Homotoshi netsukie in the Katabori style of carving.

About this piece

Small carved bone netsuki made from bone. Artfully stained and carved from a single piece, to reveal a carp and turtle, swimming in a naturalistc form. Mid 20th century 60 x 50 mm, about 20 g.

A compact, hand carved katabori style, natural Himotoshi netsuki, formed from two interlocking aquatic creatures, a fish and a turtle. The piece measures about 60 x 50 mm and weighs approximately 20 g. The carving shows incised scale and shell patterns and the eyes are picked out in dark horn, giving the forms clear, lively character. The surface has a warm, honeyed toning with darker burnished areas on the high points and in the recesses where the incisions have been emphasised. The interior contains openwork links between the figures, all carved with care and fine line work. The material appears to be carved bone. A neat pocket-sized curiosity for a cabinet, desk or shelf, it will suit a collector of small carvings or netsuke-style objects and makes a thoughtful gift for someone who enjoys tactile, hand-carved pieces.