Netsuke in shape of puppy

Description:: Netsuke in the shape of a puppy, made by Waraku in Osaka, Japan around 1850. Stained ivory with eyes inlaid in buffalo horn. In the mid-18th century, fluffy, chubby puppies painted by Kyoto artist Maruyama Ōkyo (1733–1795) became very popular. Netsuke artists were also influenced by this artistic trend. In Japan, the dog became associated with an easy childbirth. Therefore, pregnant women often visit a shrine on the day of the dog which comes once every twelve days. Exhibited in 'Zodiac Netsuke: Animals of the Japanese Zodiac in Miniature', 6 December 2024 - 23 March 2025.

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