Antique Japanese Ivory Wood Netsuke
Spider Cage
Two Spiders
Signature: Masatomo. Circa: late 19th Century
h. 1.3 in.(3.3cm), w. 1.6 in.(4cm), d. 1 in.(2.5cm)
Condition: very good!

Estimated value: $400
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or call: 510-918-2333

Throughout Asia there has been a longstanding fascination and appreciation with insects. Depicted in art and textiles they were often considered pets for pleasure and amusement. Crickets and spiders were often collected and kept in ornate cages that went from pocket size to intricate palaces of art objects. This wood and ivory Tomomasa School netsuke depicts in a ebony colored wood a bamboo cage tied together with an artfully bowed rope. Up the side of the cage an oversized gracefully jointed spider boldly crawls. Inside the cage is a smaller intricate ivory tarantula that naturally scampers and dances. This netsuke is in excellent condition and signed at the bottom with an ivory oval reserve. (SD)