Antique
Japanese Buffalo Horn Netsuke
Three
Turtles
Resting
On Mom
Signature: unsigned. Circa: 19th Century
H
1.75in.(4.5cm), W 1.25in.(3cm), D 0.75 in.(2cm)
Condition: Very Good! The
dark and glossy buffalo horn has been carved with rugged vitality, bringing out
its hardness and depth of color, with scattered reflections off the pocked surface
highlighting the geometric beauty of the turtles’ shells. If one turtle is an
auspicious sign, then three such omens represent a superfluity of strength, endurance
and longevity; for the turtle’s long lifespan leads to its being considered virtually
imperishable. It is considered to have a spiritual nature--its upper markings
correspond to the constellations; its lower shell to earth and to the water in
which it is at home. Wonderfully carved with a feeling for the structure and natural
movement of the animals, two young turtles ascend the maternal foundation.
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