Antique Japanese Erotic Netsuke, Hand Carved Ivory. Signed

Nice Japanese antique erotic netsuke, hand-carved on bone with delicate accuracy. It is a really antique piece, typical of Japanese traditional craftsmanship. This netsuke is carved in the form of a couple of men and woman, lying on the ground and enjoying a sexual relation. The act is represented in an explicit way and it is highly sexual, something very common in this kind of pieces. The beauty and value of this netsuke are increased by the artists signature, carved at the bottom of the piece. Netsukes were a kind of accessories that used to accompany traditional Japanese clothing. They helped to hold the cord from which the box or bag with the personal belongings hanged, keeping it fixed to the obi (kimonos belt) or to the leather straps in its case. As Japanese clothes had no pockets, netsukes were essential to carry personal belongings. These items have two holes at the rear or the bottom, through which the cord of the bag or box was passed. In the 19th century, Western clothes came to Japan and they substituted the traditional clothes, so netsukes stopped being necessary. Even so, they continued to be made with ornamental or collecting intention. Nonetheless, authentic antique netsukes only were made between 17th and 19th centuries. This is the case of this netsuke, an antique and 100% original piece whose beauty and nice execution go together with its age to make up a particularly valuable object. The curious erotic subject, the detail and the quality of the carving turn this netsuke into a wonderful item, full of beauty and which will enhance any collection of antiques. Netsuke measurements: 60 x 29 mm.