Netsuke of a puppy and a sandal in carved and stained wood, signed Masanao, Japan, 1850-1900
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1850-1900
Netsuke of a puppy seated on the ground with its head turned back towards its left haunch, while chewing the broken strap of a sandal which is between its two paws, in carved and stained wood with inlaid eyes.
It is provided with a pair of holes ( himotôshi ) on the underside. This example is signed Masanao. It is one of a small but distinctive regional group from Yamada, Ise province. The Masanao family line originated with Masanao I (1815-90), although there were four other Masanaos, as well as various pupils who used the same 'masa' character in their name. Generations of Masanao craftsmen worked almost exclusively in wood, especially boxwood.
The Masanao line produced a wide range of subjects, but they specialised in animals.
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 3.18 cm; Length 4.13 cm
- Materials and techniques
- Carved wood
Technical characteristics
- Place recorded
- Japan
Identification
- Candidate id
- vam-O492777
- Museum object number
- A.952-1910
- 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.