Featured Is this a netsuke?

There is a hole top to bottom and one side to side, is this a netsuke?

I'm thinking "ivory", which means I probably should have passed on it, but it was very inexpensive ($3) perhaps due to what looks like a few spots of damage. (See last two photos.)

Curious about age, anything you can tell me. All info much appreciated.

 

Sure looks like ivory from here too, and definitely a netsuke. He looks like a sumo wrestler. He looks pretty old, old enough that it's too bad he's not signed. I'd have glommed him for $3 too.

 

It's a bead and not a netsuke

 

Lucille, I'm assuming you did, but didn't mention it.....did you check the bottom of the feet ?? I tend to think Netsuke too, but not sure.........

 

I've never seen a netsuke where the cord holes are positioned like these. Normally the "2" holes are on the back of the figure and are really only a single hole - in one, out the other.

For this guy the cord would have to wrap around him in front.

 

Oh dear. I just saw the "other holes" (which also make no sense - UNLESS it's a BEAD!)

 

it could be used as a Netsuke...but in the classic sense...i don't think it is..

 

I think he looks more Chinese than Japanese. Just found this similar example, described as a pendant (the one on the right):

https://www.invaluable.com/auction-...-one-worked-as-a-white-metal-247-c-41447f2976

 

Apart from needing underpants I'm wondering what he has slung over his shoulder.

 

What a deal very nice.

 

BTW, awesome find on the link, 2many. Thank you. It does seem to be what this is. Especially that piece at the top of both mine and the linked piece would hold part of the missing pendant, would also explain the bead-like nature of this.

I kinda wondered about the underpants. Didn't know what to make of that. Do you think you would normally see those kind of body parts on a pendant like this or is that some kind of "cover" and I'm looking at it too literally?

As for over the shoulder, mine has something broken off. Maybe it was similar to the pendant.

 

Also thanks to 2Many's keywords, "Chinese Pendant", just found this. Calling this one a "toggle". Not exactly the same, but similar.

https://auction.catawiki.com/kavels/9757575-antique-ivory-toggle-china-early-20th-century

 

Yes, very similar! So there seems to be a type - young boy without pants , with something on one shoulder. We need one of our Asian specialists who may be familiar with the character/symbolism. @Any Jewelry or @Asian Fever?

 

that would account for the hole top & bottom... nice get..2MB...!

 

Looks like another one! Good find @i need help.

 

These were worn to ensure the birth of male children, aka boys. The hairstyle is very Chinese.
We had a silver one on the forum a while back, I think it was kard's.

Well, you need to see it is a boy, don't you. And Asian toddlers often walk around naked or bare-bottomed.

Netsukes always have two holes close together, either at the back or the base of a piece.

 

Are you sure its Ivory? Looks a bit resiny to me.

 

There are tiny lines in the material when viewed with a magnifier, so thinking ivory. Thanks.