Artwork preview

Netsuke of Octopus

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Netsuke of Octopus by Unknown. Small, intricately carved octopus figurine with bulbous head and eight tentacles. The octopus has a light-colored body with darker suckers on the tentacles. The head is smooth and rounded, with two small circular eyes. The tentacles are curled and twisted, with suckers visible on the underside. The figurine appears to be made of ivory or bone, with a subtle sheen. It is positioned on a plain gray background, casting a faint shadow.

Artwork details

Date:
19th century
Medium:
Ivory
Culture:
Japan
Dimensions:
599 × 399 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette