Ideal Harmony

This is not just a netsuke, but a deeply personal talisman (omamori) created to capture and protect the spirit of a family. The title “Ideal Harmony” reflects the essence of this two-sided story.
The composition brings into perfect balance three powerful energies from the Japanese Zodiac (Eto), representing the family members. Woven together here are:
​The Rooster (Tori): A symbol of diligence and keen insight.
​The Boar (Inoshishi): A symbol of fearless courage and determination.
​The Rat (Nezumi): A symbol of prosperity and resourcefulness, the messenger of the wealth god Daikoku.
​The work does not merely depict them, but creates a visual and spiritual harmony between them, uniting different characters into a single whole.
If the obverse is a portrait of the family, the reverse represents the eternal blessings invoked for them:
​The Turtle (Kame): The most powerful symbol of longevity (10,000 years) and wisdom.
​The Frog (Kaeru): A beloved talisman in Japan. Its name is a pun on the verb “to return” (kaeru), and it serves as a charm to ensure that good fortune, wealth, and family members will always return home safely.
​Thus, “Ideal Harmony” is a complete charm: it is the harmony of the family, reinforced by harmony with luck, longevity, and prosperity.
​Materials: Mammoth tusk, inlay (amber, black buffalo horn).
​Coloring: Yashabushi, Walnut ink.
​Size: 2 inches (≈5.1 cm) in diameter, 1/2 inch (≈1.3 cm) thick.
 2010. Private collection, USA.