This is a netsuke of a rat, likely originating from Japan during (17th-19th Centuries).

The tiny sculpture, likely carved from ivory or bone, portrays a rat dressed in what appears to be a patterned kimono, carrying a bundle on its back and using a walking stick for support. The natural aging process would add a warm patina to the material, accentuating the intricate details of the carving. It reflects the culture's fascination with animals.

National Museum, Tokyo

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