Artwork preview

Netsuke of Owl and Two Owlets

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

A small, intricately carved wooden or ivory sculpture of a bird with two young. The bird has a textured body resembling feathers, with a small beak and black eyes. It sits on a branch adorned with flowers or berries, with two smaller owlets nestled beside it, also on the branch. The sculpture is likely a netsuke, a type of Japanese toggle used to secure clothing. The background is a plain gray color. The title of the piece is "Netsuke of Owl and Two Owlets".

Artwork Details

Date
18th–19th century
Medium
Ivory
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
599 × 399 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette