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Collections

Masatami
Animals of Cardinal Directions: Snake encircling Tortoise, Dragon and Tiger under Wings of a Phoenixmid-19th century

Not on view
Small wood netsuke carving of intertwined fantastical creatures including a bird, dragon, and tortoise, in chestnut-brown polished wood with intricate surface detail
Carved wood netsuke depicting a tangled group of animals, including a large creature with open mouth and visible claws at the base, with smaller figures and flowing, feathered forms massed above; warm dark brown patina with finely detailed surface texture.

Masatami, Animals of Cardinal Directions: Snake encircling Tortoise, Dragon and Tiger under Wings of a Phoenix, mid-19th century, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. G. W. Mead, photo © Museum Associates/LACMA

Artist or Maker
Masatami
Title
Animals of Cardinal Directions: Snake encircling Tortoise, Dragon and Tiger under Wings of a Phoenix
Place Made
Japan
Date Made
mid-19th century
Period
Edo period (1603-1868) or Meiji period (1868-1912)
Medium
Wood with inlays
Dimensions
Width: 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. G. W. Mead
Accession Number
M.59.35.10
Classification
Costumes
Collecting Area
Japanese Art