A YAMADA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAKE COILED AROUND A TORTOISE

A YAMADA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAKE COILED AROUND A TORTOISE
Unsigned
Japan, Yamada, Ise province, late 19th century
Finely carved, the snake tightly coiled around the tortoise, the scales of the snake and carapace of the tortoise carved with intricate detail and a heightened sense of naturalism. The underside is equally well-carved, the cord channel runs through underneath the snake's body. The eyes are inlaid in dark horn. The two reptiles were thought to have been from the same species due to their similar head shape. Therefore, rather than being engaged in a battle, these two creatures are depicted in a loving embrace.
LENGTH 5 cm
Condition: Very good condition, minor wear.
Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related wood netsuke sold at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 4 June 2021, Vienna, lot 218 (
sold for EUR 4,045
).
Another closely related wood netsuke was sold at Lempertz, Auction 1146, 7 December 2019, Cologne, lot 226 (
sold for EUR 4,464
).