Finely modelled in pale, milk-white Hirado porcelain as a double gourd (hyōtan), the upper bulb surmounted by a sensitively carved horse head emerging as a naturalistic finial. The neck of the gourd is encircled with underglaze brown enamel painted to imitate a tied cord, its ends trailing organically over the lower bulb.
The body is hollow and smoothly glazed, pierced with two neatly formed himotoshi for cord attachment. The restrained modelling, purity of glaze, and quiet elegance of the form are characteristic of Hirado porcelain netsuke made for refined taste rather than decorative excess.
The underside shows typical kiln wear and age consistent with Edo–Meiji period Hirado production.
A beautifully balanced and tactile example of Hirado work, combining symbolism, function, and sculptural simplicity.
Height: 8 cm
Width: 3.5 cm
Condition: Excellent, with natural kiln marks and age wear to the base.
