Bidspirit auction | A Set of Three Japanese

A Set of Three Japanese Carved Boxwood Katabori Netsuke - A set of three Japanese hand-carved boxwood (tsuge) katabori netsuke depicting figures from East Asian folklore, likely members of the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin). The first figure is depicted squatting and hunched over a rectangular box or bale, holding an object to his face. The second figure is seated with a characteristically elongated cranium and a long, flowing beard, representing a deity of longevity and wisdom such as Fukurokuju or Jurōjin. The third figure is shown smiling and seated with a large sack draped behind his head. Each figure is functional, featuring two joined himotoshi holes on the reverse for the passage of a cord. The carvings exhibit fine incised lines to indicate textile patterns, hair, and beard textures, finished with a rich, honey-coloured aged patina. Heights: Approximately 3.5 cm to 5 cm Widths: Approximately 2.5 cm to 3.5 cm.