A Boxwood Netsuke Of Nitta No Shiro Riding A Boar

A Japanese boxwood netsuke depicting a scene from Japanese mythology of a warrior called Nitta No Shiro riding a wild boar.

Nitta No shiro holds firmly in his hand a tanto, a traditional Japanese sword, with a sure and determined grip. The tanto itself is made with great attention to detail, with a sharp blade.

This netsuke from the Edo period (1603-1868) tells a story dating back to the 12th century of the warrior Nitta No Shiro defending the Shogun of Japan Minamao No Yoritomo from the attack of the enraged boar. The Warrior became very famous after his heroic deeds and passed into Japanese folklore as a cult hero.

Origin: Japan

Period: Edo 19th century

Dimensions: 3,5 x 5 x 2,2 cm. 

State of preservation: Very good