Tanaka Juntoku Minko wood netsuke
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 18th century
Superbly carved as a snail emerging from its large shell, the composition revealing strikingly different aspects as it is turned in the hand. One side is deceptively restrained, dominated by the smoothly polished shell with its neat, deeply carved spiral whorl; the reverse bursts into movement as the soft-bodied snail twists sinuously around the shell opening, its head, feelers, and fleshy body curling dynamically across the surface.
The contrast between the calm, rounded mass of the shell and the animated, deeply worked creature is particularly effective, the snail’s supple anatomy rendered with remarkable sensitivity and sculptural force. The wood bearing a fine, lustrous patina. Natural himotoshi and signed MINKO with the artist’s typical kakihan to the underside.
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
- Material (listing wording)
- wood
- Dimensions or weight (listing wording)
- 3.8 cm
Identification
- Source note
- Auction-house description published on Invaluable. Attribution and measurements describe the photographed example; independent type authentication remains research required.
- Listing object ID
- 206787886
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
- Independent confirmation of type attribution and auction-house statements remains research required.