Japanese Ivory Netsuke
Monkey
Caught A Big Namazu
Netsuke Signature: Okatomo
Circa: early 20th Century
H 1 in.(2.5cm.), W 1.5 in.(3.8cm.), D 1.5 in.(3.8cm.)
Condition: very good.

Monkeys were popular subject for netsuke carvers. Monkey is the messenger of the Shinto Deity O Kuni-Nushi-no-Mikoto, and is frequently depicted with the peach of longevity as in the Chinese Taoist tradition. However, the only native monkey of Japan is the Macacus Specious, a small animal with yellow fur and short tail. Monkey is the ninth sign of the Zodiac, representing July, and the hours between 3pm-5pm. People born in the year of monkey (2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944, 1932) are consider clever, problem solvers, and possess strong leadership qualities.

Okatomo is one of the most important artist in the history of netsuke. Unfortunately, we can notpositively identified or authenticated this netsuke as from the master's hand. Therefore the case for genuineness of this netsuke rest solely on connoisseurship and attribution.