Okakoto - Monkeys netsuke
Kyoto, circa 1800
A pair of monkeys, seated in a futatsu-tomoe like pose. In this peaceful domestic scene, the larger male concentrates on picking a flea from his outstretched leg, while his mate gently grooms his right knee. There is a tenderness in this grouping, the female cupping her partner’s foot with her free hand, a gesture he accepts with apparent nonchalance. The finely detailed hairwork is enhance with sumi-e stain.
