Lot 441 D‡α

An ivory netsuke of Urashima Tarô. 19th century

Rendered as a young man, standing, carrying the turtle he rescued over his shoulder and holding a lidded box in his left hand which he ends up opening, contrary to Otohime's instruction. Finely carved and partly stained. Chipped. The many representations of the tale of Urashima Tarô reflect its popularity both in Japanese arts in general and in netsuke in particular.
Height 4.4 cm