Netsuke
ca. 1800 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The netsuke is a form of toggle used to hold a small box to the sash worn with the traditional Japanese kimono. It became an expressive medium for carvers, who adapted all sorts of designs, frequently incorporating humour, into this small format. This netsuke in boxwood, with earrings of ivory, shows Daruma during his legendary nine years of meditation. His expression appears to be one of bored resignation to his ordeal. During his meditation Daruma allegedly lost the use of his legs, and in some versions of the story actually cuts off his eyelids to prevent himself falling asleep.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Carved and stained wood, with ivory details |
| Brief description | Figure of a seated Daruma, carved wood and ivory, Japanese, 19th century; Woo, Japan, dress accessories, wood |
| Physical description | The netsuke is a form of toggle used to retain a small box (inro) to the sash worn with the traditional Japanese kimono. It became an expressive medium for carvers who adapted all sorts of designs, frequently incorporating humour, into this small format. This netsuke in boxwood, with earrings of ivory, shows Daruma during his legendary nine year meditation. His expression appears to be one of bored resignation to his ordeal! |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Marks and inscriptions | Shumin (Japanese) |
| Summary | The netsuke is a form of toggle used to hold a small box to the sash worn with the traditional Japanese kimono. It became an expressive medium for carvers, who adapted all sorts of designs, frequently incorporating humour, into this small format. This netsuke in boxwood, with earrings of ivory, shows Daruma during his legendary nine years of meditation. His expression appears to be one of bored resignation to his ordeal. During his meditation Daruma allegedly lost the use of his legs, and in some versions of the story actually cuts off his eyelids to prevent himself falling asleep. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | CIRC.27-1918 |
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| Record created | February 21, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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