NETSUKE, hand-carved, made of ivory, around 1900, signed, size 4 x 4.4 cm. Since traditional Japanese clothing had no pockets, everyday items such as like purses or small stacking boxes (Inro) for seals, stamping ink, tobacco or even medicine (summarized under the term hanging things = Japanese sagemono) are attached to the belt (obi). For this purpose, so-called N e t s u k e served as a counterweight and toggles, which have two small holes for a cord for attachment. Belt jewelry remained an accessory in Japanese men's fashion until the 19th century. These netsuke have developed from everyday objects into miniature works of art with unusual motifs. Here the turtle even has a horse on its shell. [hint: this is an automatic translation from German]   |   Category: folk arts   |   Material: Elfenbein   |   Country of origin: Japan | Similar pieces