A WOOD NETSUKE OF A DOG AND OCTOPUSWood netsuke. Japan, 19th centuryThe dog is placed on an upside-down mortar which is smooth on the exterior. A hamaguri (clam) has grown onto its side and a tako (octopus) can be found inside it. Its white and black inlaid eyes appear lurking. The tentacles are well carved with suckers. The dog, carved in a very lively manner, has a silly, amusing face with the eyes inlaid in umimatsu. Very fine rounding and patina, the cord channel is cleverly positioned in between the octopus’ tentacles. Condition: Good condition Provenance: From an American private collectionHEIGHT 2.8 CM