This is a detailed antique Japanese netsuke depicting a rat resting on a coiled snake. The carving captures the expressive features of both animals with finely incised scales and fur textures.
The piece measures approximately 1 3/8 inches wide and 1 inch tall, making it a compact and traditional netsuke size.
The netsuke is signed on the base near the rat’s tail. Two drilled holes are present for cord attachment, which allowed netsuke to function historically as toggles used to secure personal items worn with traditional Japanese garments.
Animal-themed netsuke are highly collectible, and the rat and snake pairing makes this piece especially interesting to collectors of Japanese folklore and zodiac-related carvings.
The piece is slightly darker in color than it appears in the photos.
A wonderful addition to any Asian antiques, netsuke, or miniature carving collection.
Unless marked new or new old stock, vintage items are sold in used, as-is, pre-owned condition.
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