Kano Natsuo silver and wood kagamibuta netsuke of fish
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1880, Meiji period
This kagamibuta netsuke, attributed to the renowned metalworker Kano Natsuo, dates to the Meiji period, specifically circa 1880. The object is constructed as a circular silver plate, expertly inlaid within a wooden bowl.
The surface of the silver plate features a scene rendered in the kebori (hairline engraving) technique, depicting two slender fish swimming through a stream. The minimalist design incorporates a small cluster of rocks and reeds to evoke a riverbank setting, with fluid, tapering strokes reminiscent of traditional Japanese ink painting. The composition demonstrates Natsuo's mastery in suggesting natural movement and form with extreme economy of line.
The silver plate bears the signature of Natsuo to the right. On the reverse, the piece includes a central himotoshi for cord attachment, with the opening artfully concealed. Measuring 3.5 cm in diameter, this netsuke represents a refined example of Japanese sculptural metalwork from the late 19th century, highlighting the artist's ability to transition complex artistic motifs into small-scale decorative objects for practical use as a toggle.
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
- Diameter
- 3.5 cm
- Materials
- silver, wood
Technical characteristics
- Attachment
- central himotoshi
- Engraving technique
- kebori
Design
- Motifs
- two fish swimming through a stream, rocks, reeds
- Signature
- NATSUO
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
- Kano Natsuo
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.