Antique Netsuke - Old Man with Walking Stick?

Got this netsuke this week. Measures 2"h x 1 1/8"w x 5/8" widest at base. It does have markings at the bottom of the man's foot. It is ivory and appears to have age. Was told antique, but I am not sure. Any help with age, value or any other info would be appreciated. Thanks, Eddie

 

I'd say a newer piece. I think the carving is rudimentary, and I would question its functionality as a netsuke.

 

Ok.. Can you tell me why so I can understand how you got there? Not sure what you mean by functionality.. what would make it not functional? I do appreciate the input. I have newer ones, which I know are newer but they are not ivory. Thanks

 

A netsuke is a functional object. It goes on the end of a cord attached to an inro (or other container). The inro cord tucked through the obi of a kimono and the netsuke on the end of the cord prevented it from slipping free. I can't imagine something like the staff on this piece surviving very long. Your piece was made specifically as a standing figure, which a netsuke would not be. The holes on a netsuke are so that a cord can pass through. One hole is larger than the other to hide the knot in the cord. Not the case here.

So far as the quality of the carving is concerned: all I can say is look at good carving. Features on this are little better than chipping and scratching (IMO).

Check these links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netsuke

http://www.jncohen.net/Japanese-Netsuke/Cordhole.htm

 

I can't help you on whether this is a netsuke or not. He is suppose to be Li T'ieh-Kuai / Iron-Crutch Li , one of the 8 immortals of Chinese mythology. He is walking with the aid of a crutch and holding a gourd bottle.
"In Chinese art, Li Tieguai is portrayed as an ugly old beggar with a dirty face and unkempt beard, walking with the aid of a large iron crutch. He is described as irascible and ill-tempered, but also benevolent to the poor, sick, and the needy, whose suffering he alleviates with medicine from his gourd bottle."

--- Susan

Edit: At first I thought this was depicting Shou/Sau, the Chinese god of longevity. He has a staff and holds a peach or some sort of fruit; however he is depicted with a long white beard and a large bald head with a protruding forehead.

 

Things sticking out and still standing strong on their own flat feet. The baku (animal) is a Tomokazu, so he has been around since the late 18th- early 19th century.