Sagemono "Ningyo" (Mermaid) by Nagashima Shinya — Deer Antler, Glass & Buffalo Horn

A hanging ornament (sagemono) by Nagashima Shinya — a mermaid in deer antler with glass and water-buffalo horn, an octopus perched on her head. 7.6 cm. One piece, from the artist's gallery in Nezu, Tokyo.

Nagashima Shinya belongs to the generation of Japanese carvers who have taken netsuke technique beyond the kimono sash: sage pieces like this one are made to hang from a cord or bag, and the elongated form gives him room for narrative. The mermaid is worked in deer antler; glass and dark buffalo horn supply the eyes and inlaid accents, and the small octopus settled on her head is the kind of detail his collectors look for — half joke, half folklore. The carving is complete on every side and finished to a soft polish.

Details

• Artist: Nagashima Shinya (永島信也), Tokyo · Contemporary, signed
• Materials: Deer antler, glass, water-buffalo horn · Size: 7.6 × 1.8 × 1.1 cm
• Single piece

Watch: Nagashima Shinya's work

Another Nagashima piece, "Foxfire," filmed by Gallery Hanakagesho in Nezu — the gallery this mermaid comes from. For the full story, see the gallery's interview with the artist.

Please read before ordering

• One of a kind. We confirm the piece is still available with the gallery within one business day; if it has sold we refund in full immediately.
• Water-buffalo horn is not a CITES-listed material. No ivory, whale or marine mammal material. Ships with gallery documentation.
• Ships from New Jersey in 2–3 weeks. Price includes all import duties. Fully insured, signature required.