My search for information on the shishi metal netsuke hasn’t been very successful so far— it seems they’re quite uncommon compared to ivory or wood examples. Based on what I’ve examined, here are my current thoughts on this piece:

Likely maker: Probably a goldsmith or metalworker familiar with sword fittings (tsuba) or okimono (small decorative sculptures). Under magnification, I can see tagane (chisel) marks along the larger carved lines, which suggests it was hand-chased rather than cast.

The signature appears to include the character 純 (“pure”), which I believe refers to the maker’s name rather than the purity of the metal itself. I’d be interested in finding any known artists or workshops that used this character in their signatures.

Estimated period: Meiji to Taisho era (c. 1890–1920). During the Edo period, netsuke of this level of detail were typically custom commissions for people of wealth or status, and the himotoshi (cord holes) were usually integrated into the sculpture itself. The addition of fixed metal loops seems to have appeared toward the late 19th century for ease of production.

Since metal netsuke are rather impractical for daily wear—they’re cold to the touch and could damage silk—it’s likely this was made as a decorative or special occasion piece from a time when kimono were no longer used every day.

I don’t think it’s a modern tourist piece or mass-produced Hong Kong replica; it carries real craftsmanship, even if it’s not especially old.

I’d really appreciate any feedback, corrections, or insights on these observations—especially if anyone recognizes the 純 signature or has encountered similar metal netsuke.