Height: 5cms
Date: 19th Century
£POA - What does POA mean?
Product Code: KPNE03
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A 19th century Japanese wood netsuke/small okimono of a frustrated rat catcher.
Condition – Good, nice patina
Rat Catcher
This classic Japanese netsuke subject depicts a frustrated rat catcher often with the rat perched on his shoulder, it appeals to the silly slapstick side of Japanese humour and is seen in both wood and Ivory.
Rat
In Japan rats do not have the negative connotations they sometimes do in the Western world. The rat was the first animal to arrive at the New Years greeting and so is the first of the Zodiac animals, it represents prosperity of descendants and social success.
Netsuke
A netsuke is essentially a toggle, used to prevent an object (usually an inro) from slipping through the obi (kimono belt). A cord is passed through the himotoshi (two small holes on the netsuke or a natural hole formed by a leg or arm of the piece) the other end tied to a container containing money, herbs or tobacco. The cord is then passed through the obi with the netsuke resting above it and the container below.
Netsuke have evolved from being utilitarian objects to miniature sculptures of great beauty and craftsmanship. Subjects they depict wide ranging and are an important record of Japanese life and folklore.
Okimono
Okimono is a Japanese term for an ornament for display or an objet d’art, it has no function other than to look at and admire. Okimono come in many sizes and subjects and can be made from any material.
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