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Edo Period Stag Antler Netsuke of a Monkey browse these categories for related items... All Items: Antiques:Regional Art:Asian:Japanese:Netsuke and Related: Pre 1900: item # 118066 Please refer to our stock # GK-1029 when inquiring.
B & C Antiques P. O. Box 291 Derby, CT 06418 203-929-7312 Guest Book $725 |
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| Unusual early 19th century stag antler netsuke of a tiny monkey carrying a giant mushroom and two chestnuts on his back. Unsigned. Many early carvers, in accordance with prevailing custom, did not sign their netsuke. Early netsuke were often carved from stag antler, an inexpensive and readily available material in Japan. When the monkey is placed on its feet, this netsuke does balance and stand up. Monkeys are among the most popular of netsuke subjects in part because they are heroes of so many stories, and their human qualities permit netsuke carvers to depict them in amusing situations. Monkeys have been a natural focus of religious and ritual matters in Japan. The common denominator is the monkey’s role in engaging the powers of the deities to heal, ensure good harvests and promote human fertility. Mushrooms are emblems of longevity, as well as fertility symbols. Their prominent use in the symbol-rich netsuke art form often reflects their sexual symbolism. Some artists of the Edo period also used the chestnut as a fertility symbol. (See page 104 of “Netsuke: The Netsuke Collection of the Peabody Museum of Salem” for a similar netsuke of a tiny monkey carrying a huge mushroom on its back.) Condition is perfect. This netsuke has a beautiful patina reflecting many years of handling. Overall dimensions: 2 3/8” x 1 ˝.” | ||||||||
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