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Lot 3:
Description
A set of three Japanese hand-carved boxwood (tsuge) katabori netsuke depicting figures from East Asian folklore, likely members of the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin). The first figure is depicted squatting and hunched over a rectangular box or bale, holding an object to his face. The second figure is seated with a characteristically elongated cranium and a long, flowing beard, representing a deity of longevity and wisdom such as Fukurokuju or Jurōjin. The third figure is shown smiling and seated with a large sack draped behind his head. Each figure is functional, featuring two joined himotoshi holes on the reverse for the passage of a cord. The carvings exhibit fine incised lines to indicate textile patterns, hair, and beard textures, finished with a rich, honey-coloured aged patina.
Heights: Approximately 3.5 cm to 5 cm
Widths: Approximately 2.5 cm to 3.5 cm.
Condition report:
The items are in generally good condition consistent with age and use. The figure hunched over the box shows visible age-related surface cracking (crazing) on the reverse and base, with a small chip/loss to the material at the bottom edge on the reverse. All figures exhibit an accumulation of dust and surface grime in the deeper carved recesses. There is light surface wear and rubbing to the high points of the carving, contributing to the aged patina.
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