A TWO-PART WOOD NETSUKE OF A HAMAGURI CLAM WITH SHUNGA INTERIOR
Unsigned, with a lengthy inscription
Japan, dated 1866
Published: Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst Köln (2017) Netsuke & Sagemono, pp. 120-121, no. 198.
The hamaguri clam carved in relief with a haze emanating from the inside of the clam, containing an image of waves and a rope tied between two rocks. The clam can be opened to reveal the shunga interior and the cord runs through the vulva and is attached around the phallus.
The exterior with a date corresponding to 1866 and a lengthy inscription, which can be translated as: “The wonderful haze of the clam, it is not easy to open it and taste its wonderful flavor. Once the clam is opened, its steam transforms yin and yang and plunges man into ecstasy. Sometimes, when it opens, it is a marvel, but sometimes it opens for no reason and should not be abused. On a spring equinox day, the year of the elder tiger of fire.”
LENGTH 5 cm
Condition: Very good condition, minor surface wear.
Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt.
Lot details
Unsigned, with a lengthy inscription
Japan, dated 1866
Published: Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst Köln (2017) Netsuke & Sagemono, pp. 120-121, no. 198.
The hamaguri clam carved in relief with a haze emanating from the inside of the clam, containing an image of waves and a rope tied between two rocks. The clam can be opened to reveal the shunga interior and the cord runs through the vulva and is attached around the phallus.
The exterior with a date corresponding to 1866 and a lengthy inscription, which can be translated as: “The wonderful haze of the clam, it is not easy to open it and taste its wonderful flavor. Once the clam is opened, its steam transforms yin and yang and plunges man into ecstasy. Sometimes, when it opens, it is a marvel, but sometimes it opens for no reason and should not be abused. On a spring equinox day, the year of the elder tiger of fire.”
LENGTH 5 cm
Condition: Very good condition, minor surface wear.
Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt.
Sale price
Time, Location
Auction House
Unsigned, with a lengthy inscription
Japan, dated 1866
Published: Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst Köln (2017) Netsuke & Sagemono, pp. 120-121, no. 198.
The hamaguri clam carved in relief with a haze emanating from the inside of the clam, containing an image of waves and a rope tied between two rocks. The clam can be opened to reveal the shunga interior and the cord runs through the vulva and is attached around the phallus.
The exterior with a date corresponding to 1866 and a lengthy inscription, which can be translated as: “The wonderful haze of the clam, it is not easy to open it and taste its wonderful flavor. Once the clam is opened, its steam transforms yin and yang and plunges man into ecstasy. Sometimes, when it opens, it is a marvel, but sometimes it opens for no reason and should not be abused. On a spring equinox day, the year of the elder tiger of fire.”
LENGTH 5 cm
Condition: Very good condition, minor surface wear.
Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt.
Lot details
Unsigned, with a lengthy inscription
Japan, dated 1866
Published: Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst Köln (2017) Netsuke & Sagemono, pp. 120-121, no. 198.
The hamaguri clam carved in relief with a haze emanating from the inside of the clam, containing an image of waves and a rope tied between two rocks. The clam can be opened to reveal the shunga interior and the cord runs through the vulva and is attached around the phallus.
The exterior with a date corresponding to 1866 and a lengthy inscription, which can be translated as: “The wonderful haze of the clam, it is not easy to open it and taste its wonderful flavor. Once the clam is opened, its steam transforms yin and yang and plunges man into ecstasy. Sometimes, when it opens, it is a marvel, but sometimes it opens for no reason and should not be abused. On a spring equinox day, the year of the elder tiger of fire.”
LENGTH 5 cm
Condition: Very good condition, minor surface wear.
Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt.
Sale price
Time, Location
Auction House
