Carved Ivory Netsuke Signed By Kagetoshi, Depicting A Miniature Temple, Edo, Japan, 19th Century

Rare carved ivory netsuke signed Kagetoshi* depicting a miniature village with several houses and a multi-story temple, bridges spanning a river, and a few figures moving through this setting adorned with pine trees; Kagetoshi’s signature in a cartouche on the underside, from Japan, dating to the mid-19th-century Edo period

This netsuke is in good condition and displays exceptional quality and finesse of carving.

Kagetoshi is famous for his meticulous sukashi-bori carvings, of which this netsuke is a perfect example. Works by this carver are highly sought after at public auctions.

Note: minimal signs of age; see photos.

Carved ivory specimen, predating July 1, 1947, and therefore compliant with EC Regulation 338/97 of December 9, 1996  Art. 2-Wmc.

The netsuke is a traditional Japanese garment accessory used tohold sagemono (literally “suspended objects”).In fact, since the kimono has no pockets, various everyday items are carried in small boxes called sagemono. These items are suspended from their owner’s obi by a cord.

worked primarily as a netsuke carver in the early 19th century, carving ivory, boxwood, and ebony. His work is distinguished by meticulously detailed carvings with deep relief, depicting landscapes or compact groups of figures. Although best known for his netsuke, he is also recognized as a creator of inro made in this same elaborate sculptural style.

• Diameter 4 cm
• Height 3.5 cm
• G20 70
• All photos are available at:
  www.antiques-delaval.com