Antique Japanese Erotic Netsuke, Hand Carved Ivory. Signed

Wonderful Japanese netsuke, carved on bone and hand-painted in black to enhance the most important details and facial features of the figures. It is a stylized sculpture that depicts a man and a woman, naked and enjoying a sexual relationship. The erotic charge of the figure and the extraordinary sense of movement of the characters turn this piece into an article of exceptional quality. Netsukes were pieces essential in traditional Japanese clothing (for men and women), and they were used from the 17th to the 19th century. Their function was to serve as an end to the cord that connected a bag o box in which personal belongings were kept, to the obi (the belt of the kimono) o to the leather straps in traditional suits. Netsukes have two holes at the rear or the bottom and the cord goes through them; they prevent the cord from slipping. With the passing of time, netsukes developed the scenes and images depicted in an impressive way, making up real works of art which reflected any possible subject. Erotic netsukes were very popular and nowadays they are considered key pieces for collectors. In this case, this netsuke is a quality one, and it has also the artists signature carved in the bottom, together with the two holes for the cord. Because of its age and beautiful execution (and, of course, its curious theme), this lovely piece will delight any lover or rare and exotic antiques. Netsuke measurements: 50 x 26 mm.