Description
This Japanese Meiji Period Monkey Sagemono by Mitsukuni dates to circa 1890 and comprises a carved wood tonkotsu, ojime and netsuke, all united by a continuous monkey subject and suspended from a dark blue woven cord.
The large tonkotsu is carved in high relief with numerous monkeys climbing amongst the branches of a fruiting tree, gathering peaches and interacting throughout the densely worked composition. Selected fruits and leaves are picked out with contrasting inlays, while the monkeys have individually carved fur, facial features and inlaid eyes. The fitted cover continues the scene across the upper section of the container and to the inside where a further monkey is carved.
The ojime is itself carved as a small monkey wrapped around the suspension cord, incorporating the functional opening into the figure. The accompanying katabori netsuke depicts a mother monkey closely embracing her young, with finely worked hair across both figures and contrasting inlaid eyes.
The tonkotsu is signed Mitsukuni (光邦) on a rectangular mother of pearl tablet inset beside the tree trunk. The larger netsuke is also signed Mitsukuni (光邦) with the characters carved directly into the wood.
The unusually large scale of both the netsuke and tonkotsu, combined with the depth and precision of the carving throughout, demonstrates the exceptional skill and technical ability of Mitsukuni.
View the full Japanese Satsuma Collection.
MEASUREMENTS
– Netsuke signed 5cm High x 5cm Deep x 4cm Wide (1.97 x 1.97 x 1.57 Inches)
– Ojime 3.5cm High x 3cm Wide x 3cm Deep (1.38 x 1.18 x 1.18 Inches)
– Tonkotsu 10cm High x 9cm Wide x 7.5cm Deep (3.94 x 3.54 x 2.95 Inches)
CONDITION
Excellent, beautiful patination and colour all round.
Literature
See a similar but not as detailed sagemono in the Heritage Museum & Gardens Asian Art Collection Virginia, USA.
WHAT IS A NETSUKE 根付?
A Netsuke is a miniature sculpture originating in 17th century Japan. Initially it began as a simply-carved button fastener on the cords of an inro which was later developed into ornately sculpted objects of craftsmanship.
WHAT IS AN OJIME 緒締め?
Ojime 緒締め translated as cord fastener is a small bead used in Japanese inro. It is typically under an inch in length and uniquely carved to match the inro and netsuke it was intended for. Its purpose is to fasten the cord of the inro so that it does not unstack while carried.
What is a Tonkotsu (豚骨 / 猪骨)?
A tonkotsu is a traditional Japanese single compartment container designed specifically to carry loose leaf tobacco. During the Edo and Meiji periods, traditional Japanese attire such as the kimono lacked pockets, so men carried personal items suspended from their waist sash using a cord assembly known as a sagemono. The tonkotsu served as the primary tobacco box within this setup, functioning alongside a sliding bead known as an ojime and a carved toggle called a netsuke, which anchored the entire ensemble over the sash.
Unlike formal lacquerware inro that were used to hold medicines and seals, tonkotsu were purpose built for tobacco and were typically crafted from sturdy, organic materials like carved hardwoods, natural wood burls, bamboo roots, or dried gourds. These containers were often decorated with high relief carvings and elaborate inlays of mother of pearl, ivory, and horn, depicting scenes from nature, folklore, or mythology to reflect the taste and status of the owner.
WHAT IS THE JAPANESE MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1912)?
The Meiji era marked Japan’s transformation into a modern nation and a golden age of decorative arts. With the end of samurai rule and Japan’s opening to the West, artisans produced works of exceptional quality for both domestic and international audiences. Supported by the government through world fairs and Imperial commissions, Japanese lacquerware, cloisonné, satsuma ceramics, bronzes, and ivory carvings reached collectors worldwide. Many leading artists of the time, including Makuzu Kozan and Namikawa Yasuyuki, were honoured as Imperial Household Artists, ensuring the Meiji period remains one of the most celebrated eras of Japanese art.
For further information please see our article Japanese Meiji Period: Art, Collecting, and Cultural Transformation.
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