Netsuke, Old Man with Bag (Similar to a Buddha), undated

Netsuke – small, sculpted objects from Japan – were originally created as articles of daily use. Japanese men used netsuke to counterbalance various pouches and containers fastened with silk cords to the sashes of their kimonos, which did not have any pockets. Netsuke lost their raison d’être with the transition to European clothing, but developed into artistic collectibles due to the strong interest of Western collectors.
While netsuke took various forms, the most common type is the katabori-netsuke or “sculpture netsuke”. Katabori-netsuke are compact three-dimensional figures carved in round shapes. This netsuke represents an old man with a bag whose appearance resembles that of a Buddha.

LVD, 2024