Artwork preview

Netsuke of a Group of Rats Nestled in an Abalone Shell

Masamitsu

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

A group of rats nestled in an abalone shell. The shell is curved and brown with a wavy edge. The rats are small and carved from a light brown material. There are around 10 rats visible. They have small black eyes and rounded ears. Some rats are curled up while others are sitting upright. The rats are clustered together inside and on top of the shell. The background is a plain off-white color.

Artwork Details

Date
late 19th century
Medium
Ivory, horn
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
600 × 434 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette