Netsuke thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Netsuke

19th century (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. 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 for attaching a cord. Netsuke were made in a variety of forms, the most widely appreciated being the katabori (shape carving), a three-dimensional carving, such as this one in the form of Gama Sennin with his toad, signed Hokyudo Itsumin.


Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Carved wood
Brief description
Netsuke, wood carved with Gama Sennin with his toad, signed Hokyudo Itsumin, Japan, 19th century.
Physical description
This carved wood netsuke is in the form of Gama Senin with his toad.
Dimensions
  • Estimate through the cabinet height: 5.4cm
Style
Marks and inscriptions
Translation
Hokyudo Itsumin
Credit line
Shipman Bequest
Subjects depicted
Summary
The netsuke is a toggle. Japanese men used netsuke to suspend various pouches and containers from their sashes by a silk cord. 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 for attaching a cord. Netsuke were made in a variety of forms, the most widely appreciated being the katabori (shape carving), a three-dimensional carving, such as this one in the form of Gama Sennin with his toad, signed Hokyudo Itsumin.
Collection
Accession number
A.50-1952

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Record createdMay 5, 2009
Record URL
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