Boy with a Barrel - Stg Antler Netsuke

Description

Netsuke of a boy holding a barrel over his shoulder.  The material is stag antler.  Notice how cleverly the artist has used the branch in the antler to create the barrel. The himotoshi are large pointing to a 19th centery origin.  Thee back side is stained and smoothed by wear.  The visible hollow ends of the antler have been plugged to complete the design.  The figure weighs in at about 1/2 ounce and is 2" tall, 1 3/4 wide at the barrel and about 3/4" thick.  A very nice netsuke. Clearly one made to be used not just for collectors.