Carved Bovine Bone Or Cinnabar Stained Resin Rabbit Netsuke Style Figurine Appraisal

Carved Bovine Bone or Cinnabar-Stained Resin Rabbit Netsuke Style Figurine

This item is a compact, intricately carved sculptural piece depicting a cluster of huddled rabbits or hares, styled after a Japanese katabori netsuke. The piece is characterized by a dense, rounded composition where multiple figures are intertwined, creating a tactile and organic form. The material appears to be either bone or a high-quality resin composite designed to mimic aged ivory or bone. It features a cream-colored base with a heavy brown or ochre staining within the recessed areas to accentuate the fine-line carving that represents fur texture. The surface exhibitions a varying patina with darker concentrations in the crevices, which is a common technique to simulate age and highlight craftsmanship. Physical characteristics include small inlaid or painted dark eyes on the rabbits and visible anatomical details such as paws and ears tucked into the mass. The condition shows minor surface wear consistent with handling, but no major chips or structural cracks are immediately visible. The style suggests a 20th-century production, likely an export or decorative piece rather than a period antique. The level of detail in the fur indicates a high level of decorative craftsmanship, though the uniform color of the staining suggests a mass-produced or studio-produced origin rather than a unique artist-signed piece.