Netsuke, wood. Japan, around mid 19th cent.
Also here a scene from everyday life, from the street, from a shop. The man is half naked and wraps his arms around a pot in front of him. His face radiates a lively expression, as if he would be speaking to somebody trying to sell something, presumably the content of the pot. Nicely rounded and "softly" designed anatomy with age patina, very little himotoshi on the back.
HEIGHT 4,45 CM
From a German collection