Monkey

This sculpture, carved from moose antler, is the embodiment of playfulness and longevity. The Monkey in Japanese culture symbolizes protection from evil forces, wisdom, and wit. Here, it mischievously shelters itself with the precious Reishi mushroom, widely known as the “Mushroom of Immortality.”
​The amber inlaid eyes give the face liveliness and cunning, the meticulous detailing of the fur. The urushi lacquer and hiramefun (silver powder) creates mashroom very natural. This contrast between the earthly (the monkey) and the celestial (the mushroom of immortality) makes the netsuke more than just a figure—it is a miniature good luck charm.
​Height 5.3 cm. Carved from moose antler with amber inlay, urushi lacquer, hiramefun silver powder, and stained with yashabushi.
2015. Switzerland, private collection.