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.
This netsuke was probably produced in the Hirado kilns in Kyushu. The combination of an insect on fruit was a common theme and a symbol of impermanence. It was a particularly popular motif for netsuke carvers.
This netsuke was probably produced in the Hirado kilns in Kyushu. The combination of an insect on fruit was a common theme and a symbol of impermanence. It was a particularly popular motif for netsuke carvers.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Porcelain glazed and enamelled |
| Brief description | Netsuke, porcelain glazed and enamelled with aubergine and spider, Japan, 19th century. |
| Physical description | This glazed and enamelled porcelain netsuke is in the form of an aubergine and spider. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Credit line | Clarke-Thornhill Gift |
| 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. This netsuke was probably produced in the Hirado kilns in Kyushu. The combination of an insect on fruit was a common theme and a symbol of impermanence. It was a particularly popular motif for netsuke carvers. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.43-1920 |
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| Record created | May 5, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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