{"product_id":"antique-japanese-netsuke-crouching-man-with-rake-bone-or-ivory-substitute-unsigned-1-5","title":"Antique Japanese Netsuke - Crouching Man with Rake, Bone or Ivory Substitute, Unsigned, 1.5\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eA wonderfully expressive antique Japanese \u003cstrong\u003enetsuke\u003c\/strong\u003e depicting a crouching man — likely a farmer, woodcutter, or laborer — holding a rake or comb-like implement raised behind his shoulder. The figure is carved with remarkable detail and vitality: a broad, characterful face with a mustache and goatee, deeply set eyes, a flat cap, and robes rendered with incised line work filled with dark ink to enhance the carving's depth and definition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe material is \u003cstrong\u003ebone or ivory substitute\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a beautiful warm honey-amber patina that speaks to considerable age and handling. The compact, rounded form is characteristic of the finest netsuke carving tradition — designed to sit comfortably in the hand and tuck smoothly under the obi sash. The \u003cstrong\u003ehimotoshi\u003c\/strong\u003e (cord holes) are present on the underside, confirming its original function as a toggle for a Japanese inro or pouch.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnsigned, as is common with many fine netsuke, particularly earlier examples. The quality of the carving — the expressive face, the fluid robes, the dynamic crouching pose — suggests a skilled hand. A wonderful piece for collectors of Japanese decorative arts, netsuke, or Asian antiques.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: Netsuke (Japanese toggle)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubject: Crouching man with rake — farmer or laborer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial: Bone or ivory substitute with warm amber patina\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetails: Ink-filled carved line work; himotoshi (cord holes) present on underside\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeight: 1.5\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSignature: Unsigned\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCondition: Good antique condition; rich patina consistent with age and use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Ro and Bettes Attic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43454873075771,"sku":null,"price":95.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0667\/0296\/6843\/files\/IMG_1283_d852a5f2-c287-45f2-a0b7-230242a25b20.jpg?v=1777136486","url":"https:\/\/ro-and-bettes-attic-2.myshopify.com\/products\/antique-japanese-netsuke-crouching-man-with-rake-bone-or-ivory-substitute-unsigned-1-5","provider":"Ro and Bettes Attic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}