Netsuke, toggle of ivory

This netsuke is made of ivory carved into the shape of a clam shell with a palace inside. A netsuke is used to fasten an inro, a small lacquered container, which hung from the sash of a man's kimono. They became miniature art forms in their own right.

This detail shows the partially open clam revealing a group of small buildings, a bridge and figures representing the palace of the dragon king of the sea. The mirage is caused by the clam's breath rising above the waters also known as the clam's dream.

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