Description:

Far East, Japan, Meiji period to early 20th century CE. This is a boxwood netsuke in the form of a two chimera -- probably a mother and child -- who are seated on an ovoid dais. The chimera look like dogs, but the giveaway is their split tails! Size: 1.75" W x 2.2" H (4.4 cm x 5.6 cm).

The netsuke is an example of the art of everyday objects. They are small sculptures designed to be worn so that objects could be suspended from the traditional sash (obi) that wraps around the kimono. They were used to carry purses, smoking accoutrement, and inro, "seal baskets", which held seals and medicines. The netsuke, made with two holes through it, was used as a toggle to stop the cord on which those items were suspended.

Provenance: Ex-Paul and Louise Bernheimer collection, Cambridge, MA and Laguna Woods, CA., acquired before 1980.

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#111907

  • Condition: Wear and patina; there is an unrepaired crack in the wood at the base.

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January 28, 2016 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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