Japanese Netsuke with Pair of Perched Birds pins graphite-colored mark to the surface

graphite-colored mark to the surface

The vase is signed Pottery Craft USA on the side near the base

I'm not sure if it was a kid or an artist who made it (it is signed S

The planter has a radius of 5

Japanese Netsuke with Pair of Perched Birds pins graphite-colored mark to the surfaceThe world of Japanese Netsuke is incredibly complex (and incredible!), and I am no expert; I bought this piece, as I often do, as impetus to do some learning. I just love the form of these two facing perched birds, joined at the tips of their beaks and feet, with the arcs of their necks almost forming a heart and the negative space between the feet and the base rather like a keyhole. I'm pretty certain this is a 20th century piece made for the tourist