A boxwood shunga netsuke depicting a figure seated on the shell of a giant hamaguri (Oriental clam). The man is shown with a strained expression on his face and horn-inlaid eyes, as he struggles to free part of his trousers caught inside the clam. The scene alludes to a man entangled in an erotic relationship from which he desperately attempts to escape, as the shell symbolically represents the vulva. Netsuke, composed of the kanji ne (根), meaning "root," and tsuke (付け), meaning "to attach," are small Japanese sculptures originally used as fasteners to secure objects to the sashes of kimono (obi 帯). From the late 19th century they became highly collectible in Europe and America, admired for the variety of subjects, the fine details, the patina and their strong tactile appeal. The netsuke is in very good condition. Please refer to the pictures for further details. The item will be carefully packed and shipped via DHL or FedEx, accompanied by the original certificate of authenticity issued by Mastromauro Japanese art gallery based in Milan, Italy. 808