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<p><b>A Japanese netsuke carved from ivory of a boy holding a peach, measuring approximately 3 1/2 ins. in length, unsigned, dating to the Meiji Period. </b> It is carved from end-tusk marine ivory which has been plugged on the base. There is one age crack in the boy’s head that does not go through the ivory. There are many wonderful stories in Japan about the peach, which is revered by the people and is thought to have mysterious powers, usually to bring happiness. In one legend, the peach tree, or <i>momo</i>, was given the name <i>Okantsumi-no-mikoto</i>, or Great Sacred Fruit Deity, by Izanagi-no-mikoto, who threw peaches at the demons pursuing him. This netsuke most likely represents the children’s story of Momotaro, a boy who was born from a peach found in a stream by an old woman. A charming piece for your collection. |
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