Netsuke
1800-1850 (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. 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
Raiden (God of Thunder) can be distinguished due to the drum positioned on his back. In a storm Raiden would beat the drum to produce the sound of thunder. This netsuke is signed Ikko (Kazutora).
Raiden (God of Thunder) can be distinguished due to the drum positioned on his back. In a storm Raiden would beat the drum to produce the sound of thunder. This netsuke is signed Ikko (Kazutora).
Object details
Category | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Carved wood with ivory |
Brief description | Netsuke, wood carved with Raiden (god of thunder) with his drum, signed Ikko (Kazutora), Japan, first half of the 19th century. |
Physical description | This carved wood netsuke is in the form of Raiden (god of thunder) with his drum, inlaid eyes and studs in the drum, ivory fangs. |
Dimensions |
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Style | |
Marks and inscriptions |
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Credit line | Shipman Bequest |
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 Raiden (God of Thunder) can be distinguished due to the drum positioned on his back. In a storm Raiden would beat the drum to produce the sound of thunder. This netsuke is signed Ikko (Kazutora). |
Collection | |
Accession number | A.48-1952 |
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Record created | May 5, 2009 |
Record URL |
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