Antique Hand Carved Ivory Netsuke with Two Fu Lions. Japan, Circa 1900

This beautiful bone netsuke is an Antique hand-carved piece that comes from Japan. Made circa 1900 the article is a nice example of the art of hand-carving, made of bone and depicting two Chinese guardian lions playing and enjoying themselves. The animals have been simply carved, but they are highly expressive and surprisingly realistic; this fact reveals an excellent artist. The netsuke has antique reparation and bears and engraved signature at its base, with two oriental characters precisely engraved in the bone surface. Netsukes are small figures made of different materials such as wood and bone. They are usually carved by hand and started being used in Japan in the 17th century. They had a practical function: hanging a bag called sagemono from the kimono belt. The bag was intended to carry things such as money or tobacco.As stated before, the article we can see in these photographs depicts two Chinese guardian lions (often called Foo dogs in the West) playing happily. These animals come from the Buddhist tradition and usually stand at the temples entrances, where they protect the law. They symbolize energy and bravery and are usually depicted in couples, with wide open eyes that watch for evil spirits. This lovely netsuke shows a different interpretation of these sacred animals, depicting them in a playful attitude. The two lions are facing each other and hold a ribbon or wand in their jaws. One of them is quite bigger than the other and shows a relaxed and funny expression, with a wide smile in its face. Delicate and original, this bone netsuke will draw anyones attention in a good collection of oriental antiques. Measurements: Width: 1.3 in/3.5 cm. Height: 0.5 in/1.5 cm.