Dimensions: Height 5,2 cm Wide 2,2 cm Depth 2,5 cm

Weight: 11,2 grams

Small carved wooden figure, likely a Japanese netsuke, depicting a smiling child or a boy (potentially a karako or Buddhist acolyte) carrying a large rectangular box over one shoulder.

Netsuke are miniature sculptures traditionally used in Japan as toggles to secure small personal items (like inro or pouches) to a kimono's sash. A bald, round-faced child, possibly meant to represent a playful or humorous figure from Japanese folklore or daily life, the child is holding a large box inscribed with kanji characters. The box has a vertical inscription in Japanese:

吸物椀 (suimono-wan): "Soup bowls"

十人前 (jūnin-mae): "Portion for ten people"

The box is humorously labeled as “Soup bowls for ten people,” suggesting either an exaggerated burden or a comedic element typical of netsuke.

Smooth wood, warm reddish-brown tone and fine grain, likely made from boxwood (tsuge in Japanese). Boxwood is a traditional material for netsuke carving because of its durability, fine grain, and ability to hold intricate detail.

This netsuke combines functionality, charm, and humor—characteristics prized in such objects. The oversized box humorously implies a heavy load carried by a small child, perhaps referencing generosity, burden, or service.

The clean carving and inscription suggest it may date to the late Edo to Meiji period (19th century).