THE STILL WITNESS

THE STILL WITNESS - Hand Carved in Deer Antler Crown

A unique and collectable sculpture by master carver Fumio Noguchi.

This is an exceptional and powerful work: a tuatara, carved in exquisite detail from a single piece of deer antler crown. A testament to Fumio's extraordinary talent, THE STILL WITNESS masterfully bridges the Netsuke traditions of his native Japan with the unique natural heritage of his adopted New Zealand.

The carving captures the ancient, watchful essence of its subject - a living fossil, and the sole survivor of a reptile lineage that walked with dinosaurs over 200 million years ago. The tuatara is depicted in a moment of lifelike stillness, its powerful body curving with grace. Every scale, and the distinctive spiny crest that runs from the top of the head to the tip of the tail, are rendered with remarkable precision.

Turn it over and you will find two silver fern leaves carved into the underside. Here the artist has inscribed his signature and the date the carving was completed.

This meticulous detail and concentrated pose are a direct reflection of Fumio's fascination with Netsuke, translating that intimate art form into a powerful, tactile sculptural object.

Carved from the dense, naturally beautiful crown of a large deer antler, the material’s inherent strength and organic form become one with the subject, creating a piece of substantial weight and permanence. A truly unique taonga (treasure) for the serious collector.

For the bold: this substantial piece can be fitted with an adjustable cord, transforming this extraordinary sculpture into a powerful and wearable statement. If you would like a cord fitted, please let us know in the comments field at the checkout.

One only - Delivery with Express Courier is included in the price.

Artist: Fumio Noguchi

Material: Deer Antler Crown

Size: 80mm (3.1") long; 75mm (2.9") wide; 49mm (1.9") high

Weight: 190 grams