Japanese Ivory Netsuke - Boat with Five Passengers, Monkey And Luggage

Collectibles : Oriental : Ivory : Netsuke

 

This is quite a different and unusual netsuke. While boats have been frequently frequently carved as okomonos and less frequently as netsukes, I have not seen one carved with the subtle humor. There is the rower, who has stretched out in the most comfortable position. There is the lovely young woman. Then an adult man. There is a young boy holding what looks like a ball. There is another lady with a fan, as well as trunk. And let's not forget the monkey! The boat is well carved and trimmed along the edge, as well as carving on both sides. The piece is signed. It is 2 and 1/4 inches long, about 1 and 1/4 inches tall, and 1 inch deep. Circa late 19th to early 20th Century. BRIEF HISTORY OF NETSUKE (pronounced nets-keh.) When kimonos where the common sartorial choice in Japan a sash or obi was wrapped around the waist. Many men used a device called an inro, a layered box used to store their snuff and other items. A string was run through the sides of the inro and when pulled kept the layered compartments tight. The string was then attached through two holes in the netsuke as a sort of toggle. The cord was then wrapped around the obi. Originally, netsukes were made of ivory, boxwood, or stone, and were smooth objects so as not to tear the garment. With the introduction of western clothing, netsuke lost its functional value and developed into an art form. Since the concern for tearing garments no longer existed, netsuke could be carved into all sorts of shapes, such as mythological figures, animals, various craftsman, and even erotic subjects. The two holes or a place to run the string of the inro is still included in the pieces to maintain tradition. WARNING: Collecting netsuke can become habit forming!

Item ID: A4356