Japanese antler two-part manju netsuke of Raijin, Asakusa school, 19th century

This Japanese two-part manju netsuke is carved from antler and originates from the Asakusa district of Tokyo, dating to the late 19th century. The piece features a finely modeled depiction of Raijin, the Japanese God of Thunder, who is shown crouching amid densely swirling, deeply carved storm clouds.

The deity is represented with powerful, muscular limbs, a lowered head displaying a fierce expression, and curling locks of hair. A pair of drumsticks is visible across his back, referencing his traditional association with thunder drums. The structure consists of an antler plate set into a bowl of the same material, with the underside displaying three comma-shaped openings arranged in a mitsu-tomoe pattern, an emblem closely linked to the deity.

Two himotoshi are located beneath the removable plate. With a diameter of 4.4 cm, the work exhibits a vigorous carving style characteristic of the Asakusa masters such as Rensai and Hakusai. The object shows natural imperfections typical of the material, enhancing its character as a refined example of Meiji-era decorative art.