The Anvil
I came across a thrush's anvil, the stone where the bird smashes the shells to eat the snails. I always find it upsetting to come across these mournful remains as I am very fond of snails.I collected several shells and carved this in response. I made no preliminary sketches or maquettes, I just waded in and I think it must have been a purple patch for the end result was pretty well exactly the same as the originals, carving the shells as thinly as I dared was without compromising the strength needed to make this a fully functional netsuke.I can honestly say I was pleased with this one...I hope to see it again one day.