Netsuke, ivory. Japan, Meiji Period (1868 – 1912)
Compact composition offering a reclining tako (octopus) underneath half a hamaguri (Venus shell). He is holding up an outspread folding fan in one of his tentacles. Altogether, an erotic symbol. Staining, himotoshi on the bottom and the signature MASAYUKI above.
WIDTH 4,8 CM
From a Viennese Collection