A 19th Century Japanese wood netsuke of a rat

A 19th Century Japanese wood netsuke of a rat in the classic curled posture.

Signed Masanao.

Rat

In Japan rats do not have the negative connotations they sometimes do in the Western world. The rat was the first animal to arrive at the New Years greeting and so is the first of the Zodiac animals, it represents prosperity of descendants and social success.

Masanao

The Masanao name actually refers to three generations of the same family, all famed for carving netsuke, the coiled rat being their most popular and well know model. There are small differences between the styles and woods used by the three artists but it is very hard to tell them apart. Generally the older pieces by the Grandfather are larger and more unrefined with the later generations becoming finer and smaller.

Netsuke

A netsuke is essentially a toggle, used to prevent an object (usually an inro) from slipping through the obi (kimono belt). A cord is passed through the himotoshi (two small holes on the netsuke or a natural hole formed by a leg or arm of the piece) the other end tied to a container containing money, herbs or tobacco. The cord is then passed through the obi with the netsuke resting above it and the container below.
Netsuke have evolved from being utilitarian objects to miniature sculptures of great beauty and craftsmanship. Subjects they depict wide ranging and are an important record of Japanese life and folklore.

Dimensions

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Condition report

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