Netsuke, toggle of ivory

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This ivory netsuke is of a man hiding a mask behind his back from a child sitting in front. 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 image is of the base of the netsuke shows the care taken in carving even the unseen feet. The mask of green painted ivory is tied on through the himetoshi, holes for passing the cord through. There is also a four character unidentified signature.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-004-267-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1914.1389
• Date: 19th century
  
• Material: Ivory
  Netsuke
  
• Dimensions: 1.38" H
  
• What: Netsuke
  
• Subject: Netsuke / ivory
  
• Who: Hotei
  
• Where: Japan
  
• Event:
• Description: Netsuke of carved ivory, Hotei? sitting holding a finger to his right eye at which a child gazes, behind him is a small green mask held by string, signed: Japan, 19th century
  
• References:
• Translations:
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