Ivory Netsuke of noble couple – Meiji Period

Meiji Period Ivory Netsuke of a Noble Couple with Fan and Taiko

Japan · Meiji Period · Late 19th Century · Ivory · Noble Couple · Fan and Taiko · 3.9 × 3 × 1.9 cm

A Japanese ivory netsuke depicting a noble couple walking together, dating to the late 19th-century Meiji period. One figure carries a fan while the other carries a taiko drum, creating a compact two-figure composition within a sculpture measuring only 3.9 × 3 × 1.9 cm.

The figures are arranged closely beside one another, their bodies and garments forming a single compact group. Despite the limited dimensions of the netsuke, the individual figures remain clearly distinguishable through their posture, clothing and the objects they carry.

The piece is accompanied by a certificate of appraisal and CITES documentation.

A Noble Couple Walking Together

The composition depicts a noble couple strolling together.

Both figures are represented side by side, creating a balanced composition in which neither character is isolated from the other.

Their close arrangement allows the scene to remain compact while still presenting two distinct figures and their individual attributes.

The Figure with the Fan

One of the figures is represented holding a fan.

The fan is positioned close to the upper body and forms an important identifying detail within the composition.

The folds of the clothing and the position of the arms help integrate the object naturally into the figure rather than treating it as a separate element.

The Figure with the Taiko

The second figure carries a taiko drum.

Its rounded form creates a visual contrast with the vertical arrangement of the two figures and introduces another clearly recognizable element into the composition.

The drum is incorporated closely against the body, helping maintain the compact proportions characteristic of the piece.

A Compact Two-Figure Composition

At only 3.9 × 3 × 1.9 cm, the netsuke brings two figures and their attributes together within a very limited space.

The bodies are positioned close together, with the garments creating a continuous sculptural surface across much of the composition.

Viewed from the front, the two figures read immediately as a pair, while the differences in posture and the objects they carry allow each character to retain an individual presence.

Ivory Carving

The netsuke is carved from ivory.

The material is used throughout the composition, from the faces and hands to the garments, fan and drum.

Darker tones visible within recessed areas of the carving help define the folds of the clothing and the smaller details of the figures.

Meiji Period – Late 19th Century

The netsuke is dated to the Meiji period, late 19th century.

The piece combines two figures, their clothing and separate attributes within a single small-scale sculptural composition.

Dimensions

3.9 × 3 × 1.9 cm

Documentation

The netsuke is accompanied by a certificate of appraisal and CITES documentation.

Any requirements relating to the import, export, possession or transport of ivory should be checked according to the regulations applicable in the destination country.

Specifications

• Object: Japanese netsuke
• Subject: Noble couple walking together
• Attributes: Fan and taiko drum
• Material: Ivory
• Period: Meiji period
• Dating: Late 19th century
• Dimensions: 3.9 × 3 × 1.9 cm
• Documentation: Certificate of appraisal and CITES documentation included

A compact late 19th-century Meiji ivory netsuke depicting a noble couple walking together, one carrying a fan and the other a taiko drum. Measuring 3.9 × 3 × 1.9 cm, the piece brings both figures and their attributes together within a closely integrated composition and is accompanied by a certificate of appraisal and CITES documentation.