unsigned ivory netsuke
19th century
clam and awabi shell
length 1 3/4 in., 4.3 cm
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a small clam shell balances on a the peak of a larger awabi (abalone) shell; the underside of the awabi sensitively stippled to suggest the fleshy interior of the mollusk, stained to highlight details
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Both the abalone the clam carry sexual connotations in Japanese art, acting as visual short-hand for women. Clams were a particular favorite with netsuke carvers who frequently portrayed hapless men caught in various compromising positions by the closed 'lips' of the shell.
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$1,400
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another view
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