Netsuke, ivory, wrestlers, signed Nobuharu, late 18th century, Japan
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 18th century
It is an animated carving with each of the two figures struggling against each other as illustrated by the tension in the hands and knuckles. Each individual hair has been carved carefully onto the figures giving them a wild appearance.
Due to the lack of bleaching by sunlight the netsuke holds a rich yellow colouration that adds greater depth and detailing to the figures. In this example, there are a pair of holes ( himotoshi ) on the bottom of the sandal. From the 18 th century onwards, many more makers signed their netsukes. This example is signed Nobuharu.
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
- Dimensions
- Height 5.71 cm
- Materials and techniques
- Carved ivory
Technical characteristics
- Place recorded
- Japan
Identification
- Candidate id
- vam-O461229
- Museum object number
- A.870-1910
- 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.