Bidspirit auction | Two Japanese Carved Netsuke, Meiji

Two Japanese Carved Netsuke, Meiji Period - Two Japanese hand-carved netsuke toggles The larger figure depicts a seated mask carver or actor in a crouching pose, holding a smiling Okame Noh mask. The carving is accentuated with a dark stain to highlight the depth of the robes and the expressive facial features. Two integrated cord holes (himotoshi) are located on the reverse. Two incised characters are present on the lower reverse edge, though they are not clearly legible for specific attribution. The smaller figure depicts an elderly bearded sage or scholar in a contemplative seated pose with hands tucked into his sleeves. The ivory is largely unstained, exhibiting a natural mellowed patina, and features delicate incised geometric patterns on the hems of the garment. Two himotoshi are positioned on the reverse. This figure is unsigned.