Two Birds Netsuke

Hand-carved boxwood ornament drawing upon the tradition of finely carved Japanese netsuke, the miniature toggles used from the 17th century onward to secure small containers to the sash of a kimono, which evolved over time into a celebrated form of sculpture in its own right. Netsuke carving reached its artistic peak in the Edo period (1603-1868), when specialist carvers produced miniature sculptures of extraordinary technical virtuosity, animals, mythological figures and everyday subjects rendered in forms small enough to hold between finger and thumb yet possessing the full quality of major sculpture in their observation, finish and expressive power. In Japanese tradition, two birds carved side by side symbolise harmony, companionship and a balanced relationship, a meaning that gives this small, beautiful object a significance well beyond its scale. A deeply meaningful gift for anyone celebrating a relationship worth marking. Made exclusively for Museum Selection.

Colour: Brown
Boxwood
4.5 x 3 x 3cm
Clean with a soft cloth