A wood netsuke of a mermaid swimming Circa 1800
63*
A wood netsuke of a mermaid or merman
18th century
The human-fish swimming, its head turned to the left as it clutches a tama (stylised jewel) to one side, the wood is somewhat worn and bears a good patina, unsigned.
5.7cm (2¼in).
Sold for £4,375 inc. premium

Footnotes

  • 木彫根付　人魚　無銘　18世紀

    Published: Rosemary Bandini, ibid., p.34, no.49.

    As Bandini states in her book, it is unclear if this example portrays a mermaid or the rarer merman. The body is entirely covered with fish scales and the face bears a somewhat masculine appearance.

Category: Asian Art / Japanese Art

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