Two Japanese Carved Boxwood Netsuke

Edo period (1615-1868), includes a carving of a "foreigner" portrayed long and narrow wearing Western style attire, having long hair, and holding a rooster, signed on his sleeve, and a carving of a seated tiger with inset eyes, signed on his tail Kokei.


Tallest 2 1/2 in.

Collection of Michael and Ingrid Kelly, Worldwide Gallery Antiques, Fredericksburg, Virginia

Japanese netsuke are miniature carved toggles, traditionally used from the 17th century onward to secure inro and other small containers to the kaku obi of a man's kimono. Often crafted from materials such as ivory, wood, or stag antler, they served both functional and decorative roles, evolving into highly collectible sculptural artworks.

Good estate condition.