Netsuke thumbnail 1
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Japan, Room 45, The Toshiba Gallery

Netsuke

ca. 1775-1850 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The netsuke is a toggle. Japanese men used netsuke to suspend various pouches and containers from their sashes by a silk cord. Although netsuke were made in a variety of forms, the most widely appreciated is the katabori (shape carving). This is a three-dimensional carving, such as this one of beanpods. This type of netsuke, which have no surface texture, are deceptively simple. The maker had to have great carving skills to make them appear realistic.

Netsuke had to be small and not too heavy, yet bulky enough to do the job. They needed to be compact with no sharp protruding edges, yet also strong and hardwearing. Above all they had to have the means of attaching the cord. Most netsuke had a pair of cord holes (himotoshi). Alternatively the netsuke were fitted with a natural opening through which the cord could be attached. Here the maker has used the stalk of one of the beanpods.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Carved ivory
Brief description
Netsuke, ivory, beanpods, ca.1775-1850
Physical description
This carved ivory netsuke is in the form of three beanpods.
Dimensions
  • Length: 4.6cm
Style
Credit line
Clarke-Thornhill Gift
Subject depicted
Summary
The netsuke is a toggle. Japanese men used netsuke to suspend various pouches and containers from their sashes by a silk cord. Although netsuke were made in a variety of forms, the most widely appreciated is the katabori (shape carving). This is a three-dimensional carving, such as this one of beanpods. This type of netsuke, which have no surface texture, are deceptively simple. The maker had to have great carving skills to make them appear realistic.

Netsuke had to be small and not too heavy, yet bulky enough to do the job. They needed to be compact with no sharp protruding edges, yet also strong and hardwearing. Above all they had to have the means of attaching the cord. Most netsuke had a pair of cord holes (himotoshi). Alternatively the netsuke were fitted with a natural opening through which the cord could be attached. Here the maker has used the stalk of one of the beanpods.
Collection
Accession number
A.46-1920

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Record createdDecember 15, 1999
Record URL
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