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Directory: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Netsuke and Related: Pre 1900: Item # 1485383

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Dmitry Levit Asian Art
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3 Highland Park
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-875-8154

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19th century netsuke carved out of kurumi (natural walnut shell) with two panels depicting, respectively, 4 and 3 scholars around a low table heating up wine and food by the rocks under pine branches and moon among wispy clouds. Full moon and chrysanthemum design surrounding one himotoshi suggest otsukimi - a moon viewing party - traditionally held in September. Fabulous clever crisp carving, well captured quiet mood of the scenes, precisely carved diaper ground. Fantastic deep warm brown patina, himotoshi (cord openings) are on the bottom, with chrysanthemum and keyfret collars. Not signed, but the material and excellent quality of work suggest it was carved by Seimin of Tokyo, who excelled at carving walnuts. Really great representative piece for a collection of various materials in netsuke. Height 1.2 inches.