Netsuke of an Acrobat – Carved Tagua Nut (Vegetable Ivory)

Materials and techniques: Tagua nut (Phytelephas macrocarpa), stained and polished, with natural grain utilized to emphasize anatomical forms.
Dimensions: approx. 3.4 × 2.6 × 2.2 cm

Description:
A charming and unusual small netsuke carved from the natural rounded shape of a tagua nut, depicting a contortionist or acrobat balancing on all fours, his legs arched over his shoulders and hands planted firmly on the ground. The expression is comic yet empathetic, typical of late-Meiji to early-20th-century folk interpretations of karakuri or street-performer themes. The artist has skillfully exploited the natural curvature and coloration of the tagua nut to define the body contours and accentuate musculature.

Condition:
Good overall condition with minor handling wear and traces of old polish. Slight surface patination and natural fissures inherent to tagua material. No significant losses.

Provenance:
Private European collection.

Remarks:
Tagua nut, sometimes called “vegetable ivory,” was used in Japan during the Meiji period as an alternative to ivory due to its hardness, smooth texture, and warm coloration. Netsuke of circus performers, dancers, and acrobats were popular export subjects symbolizing agility, humor, and playfulness. This particular example shows fine carving with attention to gesture and proportion, comparable to small-scale folk carvings from Nagoya and Yokohama workshops c.1900–1920.