Netsuke

[daizawaguy]

Netsuke (Japanese:根付) are miniature sculptures that were invented in 17th-century Japan to serve a practical function (the two Japanese characters ne+tsuke mean "root" and "to attach"). Traditional Japanese garments—robes called kosode and kimono—had no pockets; however, men who wore them needed a place to store their personal belongings, such as pipes, tobacco, money, seals, or medicines.

My recently obtained Netsuke. I plan to make it into its traditional use - a cord is placed joining it and a pouch, with the Netsuke pushed through a belt, with the pouch hanging outside.

Early Meiji period. Ivory.

 

[daizawaguy]

 

[daizawaguy]

 

[Chainsaw]

I have a cool "medicine" cotainer a ex Japeese/Filipino girlfriend gave me. it's pretty cool.

 

[Bourbon Guy]

In America, netsuke's are a girl thing. Just saying.

 

[Feraud]

Since when?

 

[cookie]

The oriental specialist on UK Antiques Roadshow is always educating viewers on netsuke design and their provenance. That is a beauty.:eusa_clap

 

[daizawaguy]

 

[daizawaguy]

 

[Lou]

Interesting. I wouldn't have expected that design.

 

[JimWagner]

Something like that might make an interesting pocket watch fob.

 

[Mahagonny Bill]

:eusa_clap Very cool! I especially like the braid work on the cord. :eusa_clap

 

[Chas]

Nice; I always wanted netsuke but never seem to find them where I'm at. I especially like the uhhhh....risque ones.

 

[LaMedicine]

Nice; I always wanted netsuke but never seem to find them where I'm at. I especially like the uhhhh....risque ones.

I saw quite a few at a large antiques fair once. Pretty expensive, even on Japanese terms. There are merchants who deal exclusively with them.

 

[Talbot]

Cheerfull little guy isn't he?