Netsuke, wood with inlaid eyes, curled rat, signed Masanao, ca.1850-1900
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1850-1900
This carved wood netsuke is in the form of a tightly curled rat with inlaid eyes. Japanese men used netsuke to suspend various pouches and containers from their sashes by a silk cord.
This katabori (shape carving) netsuke of a tightly curled rat has all these qualities and is an ideal netsuke form. This example is signed Masanao. It is one of a small but distinctive regional group from Yamada, Ise province. The 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, although they specialised in animals. The coiled rat was a favourite theme.
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 4.1 cm
- Materials and techniques
- Wood, with inlaid eyes
Technical characteristics
- Place recorded
- Japan
Identification
- Candidate id
- vam-O76499
- Museum object number
- A.50-1919
- 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.