Japanese Kyoto School Carved Ivory Netsuke of a Monkey by Ranichi
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Late 19th Century
This Japanese Kyoto school netsuke is a finely carved ivory figure dating to the late 19th century. The sculpture depicts a seated monkey engaged in the act of picking fleas from its knee, a classic motif rendered with detailed, naturalistic fur texture.
The piece features double inlaid eyes, which add to its lifelike appearance, and is finished with a warm, natural patina. The construction includes a functional himotoshi, the traditional cord passage required for its use as a toggle for hanging personal items from an obi. The underside of the piece contains an elliptical reserve where the carver, Ranichi, has placed his signature. Measuring 1.125 inches in height, this miniature work of art exemplifies the skill of the Kyoto school carvers in the late Edo or Meiji period.
The piece exhibits an age crack on the bottom, consistent with its historical nature as an ivory artifact.
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
- 1.125"
- Material
- ivory
Technical characteristics
- Feature
- himotoshi
Design
- Details
- double inlaid eyes, finely rendered fur
- Subject
- seated monkey picking fleas
- Signature location
- elliptical reserve 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
- Ranichi
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.