Boxwood Japanese Owl Netsuke On Open Book Appraisal

Boxwood Japanese Owl Netsuke on Open Book

This is a meticulously carved boxwood (Tsuge) netsuke or small okimono depicting a great horned owl perched atop an open book. The piece is rendered in a naturalistic light brown finish, highlighting the fine grain characteristic of high-quality boxwood. The owl features expressive, large eyes, prominent ear tufts, and outstretched wings displaying individual feather detail and textural depth. Its talons are delicately carved as they grip the top edges of the book's pages. The book base is expertly rendered with fine, parallel lines along the top edges to simulate paper leaves, and smooth covers that provide structural stability. This item is likely a mid-to-late 20th-century artisanal creation inspired by traditional Japanese Meiji-style carvings. The craftsmanship displays high technical skill, evident in the dynamic pose and the lifelike texture of the plumage. No significant damage such as cracks or chips is visible, though a gentle natural patina is developing on the smoother surfaces of the book. Typically, such pieces may contain a hidden signature (mei) on the bottom or under the owl's wing, common for contemporary Japanese woodworking. The subject matter—an owl on a book—suggests a symbolic representation of wisdom and scholarly pursuit.