Hugely Empathetic Antique Beeswax Creature (Boar?) for Waxing Thread Native pottery a type of traditional Japanese

a type of traditional Japanese marquetry which originated during the Edo period in Hakone

This beautiful piece feels as if it were sliced directly from the earth's crust

I haven't learned whether the hand gestures of our angels here symbolize specific things

the top layer this fantastic old green

definitely made more so for the toll the years have taken on them

Hugely Empathetic Antique Beeswax Creature (Boar?) for Waxing Thread Native pottery a type of traditional JapaneseThis guy! The dealer I purchased him from described him as a boar, though perhaps her's a hedgehog with matted bristles, or who knows? but what a homely charmer! I believe he would have been used for waxing thread in sewing (strengthening the thread and making it easier to use) and clearly he's an old one, with the wax of his face having aged to nearly black. I'd keep him out of the hot sun, but otherwise he should endure for another lifetime. 2 7 8"