2003
Type: Netsuke
Sold. USA, private collection.
Materials: Plum wood. Amber inlay.
Dimensions: 55×31×23 mm.
Suddenly frozen in a movement,
I am looking at a branch,
That turned into a snake...
S. O.
A snake traditionally is considered to be a symbol of wisdom. Is it because snake is often observed in a state of tranquility and abstraction? Nobody will assign the wisdom quality to a continuously jumping gerbil.
The plum wood has a beautiful natural color. I stained the stripes on the back of the snake just a little bit. I hollowed the stump the snake is resting on leaving just a thin outer shell. Unfortunately, the photos did not come out well enough to give ability to view this piece in details. The eyes are inlayed with amber.