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ID #SA1243876
FOR SALE
£225
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Japanese Antique (Early 20thc) Pair of Boar's Tusk Netsukes
For sale by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
for sale €263     $286
£225
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2021
Browse dealers 30 items
Id #SA1243876
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Japanese Antique (Early 20thc) Pair of Boar's Tusk Netsukes

1900 - 1920
Description

Rare Japanese Taisho or early Showa Period (early 20thC) Pair of Iwami Boar’s Tusk, Koi Carp

Superb Japanese Taisho or early Showa Period (early 20thC) pair of Iwami boar’s tusk netsuke each with a carving of a koi carp, signed. Paulownia wooden box. Signed. Each Ca. 8cm long x 2cm x 1cm, weight 55g (with box).

Excellent original condition.

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Japanese Carved Tusk Netsuke to the 1920s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
1cm (0.39")
Width
8cm (3.15")
Depth
2cm (0.79")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1243876
Dealers Internal Reference
AD1280
Description
Rare Japanese Taisho or early Showa Period (early 20thC) Pair of Iwami Boar’s Tusk, Koi Carp
“
Superb Japanese Taisho or early Showa Period (early 20thC) pair of Iwami boar’s tusk netsuke each with a carving of a koi carp, signed.
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Paulownia wooden box. Signed. Each Ca. 8cm long x 2cm x 1cm, weight 55g (with box).

Excellent original condition.

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Japanese Carved Tusk Netsuke to the 1920s.

Height
1cm (0.39")
Width
8cm (3.15")
Depth
2cm (0.79")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1243876
Dealers Internal Ref
AD1280
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2021
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art Profile Page

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A pair of natural curved boar tusks relief-carved with detailed fish motifs accented with green and yellow pigments.
1 / 5
Archive I A pair of natural curved boar tusks relief-carved with detailed fish motifs accented with green and yellow pigments.

Japanese Antique (Early 20thc) Pair of Boar's Tusk Netsukes

Archive II A pair of natural curved boar tusks relief-carved with detailed fish motifs accented with green and yellow pigments. View II
Archive III A pair of natural curved boar tusks relief-carved with detailed fish motifs accented with green and yellow pigments. View III
Archive IV A pair of natural curved boar tusks relief-carved with detailed fish motifs accented with green and yellow pigments. View IV
Archive V A pair of natural curved boar tusks relief-carved with detailed fish motifs accented with green and yellow pigments. View V
Enlarged Archival View
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Telephone 07975 614592
Location
Bath
Somerset
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/antikdragon
Verified Since Oct 2021
Items For Sale 30
Items Sold 792
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Verified Since Oct 2021
View Dealer Info
Location: Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/antikdragon
Verified
Oct 2021
For Sale
30
Sold
792
A pair of natural curved boar tusks relief-carved with detailed fish motifs accented with green and yellow pigments.
Japanese Antique (early 20thC) Pair of Boar's Tusk Netsukes
Ref: SA1243876
A pair of natural curved boar tusks relief-carved with detailed fish motifs accented with green and yellow pigments.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectNetsuke
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleJapanese Meiji
  • MaterialBoar Tusk, Pigment
  • ColourCream
  • MotifsFish carvings, Curved tusk form, Relief engraving, Pigment inlay
  • SizeH 1 cm (0 in) x W 8 cm (3 in) x D 2 cm (1 in)

This pair of Japanese early 20th-century netsukes originates from the Taisho or early Showa period in the Iwami style. The pieces are shaped from natural boar tusks and display a curved tusk form with cream-coloured surfaces. Relief engraving depicts detailed koi carp motifs accented with green and yellow pigments, along with carved wave details on one tusk. The photograph additionally reveals a pale green tint near the tip of the left tusk, subtle striations running lengthwise along the natural material, and dark shading that highlights the scales and gills of the carved fish. Each piece measures 8 cm wide, 2 cm deep, and 1 cm high. Displaying traditional craftsmanship, these items suit a gentleman's library theme and function well as decorative objects on a bookshelf. They fit comfortably within cabinet displays or desktop collections where small Japanese carvings can be appreciated closely. The natural curved forms sit securely on flat surfaces while showcasing the intricate relief work.

FAQs

Netsuke are functional carved toggles developed during the Edo period in Japan to secure small pouches or containers called inro to the sash of traditional pocketless kimonos. Over time, these functional objects evolved into highly detailed forms of miniature sculpture representing animals, folklore, and daily life.

Craftsmen traditionally utilised organic materials including boxwood, ebony, stag antler, boar tusk, and marine ivory. Carvings were frequently detailed using fine incised lines filled with ink or natural pigments to emphasize features like scales, feathers, or expression.

Authentic pieces generally display natural wear surrounding the cord holes (himotoshi) or structural curves, visible hand-carving marks under magnification, and gentle age-related patination. Natural tusk pieces also show characteristic grain lines, hollow bases, and growth structures distinct from modern resin or synthetic imitations.

Small antique carvings are best displayed inside glass shadow boxes, acrylic display stands, or mounted on felt-lined trays atop bookshelves and sideboards. Grouping them with complementary Asian ceramics or natural history specimens creates a curated cabinet-of-curiosities aesthetic.

Organic materials require a stable environment away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and extreme humidity fluctuations to prevent cracking or warping. Dusting should be performed gently with a soft dry brush, avoiding water, chemical detergents, or liquid polish.
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