These two unusual characters are quite popular in Japan. One, Ashinaga-jin (足長人), has extremely long legs, while the other, Tenaga-jin (手長人), has extremely long arms. The two work together as a team to catch fish by the seashore. In order to do this, the long-armed man climbs onto the back of the long-legged man who then wades out into the shore waters, staying above water with his long legs, while the other (Tenaga) uses his long arms to grab fish. This netsuke has a nice old patina and may have been made in Japan. It is signed but we have not been able to read the signature which is quite indistinct. Height 10.5 cm. Width 3.2 cm. Depth 2.0 cm.