As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912) circa: 1880 carved Wood Netsuke depicting a Monkey in an embrace with an octopus, the monkey is seated with both feet and both arms wrapped around the monkey as if to restrain him, the octopus has one of its tentacles wrapped up upon the monkeys head, the eyes of both species are inlaid with black horn, this particular subject is representative of an interesting Japanese mythical story , see notes below , a great addition to your Japanese works of art collection, another Netsuke direct to ourselves from a high quality UK collection .Literature :In Japanese mythology the Octopus is attributed to have great healing powers, while the monkey is often portrayed as a clever imp, this netsuke illustrates a famous episode in which the two meet. Ryujin, the Dragon King of the Sea, calls upon his physician, an octopus , to attend to his daughter who has taken ill, the Octopus ...