Japanese Carved Sperm Whale Tooth Ivory Netsuke Depicting a fungi of phallic form
An Unusual Japanese Carved Sperm Whale Tooth Ivory Netsuke
Depicting a fungi of phallic form
Red lacquering to the gills and stalk, unsigned
Old silky smooth patina
Early 19th Century
Size: 4.5cm long, 1¾ ins long
Depicting a fungi of phallic form
Red lacquering to the gills and stalk, unsigned
Old silky smooth patina
Early 19th Century
Size: 4.5cm long, 1¾ ins long
The skill of the Japanese in their production of delicate and exquisite handwork is attributed to their partiality for the diminutive, and to their hand/eye co-ordination acquired from infancy in the manipulation of chopsticks. Influenced by national mythology and cultural preferences, the development of miniature works of art such as sword fittings, netsuke, inro and woodblock prints took place naturally. Such works of art are the essence of Japanese taste and have come to represent the native artistic tradition of Japan.
Japanese Carved Sperm Whale Tooth Ivory Netsuke Depicting a fungi of phallic form
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