Japanese walrus tusk Ryusa manju netsuke of a squirrel among grapevines, c. 1860s-1880s

This Japanese Ryusa manju netsuke is crafted from walrus tusk, selected for its lustrous, ivory-like finish combined with natural marbling along the edges. Of circular form, the piece is meticulously carved in openwork to feature a squirrel clambering amidst a cluster of grapes and thick, textured grapevines.

The squirrel is depicted with its head raised toward the fruit and its tail in a sweeping curve, while the grape leaves are incised with detailed naturalistic veins and complemented by twisting tendrils. The reverse of the netsuke continues the motif with densely entwined stems and foliage. It features a natural himotoshi for cord attachment. Attributed to the Asakusa District of Tokyo, the work dates to the late 19th century, specifically the 1860s to 1880s.

The piece measures 4.3 cm in length and exhibits the high-quality craftsmanship characteristic of the period, with deeply polished surfaces that highlight the medium's natural appeal. The design, incorporating the traditional squirrel and grapevine motif, reflects both technical precision and aesthetic elegance typical of Japanese miniature carving.