Japanese Meiji Period Netsuke Kappa & Octopus Signed

Japanese Meiji Period Boxwood Netsuke Kappa Octopus Raft - Circa 1890

This wonderful piece is, depicting Kappa & and an Octopus holding onto a log raft. The entire piece is finely carved from boxwood. The figures are set with tiny glass bead eyes to bring to life. The artisan workmanship is superb here. The netsuke signed underneath to a round ivory disc set into the wood. A highly collectible and original piece.

>  Condition: Excellent showing dark patina to the wood

The Kappa is a mythological monster said to inhabit ponds and rivers in Japan. The word ‘Kappa’ actually translates roughly to ‘water child.’ Kappa also has scaly skin, similar to that of a reptile. Their skin color varies but is said to come in hues of yellow, green, and blue. Kappas are said to have a humanoid figure with the shell of a tortoise on its back.

Ref: N406

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