Featured Netsuke ?

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by gigi flic, Oct 5, 2025.

  1. gigi flic

    gigi flic Member

    Found this little guy in a flea market bin and i just didn't have the heart to leave him behind.

    The photos a bit misleading, in the last one there is an discoloration above the 2 holes, that is more close to white, the piece is a bit toned.
    3.8 cm tall, about 2 wide and around 3 cm in depth, heavy for the volume, 26,6 gr.
    A bit of a question about the age and if someone can translate the signature.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    It is the cutest little netsuke. Yes, he is real, probably second half of the 19th century.
    Probably because he is ivory, even antique ivory can't be sold in most countries.:(

    A rat netsuke in the same style, the last one in the bottom right hand corner:
    https://boutonsweb.fr/pdvb/P_OS.html
     
    Born2it, johnnycb09, stracci and 7 others like this.
  3. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

  4. kentworld

    kentworld Well-Known Member

    That is the cutest little ellyfant! I'm so glad that you rescued him from the bin!
     
  5. gigi flic

    gigi flic Member

    Antique ivory can be sold in my country, but it doesn't really affect me, cos i am more a buyer then a seller on most things, even if the piece doesn't interest me that much, im more inclined to a trade than to selling it.
    Spotted him in a bin with all sorts of junk and plastic figurines a seller had, stood out from a mile away, and i ended up buying it for smth like 2 dollars.

    But he fits with my miniatures. Still looking for a time period on the piece, and a transliteration of the kanji.
     
  6. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    :jawdrop::hilarious:
    Early Meiji if you prefer.;)
     
    Born2it, johnnycb09, mirana and 3 others like this.
  7. evelyb30

    evelyb30 Well-Known Member

    I'd have run off with him too, and I"m not a big elephant lover. Japanese netsuke on the other hand are on my "grab and run" list. I'm just glad someone didn't say "oh ivory" and pitch the poor thing.
     
  8. gigi flic

    gigi flic Member

    Must have been distracted by smth else, saw your reply, but the first paragraph about the piece didn't register at all ), the second half of the 19th century part.
    My bad and ty .
     
  9. gigi flic

    gigi flic Member

    Also given the age, am i safe to assume that what i initially described as a discoloration, is actually a pattern gain from being worn ?
    Seems to follow the raised areas, starting from above the holes, going up the side and a bit of the rim of the ear, missing the lower areas along the side.
    Not sure how it would have sat if it was worn.
     
  10. Hollyblue

    Hollyblue Well-Known Member

    This is how a netsuke was worn..... https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/miniature-world-of-netsuke/
     
  11. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    and it would have uneven wear...imo
     
  12. ola402

    ola402 Well-Known Member

    What a cute little elephant! He screams real even hiding out amongst a bunch of bin buddies. So glad you found him. Perfect for a miniature collection.
     
    Born2it likes this.
Draft saved Draft deleted
Similar Threads: Netsuke
Forum Title Date
Antique Discussion Netsuke ID Dec 3, 2024
Antique Discussion 3x Carved Wood Netsuke Identification Nov 5, 2024
Antique Discussion Netsuke identification please multiple pieces Apr 13, 2024
Antique Discussion Netsuke? Jan 18, 2024
Antique Discussion Netsuke Nov 17, 2023

Share This Page