Ivory Netsukes, Ca. 1900

Delicate pair of Japanese netsukes made of ox-bone in the early 19th century (circa 1900). Both pieces are carved by hand and bear some ideograms and signs carved at the base, just like signatures. Netsukes are small sculptures which started being produced in Japan the 17th century, and served to hang small bags or containers (sagemono) from the obi or male robes sash. Japanese kimonos had no pockets so men had to carry these containers in order to store their personal belongings. Netsukes were used to secure the containers cord at the top ot the obi. These accessories started serving a practical function, buy in time they became decorative pieces and, in some cases, real works of art.These two netsukes are antique quality pieces. They are made of ox-bone and depict two Japanese men dressed in traditional robes and full of life. Their faces show kind smiling expressions which provide them with even more charm. The carving work is simple and precise: the artists skill was able to provide the figures with high expressiveness with only a few lines. Both sculptures show hand-painted black details which enhance the netsukes decoration and expressions. These details are slim black ink lines that draw decorative motives on the garments and darken the hair and eyes.The sculptures are similar in style but depict different figures. One of them is a heavily-built man who is carrying a basket in his left hand, while his right hand grabs what looks like a strange fish with a saw-shaped nose. He is dressed in simple traditional clothes, which indicate that he is probably a country man or a fisherman. His face bears a happy and relaxes expression, just like the other netsuke´s face. This one depicts an older man dressed in elegant traditional clothes and who is carrying a big sword in his right hand. This figure is slimmer and looks respectable, and is probably a warrior or a samurai. The fisherman has some lines carved in the sole of his shoe which have been emphasized with black ink, while the old man has two ideograms in the same place, also painted black.These antique netsukes are two beautiful examples of Japanese traditional art, perfect to complete a good collection of decorative oriental items because of their charm and ancient age.Measurements: 64 mm height.