RETRACTED TURTLE ATTRIBUTED TO KAIGYOKUSAI MASATSUGU

The turtle is simply depicted with its limbs and tail retracted and its head slightly emerging from its carapace.  The upper shell is divided into hexagonal sections by finely engraved lines whilst the scales beneath are carved in relief where they overlap.

Although signed Masatsugu, the carving bears remarkable similarities to studies of turtles by Ohara Mitsuhiro, a similar example of which was sold in these rooms 19th December 1963. For another, see Victor Harris, Netsuke, The Hull Grundy Collection in the British Museum, p.71, no.318.

The turtle as well as being an emblem of longevity also has much felicitous symbolism attached to it and is still today a traditionally popular gift given on celebratory occasions.