Netsuke
ca. 1800-1850 (made)
| Artist/Maker |
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. Netsuke were made in a variety of forms, the most widely appreciated is the katabori (shape carving). This example is a three-dimensional carving in the form of an ox and a boy on his back playing a flute.
Both wood and ivory were traditionally the most widely used materials for making netsuke. Since trees grow abundantly throughout Japan, wood is not only readily available but many varieties are comparatively cheap. There is also a long tradition of expertise in wood carving in Japan. This is a rare netsuke that uses both wood and ivory.
From the 18th century onwards, netsuke were increasingly signed with the artist’s name. This example is signed Genryosai.
Both wood and ivory were traditionally the most widely used materials for making netsuke. Since trees grow abundantly throughout Japan, wood is not only readily available but many varieties are comparatively cheap. There is also a long tradition of expertise in wood carving in Japan. This is a rare netsuke that uses both wood and ivory.
From the 18th century onwards, netsuke were increasingly signed with the artist’s name. This example is signed Genryosai.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Carved and stained wood and ivory |
| Brief description | Netsuke of a a boy playing a flute on a recumbent ox, carved wood and ivory, signed Genryosai, ca. 1800 - 1850 |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Credit line | Dresden bequest |
| Object history | Bequeathed by Mr. Edmond Dresden, accessioned in 1904. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project. |
| 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 of attaching the cord. Netsuke were made in a variety of forms, the most widely appreciated is the katabori (shape carving). This example is a three-dimensional carving in the form of an ox and a boy on his back playing a flute. Both wood and ivory were traditionally the most widely used materials for making netsuke. Since trees grow abundantly throughout Japan, wood is not only readily available but many varieties are comparatively cheap. There is also a long tradition of expertise in wood carving in Japan. This is a rare netsuke that uses both wood and ivory. From the 18th century onwards, netsuke were increasingly signed with the artist’s name. This example is signed Genryosai. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 372-1904 |
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| Record created | January 30, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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