AN AMUSING STAG ANTLER TRICK NETSUKE OF AN OCTOPUS INSIDE A POT Unsigned Japan, Tokyo, second half of 19th century The pot finely carved simulating a wicker basket, the inside revealing something movable. An octopus (tako) hides within the pot, a play on the takotsubo motif, and when tilting the netsuke, jumps out. The tako has large inlaid eyes and his funnel-shaped mouth is pressed forward. A copper loop is attached to the basket and functions as the cord attachment. HEIGHT (of basket) 3 cm Condition: Excellent condition with natural ‘flaws’ to the material. Provenance: European collection.