A FINE STAG ANTLER MANJU NETSUKE OF A TURTLE

A FINE STAG ANTLER MANJU NETSUKE OF A TURTLE AMONGST LEAVES
Unsigned
Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa, second half of 19th century

Published: Eskenazi (1993) Japanese Netsuke from the Carre collection, pp. 154-155, no. 202.

The turtle emerging from an elaborately carved bundle of autumn leaves, half of its body hidden within. The reptile's carapace is finely carved, as are the leaves all around, which partially form an open-worked structure. The underside with 'natural' himotoshi formed by the stalk of a reishi fungus, which like the turtle, symbolizes longevity.

LENGTH 4.1 cm

Condition: Excellent condition.
Provenance: Ex collection Jacques H. Carre, purchased from Sydney L. Moss Ltd. in 1975.