Artwork preview

Netsuke of Octopus Holding Clam

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Octopus Holding Clam by Artist. A small, intricately carved object made of light-colored material, possibly ivory or bone. The object depicts an octopus holding a clam. The octopus has a large bulbous body with eight tentacles. Two of the tentacles are visible and wrapped around the clam. The clam is open, and the octopus appears to be holding it with two tentacles. The octopus has two large eyes with black pupils. The background is a plain gray surface, with a darker gray gradient at the top.

Artwork Details

Date
late 19th–early 20th century
Medium
Ivory
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
600 × 450 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette