Antique Japanese Erotic Netsuke, Hand Carved in Ivory. Signed

Curious Japanese netsuke carved on bone with great detail, and decorated with precisely painted black details which enhance the expressions of the faces and parts of the clothes. This antique piece is as original as beautiful, and it is made with great detail. From the soles of the feet, where we can see even the folding of the fingers, to the expressive eyes and mouths and the floral motives of the mans kimono, the quality of the decoration is really spectacular. Netsukes formed part of Japanese peoples daily life from the 17th to the 19th century. They were a fixing element for the small bag or inro (box) where people carried their personal belongings. This boxes or bags hanged from a cord that crossed the obi (belt of the kimono) or the leather straps, and the netsuke helped to fix them properly. These accessories had two holes at the rear or the bottom, through which the cord was passed. When Western clothing appeared in Japan in the 19th century, netsukes became unnecessary and they started to be considered coveted works of art. The subjects depicted are various: animal scenes, daily life, mythological beingsAnd of course, erotic scenes (some of highly sexual), which were very popular and nowadays are really appreciated by collectors. Specifically, this antique netsuke is a charming item that will become the star of the best collection of exotic antiques. Netsuke measurements: 47 x 38 mm.