Netsuke, carved ivory, baku (mythical beast), Japan, 17th century
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
17th century
This carved and stained ivory netsuke is in the form of a baku (mythical feline beast with an elephantine trunk), with its head looking down to its left-hand side and its flattened, curly tail pointing back towards the head, thereby balancing the composition.
The early examples of katabori netsuke were made from about 1630 to 1700. At this time Japanese carvers were strongly influenced by Chinese designs. The illustrations of mythical people and fabulous beasts, such as the mai , were of particular interest. The mai was a mixture of tapir, rhinoceros, ox and tiger, and had a trunk like an elephant. The mai appeared on netsuke in the form of the baku . It was a cat-like beast with a short curly trunk and had the power to devour bad dreams.
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 4.3 cm
- Materials and techniques
- Carved and stained ivory
Technical characteristics
- Place recorded
- Japan
Identification
- Candidate id
- vam-O76830
- Museum object number
- 407-1904
- 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.