Not on display

Netsuke

1700-1800 (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 a dog eating venison.

Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Carved wood
Brief description
Netsuke of a dog with a haunch of venison; wood; Minko, Japan, probably 1700-1870.
Physical description
This carved wood netsuke is in the form of a dog eating a piece of venison, which it is holding between its two front paws.
Dimensions
  • Height: 3.5cm
  • Length: 4.2cm
Style
Production
Attribution date is probable
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 a dog eating venison.
Collection
Accession number
A.50-1915

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Record createdMay 10, 2000
Record URL
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