Antique Cherry Wood Bronze Kagamibuta
Medicine Man
Three Metals Bronze Plate
Netsuke Signature: Unsigned Circa: early 1900s'
H 1.7 in.(4.5cm), W 1.7 in.(4.5cm), D 0.5 in.(1.25cm)
Condition: excellent!

There are several forms of round disc netsuke: the manju, ryusa, and kagamibuta. The Kagamibuta is shaped like a flattened round pumpkin with the lid made of metal, which is usually incised and inlaid with gold or silver to create a design in relief. This antique cherry wood bronze kagimbuta has a most interesting figure potently wrought into the face of the metal: a medicine man who is signified by his staff out of which a herb vibrantly sprouts.The plants shown here display intricately rendered leaves. The medicine man’s countenance displays humor and kindness. His hair is long the front of his pate and bald in front. Japan has a rich tradition of herbal medicine that fuses traditional Chinese practices with indigenous flora. This antique ivory kagamibuta netsuke is in excellent condition.