Not on display

Netsuke

18th century (made)
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 lion.

Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Carved wood
Brief description
Netsuke, wood carved with lion, Japan, 18th century.
Physical description
This is a carved wood netsuke in the form of a lion.
Dimensions
  • Height: 3.5cm
Style
Credit line
Wheatley 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. 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 lion.
Collection
Accession number
A.41-1918

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Record createdMay 5, 2009
Record URL
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