Netsuke
late 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 of attaching the cord. In this example, there are a pair of holes (himotoshi) on the bottom of the sandal. 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 netsuke.
From the 18th century onwards, many more makers signed their netsukes. This example is signed Masakatsu. This netsuke is highly realistic from the tiny suckers attached to each tentacle to the placement of its limbs. Around the 1750s, netsuke craftsmen carved their subjects in a more realistic style. They became interested in surface texture as illustrated upon this netsuke. The netsuke can be appreciated from all angles and despite its seeming simplicity the subtle details on the squid lend a greater realism to the piece.
From the 18th century onwards, many more makers signed their netsukes. This example is signed Masakatsu. This netsuke is highly realistic from the tiny suckers attached to each tentacle to the placement of its limbs. Around the 1750s, netsuke craftsmen carved their subjects in a more realistic style. They became interested in surface texture as illustrated upon this netsuke. The netsuke can be appreciated from all angles and despite its seeming simplicity the subtle details on the squid lend a greater realism to the piece.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Carved Boxwood |
| Brief description | Netsuke, wood, squid, signed by Masakatsu, late 19th century, Japan |
| Physical description | Netsuke in wood of a squid, signed by Masakatsu |
| Dimensions |
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| Content description | Squid, Masakatsu |
| Marks and inscriptions | (Signed Masakatsu) |
| Credit line | Bequeathed by C. A. Heimann Esq. |
| 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 of attaching the cord. In this example, there are a pair of holes (himotoshi) on the bottom of the sandal. 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 netsuke. From the 18th century onwards, many more makers signed their netsukes. This example is signed Masakatsu. This netsuke is highly realistic from the tiny suckers attached to each tentacle to the placement of its limbs. Around the 1750s, netsuke craftsmen carved their subjects in a more realistic style. They became interested in surface texture as illustrated upon this netsuke. The netsuke can be appreciated from all angles and despite its seeming simplicity the subtle details on the squid lend a greater realism to the piece. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.70-1920 |
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| Record created | June 25, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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