A marine ivory manju netsuke, finely carved and embellished with gilt-metal appliqués. The decoration features bundles of bamboo set within a dense arrangement of chrysanthemums (菊, kiku). Signed beside the himotoshi. ---The netsuke is in good condition. Some leaves have been restored. Please refer to the pictures for further details. 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 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. This item cannot be sold outside the EU--- 443