Japanese carved ivory netsuke of Kaguya-hime and a woodcutter, signed by Chokusai
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Late 19th Century
This Japanese netsuke is a masterfully crafted carving in ivory, dating to the late 19th century. The piece depicts a narrative scene based on the traditional tale of Kaguya-hime, a folklore story originating from the Heian period.
The netsuke is sculpted in the form of a large bamboo stalk, which features a hollow cavity containing the figure of a woman, possibly representing an adult Kaguya-hime, holding a fan. Positioned to the exterior of the bamboo stalk is a male figure, identifiable as a woodcutter, shown with his hands raised, palms facing forward, and a sheath tucked into his belt. The intricate level of detail throughout the carving highlights the craftsmanship of the artist, Chokusai, whose signature is present on the bottom of the netsuke.
The object measures 1.5 inches in height and serves as both a functional toggle for a traditional Japanese ensemble and an exquisite display of miniature sculpture typical of the period's refined artistic output.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Height
- 1.5 inches
- Material
- ivory
Design
- Motif
- Kaguya-hime in bamboo with a woodcutter
- Signature
- Signed on bottom
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Chokusai
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.