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Netsuke

Netsuke

  • Place of origin:

    Japan (made)

  • Date:

    early 19th century (made)

  • Artist/Maker:

    Unknown (production)

  • Materials and Techniques:

    Carved wood

  • Museum number:

    A.744-1910

  • Gallery location:

    In Storage

  • Download image

The netsuke (a kind of toggle) depicts the goddess Okame holding the overtly phallic nose of the mask of a long-nosed tengu (a mythical creature). Quite aware of the suggestive nature of the long nose, she giggles coyly behind the sleeve of her kimono. The long-nosed tengu is sometimes identified with the male Shinto deity Sarutahiko no Mikoto, who was captivated by Uzume, the Shinto goddess of mirth, with whom Okame in her turn has become associated.

Physical description

The netsuke depicts the goddess Okame holding the rather phallic nose of the mask of a long nosed tengu. Quite aware of the suggestive nature of the long nose, she giggles coyly behind the sleeve of her kimono. The long-nosed tengu is sometimes identified with the male Shinto deity Saruta-hiko, who was captivated by Uzume, the Shinto goddess of mirth with whom Okame in her turn has become associated.

Place of Origin

Japan (made)

Date

early 19th century (made)

Artist/maker

Unknown (production)

Materials and Techniques

Carved wood

Dimensions

Height: 4.8 cm

Collection code

EAS

Download image
Qr_O75197
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