Netsuke (Long-Legs Ashinaga and Long-Arms Tenaga)

Japan, second half of 19th century

Ivory carving, coloured details

H: 8 cm

O 211

Long-Legs Ashinaga and Long-Arms Tenaga catching fish. Ashinaga and Tenaga are figures from Japanese folk mythology (Long-Legs walked to the sea carrying Long-Arms on his back, where Long-Arms would catch fish with his hands).

A netsuke is a decorative button that was tied to an inro box with a silk cord. The netsuke was fastened behind an obi sash.