Walrus Tusk Ryusa Manju Netsuke

Of circular form, finely carved in openwork to depict a lively squirrel clambering among luxuriant grapevines, its head raised toward a heavy cluster of fruit and its bushy tail sweeping upward in a bold curve. The plump grapes are framed by overlapping leaves, each finely incised with naturalistic veins, while slender tendrils twist dynamically through the composition. The reverse is similarly worked with densely entwined stems and broad foliage. Natural himotoshi. The walrus tusk was clearly selected for its particularly attractive luster, with deeply polished, ivory-like areas to the front contrasting beautifully with the natural marbling visible along the edges.

The motif of squirrel and grapes is a highly auspicious subject signifying an abundance in fortune and offspring and was introduced in China during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1126). The subject is only infrequently depicted in netsuke art and was likely made during a time when most netsuke were inspired by Chinese carvings and subjects during the first half of the 18th century.