Netsuke Identification-help needed

[C G Forrester]

I've recently come into possession of the object below and would like help identifying any information (maker, age etc.) as I'm very much a novice to the world of netsuke collection. I've been informed that it is made from keyaki wood. It features a chick within the egg, carved loose in such a way that when the netsuke is suspended, the chick's head hangs out.

[C G Forrester]

Further clarification - I suspect it's rather modern due to the positioning and size of the himotoshi, but would like confirmation. I've no intent of selling it regardless of value- it was a gift and I'm actually quite fond of the larger chick's grumpy face.

[ROKUJURO]

Chris,

with better photos, you will probably get a comment. Plain dark, non-reflecting background (not THAT flower vase!), presented as cut-outs, and nicely focused would help. 

I admit that these small objects are really difficult to photograph. You cannot go too close, and you need high-resolution. Making good photos of them is an art in itself.

[Matsunoki]

44 minutes ago, C G Forrester said:

suspect it's rather modern

Sadly you are correct. Unlikely to be Japanese, more likely Chinese. Not a true netsuke. 

[C G Forrester]

34 minutes ago, Matsunoki said:

Sadly you are correct. Unlikely to be Japanese, more likely Chinese. Not a true netsuke. 

Thanks for the helpful and concise response! I did suspect as much. Regardless, I'll treasure it from a sentimental standpoint - and it's rather appealing, especially at this time of year!

[ROKUJURO]

And Chris,

we should not forget that these are mostly still handmade! Probably not by renowned Japanese masters, and not old, and often made in series, but still individually made by skilled carvers.

It is a good idea to learn from these objects about design, material, artistic expression, and execution. 

[PietroParis]

Indeed, it's a mass-produced souvenir:

 

https://ebay.us/m/1HJRYB

 

https://spicersauctioneers.com/catalogue/lot/3854b156aa2e7af44cf82585fc6f87b3/2a6fa85538c56e3991b429b74f737ad8/antique-and-fine-art-lot-294/

 

In these cases I usually suggest a comparison with a genuine example, but I don't recall ever seeing an antique version of this model. Anyway, this is what genuine birds in wood might look like:

 

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/59041

Edited Friday at 10:22 AM by PietroParis