1930s Ooak Japanese Kissing Monkeys/Lacquer Box/Gems

Details

Description

1930s Japanese hand carved lacquer box with cherry blossoms. I added the vintage Netsuke Monkeys to the lid and natural … Read more 1930s Japanese hand carved lacquer box with cherry blossoms. I added the vintage Netsuke Monkeys to the lid and natural Garnets to their heads after drilling into them to create a cavity. I also filled the hole of the Netsuke with a natural Citrine.
A netsuke (pronounced net-skeh) is a miniature sculpted toggle from 17th-century Japan. Because traditional kimonos had no pockets, men suspended personal items—like tobacco pouches or medicine cases (inrō)—from cords tucked behind their sashes (obi). Netsuke acted as functional counterweights to keep the cords from slipping.
During the Edo period (1615–1868), netsuke transitioned from simple, functional toggles into highly coveted, ornate fashion accessories. Because wealthy merchants were forbidden by strict sumptuary laws to wear conspicuous jewelry or lavish fabrics, they poured their wealth into commissioning incredibly detailed, miniature works of art.
Overall in very good condition. Some wear, minor superficial cracks on top, consistent with age. See pictures for condition.
I have been following the monkey Punch on his journey and fell in love with him. For those of you who know his story, I am sure you understand.
Lacquering in Japan dates back to the Jōmon period (c. 10,000–300 BCE), but flourished during the Edo Period (1603–1868). Red lacquer typically gets its rich vermilion tone from natural urushi mixed with cinnabar (mercurial sulfide) or iron oxide pigments.
Like you there is only one. See less