Beautiful detailed erotic couple, mammoth tusk ivory, "shunga" netsuke

• The artist signature is carved under the stand in red ink.
• This extremely detailed erotic netsuke has been crafted from a small piece of mammoth ivory tusk. Look at the sexual connotations that are vividly portrayed in these erotic netsuke's.

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• This fossil ivory or Mastodon ivory is harvested from the fossilized remains of the woolly mammoths (Mammuthus primigenius) that have been extinct since 10,000 years. The remains of these huge animals are found in Siberia, Alaska and other regions of Russia. The fossilized ivory is extracted from the permafrost. The Mammoth ivory is as good as elephant ivory when it comes to its quality and luster.
• Wooly mammoths have been extinct for the past 10,000 years and is not listed in the Appendices to the CITES nor is mammoth ivory subject to control as per the listed Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance, Cap. 
• Using the angles of Schreger lines in Mammoth ivory can differentiate between elephant ivory and fossil ivory. You can see this reflected in the cross section of both elephant and mammoth ivory.
• Schreger lines on the mammoth ivory are less than 90 degrees while those on elephant ivory are more than 115 degrees. This is the best way to do differentiate between the two ivories.

While "shunga" typically refers to erotic art in Japanese, "netsuke" are small, intricately carved sculptures that served as functional and decorative toggles for traditional Japanese garments. When combined, the term "shunga netsuke" refers to netsuke featuring erotic or sexually explicit scenes.

Key Aspects of Japanese Shunga Netsuke:

• Function and Origin: Netsuke were initially developed in 17th-century Japan to secure items like pouches or containers to the sashes (obi) of traditional Japanese garments such as kimono. Shunga netsuke, however, added an erotic dimension to this functional art form.

• Artistic Depictions: Shunga netsuke feature explicit or suggestive scenes, often of a sexual nature. These scenes can include couples engaged in intimate activities, humorous sexual encounters, or mythical beings with erotic elements. The intention is not merely to titillate but often to provoke laughter, promote fertility, or convey cultural attitudes towards sexuality.

• Materials and Craftsmanship: Netsuke were crafted from various materials, including ivory, wood, and occasionally metal. Skilled artisans carved intricate details, capturing the nuances of the human form and the expressions of the characters involved in the erotic scenes. The craftsmanship was often of exceptional quality.

• Symbolism and Cultural Context: Shunga, in general, was a form of art that played a significant role in expressing and exploring human sexuality in Japan. It was not necessarily seen as pornographic but rather as a celebration of sensuality and fertility. Shunga netsuke, being small and discreet, allowed for a private appreciation of these themes.

• Collectors' Items: While shunga netsuke might be considered explicit, they are highly valued by collectors and art enthusiasts. Their small size, intricate details, and the skill involved in their creation make them sought-after items in the world of Asian art.

• Evolution and Transformation: As with many forms of art, the portrayal of sexuality in shunga netsuke evolved over time. While some adhered to traditional themes, others integrated Western influences during periods of cultural exchange.

• Contemporary Perspectives: Shunga netsuke continue to be discussed and appreciated in contemporary contexts. There is ongoing debate about their cultural significance, the portrayal of sexuality in art, and how they fit into the broader narrative of Japanese art history.

It's important to note that while shunga netsuke are recognized for their artistic and historical value, discussions around them should consider cultural contexts and sensitivities. They provide a unique window into the exploration of human sexuality and artistic expression in historical Japan.

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"Shunga" (春画) is a Japanese term that translates to "spring pictures" or "pictures of spring". However, the term is historically associated with a specific genre of erotic art in Japan. Shunga emerged during the Edo period (1603–1868) and was prevalent from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

Key features of shunga include:

• Erotic Art: Shunga primarily consists of explicit depictions of sexual activities, often featuring couples engaged in intimate acts. These artworks were created in various formats, including paintings, woodblock prints, and illustrated books.

• Cultural Significance: Shunga is not considered pornography in the same way as explicit modern content. Instead, it was culturally accepted and seen as a celebration of sensuality, an exploration of the human experience, and a reflection of the importance of fertility. Shunga was not hidden away but was rather accessible to a wide audience.

• Artistic Expression: Despite the explicit nature of the subject matter, shunga was often crafted with great artistic skill. It involved detailed and nuanced portrayals of human anatomy, emotions, and the dynamics of intimate relationships.

• Symbolism: Shunga often contained symbolic elements related to fertility and good fortune. It was believed that viewing or owning shunga could bring blessings, and it was sometimes associated with wedding rituals.

• Influence on Later Art: Shunga had a profound impact on later Japanese art, influencing the works of artists such as Kitagawa Utamaro and Katsushika Hokusai. Some aspects of shunga also found their way into ukiyo-e, a genre of woodblock printing that portrayed various aspects of urban life.

It's essential to recognize that cultural attitudes towards sexuality and art vary across different societies and historical periods. While shunga may seem explicit by contemporary standards, it was created within a cultural context where it served various purposes beyond mere titillation. Understanding the historical and cultural context is crucial when interpreting and discussing the meaning and significance of shunga.

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