#4566 Rare Old 19th C Japanese Signed Netsuke Carving year of the Rat Pendant

Superb Old 19th century Finely carved wood netsuke figure of Rats representing the year of rat  , artist's signature on the back, with original holes .   Size: Length of the carving is 2 inches long and 2.25" w/ the silver  and 1 inches high 1" Deep  Good condition.( In Japanese culture, rats represent working diligently and thriftiness, so people born in a Rat year are thought to be wealthy and prosperous.)

Netsuke Originating in 17th century Japan during the Rare  Period, Netsuke  are toggles that attach pouches to the traditional robes, kimonos. Men’s kimonos had no pockets (the women’s version had large sleeves to carry and contain items), so out of necessity, small pouches were needed. Netsuke served as anchors in order to secure these pouches to their cloth belts on a cord.