Netsuke, Ivory. Japan, 18th century Edo
Ashinaga (long leg) and Tenaga (long arm) are seen here fishing for an octopus (Tako). Ashinaga is holding Tenaga on his back whilst he reaches for the octopus, which has entangled itself around the long legs of Ashinaga. The facial expressions are cleverly juxtapositioned here to create an amusing contrast. Ashinaga is screaming in pain as he barely manages to hold the comically short legs of Tenaga on his back, while the latter, with a somewhat sinister expression, reaches for the octopus with his endlessly long arms. A truly remarkable composition with fine patina. Natural himotoshi through the arms/legs.
HEIGHT 6 CM
From a German private collection