Netsuke of a Female Monkey Holding a Nut while her Baby Crawls on her Back 19th century

This 19th-century netsuke, carved by Masatami, depicts a mother monkey cradling a large nut while her baby monkey clings to her back. Netsuke are small, three-dimensional sculptures traditionally used in Japan as toggles to fasten items to a sash. The artist's meticulous attention to detail, evident in the fur and facial expressions of the monkeys, makes this netsuke a captivating example of the artistry of Japanese woodcarving. The mother monkey’s affectionate gaze towards her baby monkey highlights the importance of family and maternal care in Japanese culture. The nut, symbolic of abundance and prosperity, adds to the overall charm of this delicate yet powerful work.