Antique Japanese Erotic Netsuke, Hand Carved Ivory. Signed

Beautiful and antique Japanese erotic netsuke, hand-carved on bone with delicate accuracy. It shows slight strokes of black ink which highlight the facial features and other details, like the embroidery of the clothes. The carving reveals the craftsmans mastery, and together with its age they turn this piece into a very attractive and special item. The netsuke is carved in the form of a Japanese couple enjoying a sexual relationship, shown in a very explicit way; the clothes and the basket of the man suggest that he is a country man, while the woman wear the traditional kimono and she wears a geisha hairstyle. Netsukes were typical accessories of Japanese traditional clothing. They appeared in the 17th century to hang the bag or inro (small wooden box where personal belongings were carried) from the clothes, as antique Japanese clothes had no pockets. Nesukes were carved in various forms and on different materials; some of them have become valuable antiques. Erotic netsukes are very coveted pieces because their expressiveness and originality. This antique bone netsuke is a highly erotic and artistic object, whose originality and beautiful execution turn it into an attractive antique and a high quality piece. Also, it has the artists signature carved at the bottom, something that undoubtedly increases its value. A magnificent example of Japanese art that any collector will be proud of exhibiting. Netsuke measurements: 48 x 38 mm.