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Netsuke of a coiled snake in carved and stained wood, signed Tametaka, Japan, 1750-1800

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · partial

Period

1750-1800

Netsuke of a snake coiled in a heap, in katabori ('shape carving') form, with its head at the top of the pile and the tip of its tail energing from the bottom and almost reaching the head, in carved and stained wood with inlaid eyes.

Netsuke had to be small and not too heavy, yet bulky enough to do the job. They needed to be compact with no sharp protruding edges, yet also strong and hardwearing. Above all, they had to have the means for attaching a cord. Netsuke were made in a variety of forms, the most widely appreciated being the katabori (shape carving), a three-dimensional carving, such as this one in the form of a coiled snake.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
1
Photograph views
2
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

Dimensions
Height 3 cm; Width 4 cm
Materials and techniques
Carved and stained wood with inlaid eyes

Technical characteristics

Place recorded
Japan

Identification

Candidate id
vam-O228629
Museum object number
A.948-1910
Source note
Facts transcribed from the linked single-object source. Wider type attribution and authenticity have not been independently verified.

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

  • Research required: confirm the wider type and source attribution against specialist references.
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