A fine netsuke of a tortoise. Ingeniously, two wood types have been merged, no doubt for their contrasting qualities which aligns well with the differing hies of the top and bottom of the animal. The carapace (top) is boxwood, meticulously carved, each segment rippled with relief peaks and troughs. The underside, shitan wood, rich black in colour, again meticulously carved. The eyes are double inlaid in a clear horn, with dark material for the pupils.
Anonymous.
5.2cm.
Closely compare to the following two netsuke;
Barry Davies Oriental Art. Netsuke Classics. #4. (Doraku).
Bonhams. THE JULIUS AND ARLETTE KATCHEN COLLECTION OF FINE NETSUKE: PART III. Lot 137. (Naokazu).
