Netsuke, wood. Japan, 19th century
These sweet chestnuts are symbols of success. Three kuri (particularly if you can see that they were bitten into) remind us of the sad tale of the princess Hinako, exiled daughter of the emperor Go-Daigo. She had followed him on a long journey, during which she became hungry and asked for kuri. When she took a bite, it did not taste good so she threw it away. Afterward a tree grew there with Hagata Kuri - chestnuts with “bite marks”. Dark staining, large himotoshi and signature within an oval reserve underneath.
WIDTH 4,1 CM