Japanese Tokyo school carved ivory netsuke of Daruma, 19th century
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
19th Century
This Japanese Tokyo school netsuke, crafted from carved ivory, depicts the figure of Daruma in a seated position. The subject is shown sitting in front of a small table, holding a tall cup decorated with swirling motifs and appearing to look upward with a stupored expression.
The piece is illustrative of the intricate craftsmanship associated with Tokyo school ivory carving from the 19th century. It features a natural himotoshi integrated through the legs of the figure, serving the traditional function of a toggle for a sagemono. The carving displays careful attention to detail in the expression and posture of the figure. The netsuke is signed by the artist Hirotada on the bottom surface.
The piece measures 1.5 inches in height and exhibits some age-related cracking, consistent with the nature of antique ivory objects from this period.
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
Technical characteristics
- Suspension
- natural himotoshi
Design
- Subject
- Daruma drinking from a cup
- 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
- Hirotada
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.