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 of attaching the cord. In this example, there are a pair of holes (himotoshi) on the bottom of the sandal. Although netsuke were made in a variety of forms, the most widely appreciated is the katabori (shape carving). This is a three-dimensional carving, such as this netsuke.
The shibayama design with inlaid materials creates a netsuke with both vibrant colouration and intricate detailing.
The shibayama design with inlaid materials creates a netsuke with both vibrant colouration and intricate detailing.
Object details
Category | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Carved ivory inlaid with ivory and mother of pearl |
Brief description | Ivory netsuke with coral and mother-of-pearl decoration, with a design of a badger disguised as a teamaster, signed by Shibayama Yasunobu, 19th century |
Physical description | Ivory netsuke with coral and mother-of-pearl decoration, with a design of a badger disguised as a teamaster, signed by Shibayama Yasunobu, 19th century |
Dimensions |
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Content description | badger, teamaster, tanuki, tea kettle |
Marks and inscriptions | (Signed by Shibayama Yoshinobu) |
Credit line | Given by Mrs Fox |
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. In this example, there are a pair of holes (himotoshi) on the bottom of the sandal. Although netsuke were made in a variety of forms, the most widely appreciated is the katabori (shape carving). This is a three-dimensional carving, such as this netsuke. The shibayama design with inlaid materials creates a netsuke with both vibrant colouration and intricate detailing. |
Collection | |
Accession number | A.85-1915 |
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Record created | June 25, 2009 |
Record URL |
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