Desnudo erótico reclinado en postura yoko-fuse, netsuke de marfil de mamut inspirado en el shunga, finales de Shōwa, 85 mm

Stretched in the yoko-fuse pose of the reclining Edo beauty, this mammoth ivory nude conveys eroticism through rhythm and negative space alone. At 85 mm long, with no props and no second figure, it distills Japanese erotic restraint into a single quiet gesture.

The Piece

This reclining netsuke-scale female sculpture, carved in mammoth ivory, was made for private appreciation rather than public display. The elongated horizontal pose, known as yoko-fuse, is a classical Japanese device associated with intimacy, repose and unguarded sensuality. Without narrative props or additional figures, the full emphasis falls on the human form, in keeping with refined Edo ideals of erotic restraint.

The bent arm supporting the head creates ease and interiority, while the extended legs emphasize continuity and flow rather than tension; the posture suggests availability without confrontation. The pose appears frequently in ukiyo-e bijin-ga and in later three-dimensional erotic miniatures. The eroticism is contemplative, inviting the viewer to linger rather than react, in line with shunga's view of pleasure as a natural human state.

The ivory shows a warm, translucent tone with subtle grain consistency, consistent with genuine keratinized tusk rather than substitute materials. Anatomical proportion is confident despite the narrow width, particularly in the shoulders, hips and calves, and the polish is even, without over-buffing, the mark of experienced handling and of workshop-grade artisan work rather than tourist novelty.

In the Showa period, erotic figural works persisted quietly at netsuke scale, allowing artists to carry shunga traditions forward despite censorship. Reclining single figures were especially favored because they could be read as decorative or classical rather than explicitly erotic, and small size, neutral expression and portability made them ideal for private collectors. The elongated format sets this piece apart from the more common kneeling or crouched figures, and it will appeal to collectors of erotic netsuke and ivory miniatures, shunga-inspired figural sculpture, mammoth ivory carving and minimalist Japanese erotic art.

Details

• Object: Erotic netsuke-scale reclining female figure (shunga-inspired figural sculpture)
• Era: Likely late Showa period (circa 1960s–1980s), referencing Edo-period reclining beauty (yoko-fuse bijin) iconography
• Origin: Japan
• Material: Keratinized mammoth ivory (ke-naga mammoth tusk), hand-carved and polished
• Measurements: Approx. 85 mm (L) × 17 mm (W) × 23 mm (H)

Condition

• Excellent, with a smooth, even polish and natural ivory patina.
• No visible cracks, repairs or losses.
• Surface integrity consistent with careful handling and proper aging.

Authenticity & Care

Warm, translucent tone and consistent grain identify genuine keratinized mammoth tusk rather than a substitute material; late Showa dating is a stylistic attribution. Every piece is examined and documented in Japan before dispatch and is offered with the Japonista authenticity guarantee.

Delivery from Japan

Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Returns follow our published policy.

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