Antique Fine Japanese

Japanese Netsuke A 19th Century Study Of A Mandarin Orange With Fine Ukibori

Japanese Netsuke A 19th Century Study Of A Mandarin Orange With Fine Ukibori
Japanese Netsuke A 19th Century Study Of A Mandarin Orange With Fine Ukibori
Japanese Netsuke A 19th Century Study Of A Mandarin Orange With Fine Ukibori
Japanese Netsuke A 19th Century Study Of A Mandarin Orange With Fine Ukibori
Japanese Netsuke A 19th Century Study Of A Mandarin Orange With Fine Ukibori
Japanese Netsuke A 19th Century Study Of A Mandarin Orange With Fine Ukibori

Japanese Netsuke A 19th Century Study Of A Mandarin Orange With Fine Ukibori

A wood Netsuke, depicting a larger mandarin orange with smaller fruit attached to a branch. Dating to the 19th century, late Edo period bearing a good patina. Its reminiscent of Tanba school carvings but our Netsuke has a wonderful secret.

Running down the two leaves are Ukibori vines and the pealed back skin to the side of the larger fruit reveals Ukibori pimples. The natural Himotoshi is formed by the branch running across the top of the fruit. Ukibori is a carving technique developed in Japan.

My following explanation sounds simple but having spoken to a modern-day Netsuke carver its an incredibly risky and difficult skill to master. Firstly, a tool is fashioned to the shape required, it is then pressed into the wood compacting the wood and forming the desired pattern or shape. The wood is then sanded down to the level of the indented design. This process may be repeated several times to ensure the design is fully compressed. Once satisfied, the wood is then placed in hot water and the compressed areas of the wood rise above the ground.

The technique allows a carver to render very fine details and surface textures. I first discovered the art of Netsuke as a young boy. On family visits to my Uncles home, he would produce these beautiful small carvings that captivated me.

It wasnt until my late 20s that I was able to scratch that itch. It has quickly grown into an obsession and also my full time profession, encompassing both netsuke and Japanese lacquer art dating from the 17th century right through to contemporary works of art. If you find anything that interests you, please do contact me. Im based 30 minutes from London and regularly travel in Europe.

I would love to meet collectors and enthusiasts alike. The item "Japanese Netsuke A 19th Century Study Of A Mandarin Orange With Fine Ukibori" is in sale since Monday, September 2, 2019. This item is in the category "Antiques\Asian/Oriental Antiques\Japanese\Netsuke". The seller is "willford-ja" and is located in Milton Keynes.

This item can be shipped to all countries in Europe, United States.

  • Region of Origin: Japanese
  • Product: Netsuke
  • Age: 1800-1849
  • Primary Material: Wood/ Woodenware
  • Original/Repro: Antique Original


Japanese Netsuke A 19th Century Study Of A Mandarin Orange With Fine Ukibori