1034

Japanese Netsuke 4 Pieces, All Signed [154998]

Currency:USD Category:Art / Medium - Sculptures Start Price:200.00 USD Estimated At:400.00 - 600.00 USD
Japanese Netsuke 4 Pieces, All Signed  [154998]
SOLD
225.00USD+ (56.25) buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2022 Aug 25 @ 08:44UTC-7 : PDT/MST
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Lot of 4 pieces of Japanese Netsuke, each is signed by artist.
Believed to date between 1868-1891. OVER 100 YEARS OLD. All appear to be hand-carved from real ivory, artificially aged with dark yellow/brown discoloration.
Pieces measure approximately 1.5" cubed, 1.75" cubed, 2.25 x 1.5 x 1" and 2" x 1" x 1".
Please read description carefully and inspect all high resolution images.

Netsuke are bobbles with two string holes once used to attach pouches via ties to the obi sash of men's traditional Japanese attire. They date back to the 1500s and became indispensable items of dress during the Edo Period (1615-1868). Netsuke are hand-carved miniature figures originally, most commonly made from elephant ivory or wood, that reflect important aspects of Japanese folklore, as well as cultural items from everyday life. These tiny, holed figurines became popular souvenirs post 1868, when Japan opened itself to travel for the first time since the early 17th Century. Prior to the 1800s, artists' marks were not typical, but signatures became the norm under the influence of Western tourists, who believed marked items were more valuable. As the popularity of Netsuke grew in the Western marketplace, so did the production of fakes mass produced in places such as Korea or Hong Kong eventually resulting in the 1891 U.S. McKinley Tariff Act, a law that standardized trademark requirements on all imported goods. Post 1891 all Japanese exports were to be clearly identified by "Nippon" until 1921, when "JAPAN" became the official trademark. None of these pieces have a trademark indicating the country of origin, but they are all signed in Japanese characters. Collectible Netsuke resources are widely available for researching artists' marks or signatures. These pieces appear to us to be made from hand-carved ivory that has been artificially aged. This is due to the presence of uneven Schreger lines, hand tool marks, and dark yellow, uneven, unnatural looking staining. Real ivory was still legally exported and very common in the late 1800s to early 1900s when artificial aging techniques were actively employed to pass modern souvenirs off as authentic Edo Period artifacts. These pieces lack the rub and signs of wear characteristic of the Netsuke made for actual use in the 1600s to early 1800s, yet they are all artistic cultural figural depictions from traditional Japanese folklore made with nice detail and skillful craftsmanship, unlike the counterfeits mass produced in other countries at the end of the 19th Century. Taking all this into consideration, and because these pieces lack the Nippon import mark required post 1891 we believe these pieces most likely date c1868-1891, easily over 100 years old.

Japanese artifacts/antiquities are a favorite for reproduction and due to the volume of counterfeiting techniques and the level of skill employed by knock off artists, all interested buyers are encouraged to make their own inspection prior to bidding.
HWAC does not guarantee authenticity and has provided an accurate and full description to the best of our ability. Every item we sell is available for live preview 2-3 days prior to the auction or by appointment.

Date: 1868-1891
Country (if not USA): Japan
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