Nagoya School Wood Netsuke
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
first half of the 19th century
Finely carved as an octopus enveloping a cluster of shells, its rounded head emerging above the dense composition as the curling tentacles wind between, over, and around the various shell forms.
At the center, two powerful limbs grasp the valves of a clam and force them apart, exposing the fleshy interior, while further bivalves and shells are almost completely engulfed by the writhing mass below. The smooth, swelling head and boldly modeled tentacles contrast strikingly with the crisp ridges and varied surfaces of the shells, the undersides of the limbs meticulously worked with rows of suckers. The octopus peers intently toward the opened clam with large inlaid eyes and a puckered mouth, lending the encounter a wonderfully mischievous and distinctly shunga character.
Natural himotoshi. Unsigned, however the carving may be attributed to Masatomo or to a close and highly accomplished Nagoya carver working in his immediate circle.
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
- Material (listing wording)
- wood
- Dimensions or weight (listing wording)
- LENGTH 4 cm
Identification
- Source note
- Auction-house description published on Invaluable. Attribution and measurements describe the photographed example; independent type authentication remains research required.
- Listing object ID
- 206787892
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Independent confirmation of type attribution and auction-house statements remains research required.