Netsuke, toggle of ivory (detail)

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This ivory netsuke is of Kiyohime, a dragon witch, who is wrapped round a temple bell. 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 netsuke is of Kiyohime. She turned into a dragon witch and wrapped herself around the temple bell, her fury fatally burning the priest who was hiding there to avoid her unwanted passionate love. This story was popular for both No and Kabuki plays.

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• Online ID: 000-190-002-123-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1946.205
• Date: 19th century
  
• Material: Ivory
  Netsuke
  
• Dimensions: 2.25" H
  
• What: Netsuke
  
• Subject: Netsuke / ivory
  
• Who: Kiyohime
  
• Where: Japan
  
• Event:
• Description: Netsuke of carved ivory, the dragon witch Kiyohime on the temple bell: Japan, 19th century
  
• References:
• Translations:
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