Ɏ † A RARE WALRUS TUSK NETSUKE OF AN OCTOPUS WITH A TEA POT

拍品描述

Ɏ † A RARE WALRUS TUSK NETSUKE OF AN OCTOPUS WITH A TEA POT Unsigned Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa district, late 19th century A very unusual subject – depicted is an octopus with all eight resplendent tentacles animated in motion, fashionably wearing an upside-down teapot as a hat. One tentacle curls gracefully around the spout, while two others position the handle beneath its chin, mimicking the gesture of fastening a chinstrap. A fourth tentacle clasps its head in apparent astonishment - perhaps at its own bold fashion statement. The composition is remarkably compact, humorous, and skillfully carved, with the natural milky marbling of the material used to great visual effect and highlighted with minute stippling. The eyes inlaid with gilt metal and with two small himotoshi to the back. HEIGHT 4.3 cm 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU. This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

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