Is it considered a netsuke without holes?

hi guys

he is not cold so he is not soapstone. Feels dense or heavy for his size. I know patina can be faked but he kinda looks a little older. Any ideas on what he is, materials, age or origin?

As always, thank you for your help!
It’s hump day! Mike!!!

 

Originally they had holes as they held the cords for an inro, but these days the term is used much more loosely. This one looks like a resin piece to me.

 

It is a resin replica okimono.

 

I'd agree; the lines on the base are often a sign of resin items.

 

Without holes, I wouldn't call it a netsuke.

 

And with the bubble holes under the bottom, a strong indicator of resin. You can always do the hot needle test, heat up a needle under a flame, poke it, if it goes in, it's for sure resin.

 

I figured it wasn’t any natural material. Thank you guys for the help!

 

Lots of bubbles on the back point to resin

 

Hi,
A cause to make me faint. Please DO NOT ever use the hot needle test on anything. I have "patched up" numerous patients who have been burned by flying celluloid from the needle test. If the needle does go in it will leave a mark and mar the piece.
greg

 

I mean I guess be careful. I've done it dozens of times and never once had a single problem. If it goes in, it really wasn't the kinda quality I was worried about marking. But to each their own.

 

If you don't know what it is already, don't try sticking a hot needle in it. You can get a nasty and dangerous surprise from flammable synthetics. If you do know what it is, of course, no need to stick a needle in it. Basic rule - don't stick a hot needle in things.

 

I don’t ever perform the hot poker test. Lol. I’m a scaredy cat

 

But to each their own..............

Ya, that's fine if you like a burger with cheese.....or without cheese..!

recommending the hot pin test .... not so much .

It can ruin some items....and be dangerous with others.

and never once had a single problem.............

All it takes...is once !

& it's still not advisable ..

 

Guess I shouldn't make fried chicken, light fireworks on the 4th, or ever take a chance flirting with a girl....cause I might get burned.

 

by all means...do all those things ...carefully..

but don't advocate for the hot pin test....to be used by anyone but yourself...

Cuz......some one ELSE may get burned !!!

& we wouldn't want to hurt others.....now would we !..

 

Fried could be OK, as long as it isn't celluloid. No one likes an exploding chicken.