This motif, showing monkeys riding a turtle, is called Saru Kame no noru and originates from an old fairytale. Both monkeys are sitting on the kame’s shell and are holding a well-carved rope attached to the turtle’s mouth, which extends all the way up one of the monkeys’ backs. Its legs and head are tucked in and only one eye, which is inlaid, is visible. The structure on the turtle is very precisely executed and the monkeys are carved in a lively manner with inlaid eyes. One monkey has a strangely wild expression while the other is more naturalistic and with a determined expression. Good himotoshi and signature RAKUMIN on the underside, the artist was known primarily under the name Ho Rakumin.

Category:

Netsuke

Subcategory:

-

Subject:

Animal

Material:

Ivory

Age/Country:

19th Century

Artist:

Rakumin

Provenance/Owner:

Galerie Zacke

Signed:

signed

Type:

Katabori

Height:

32mm mm

Width:

41mm mm

Depth:

mm

ID number: