Artwork preview

Netsuke of Monkey Scratching His Back

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

A dark brown wooden netsuke in the form of a monkey sitting on its haunches. The monkey is turned to the right, its head tilted down and to the right. The monkey's right arm is bent and rests on its right knee. The monkey's left leg is tucked under its body. The monkey's left arm is bent and the hand scratches its back. The eyes and nostrils are circular and indented. The netsuke has a glossy finish. The background is light gray. The object casts a shadow to the right.

Artwork Details

Date
19th century
Medium
Wood
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
600 × 400 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette