Netsuke, ivory. Japan, 19th cent.
Two karako (boys in chines. art) snuggle at a wooden tub that is closed on top. The figural composition is well-done, the boys are perhaps curious and decide whether or not they should peek inside – who knows, there could be something delicious to discover! Very good patina, on back of one of the boy′s head is a minor flaw due to age of the ivory. Himotoshi through the tub.
HEIGHT 2,8 CM
From an old German collection