Lizard on a Branch Netsuke Bead
This is a highly detailed and expertly carved netsuke bead. The artist's signature is carved on the "cut" end of the branch.
In traditional Japanese dress from the 17th century, the inro box (compartments that stacked together) hung from the obi (belt like sash) of a kimono, on a double cord. At the top of the cord, a large carved bead called a netsuke 根付 acted as a toggle to anchor the inro. A much smaller carved bead called an ojime bead, helped to keep the inro box closed.
Most of our netsuke have authentic double-holes in the base, so when strung on a necklace they will hang upside-down. These Netsuke beads are hand-carved by contemporary Chinese Master-Carvers (not children), who take up to four hours to make each one.
This bead is 63mm long by 22.3mm wide by 19.5 mm high.
This is an unbelievable value for such craftsmanship.
These Netsuke beads made fantastic adornments on ceramic jars with lids. Drill the lid in the center with a drill with a bit for ceramic surfaces. Drill a matching hole in the bottom of the bead about half an inch deep. The find a screw that is the same drilled width and put the screw up through the bottom of the lid with a rubber washer to cushion it. Then screw the bead on the top. You want a short enough screw so that the bead sits snug.