A boxwood netsuke depicting a reclining karako (Chinese boy, 唐子) playing a drum. The netsuke is finely executed, with particular attention to the folds of the kimono and the detailing of the underside, where the feet can be seen. Himotoshi on the underside. The karako motif is very common in Japanese art and symbolizes joy, prosperity, and good fortune; these child figures embody innocence and hope for the future. 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. 234