes. It is in excellent condition, and it measures approx. 1 7/8" tall. less