These might be toads. Not sure, but cute. One has the ball and the other wants it. I am guessing they are playing rugby.
This Netsuke bead that was hand-carved by a master from boxwood. The carvers initials are engraved on the bottom. This is our last one of this design and the artist has retired, so there are no more available after this one is sold. Definitely a collector's piece if you are getting this as a gift.
Netsuke pronunciation: ˈnetso͝oˌkē net-soo-key. Netsuke definition: The term or two characters in Japanese for Netsuke mean root or to attach to.
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.
Product code 136.