Netsuke, toggle of ivory

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This ivory netsuke is carved into a kettle with fox head and tail and a man kneeling either side. A netsuke is used to fasten an inro, a lacquered container, which hung from the sash of a man's kimono. They became miniature art forms in their own right.

This netsuke refers to the story about a badger who turned into a singing kettle and made a fortune for a tinker. When stolen he played up and he is sometimes confused with the fox. The netsuke is signed Ikko, a late 19th century artist.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-002-119-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1946.425
• Date: 19th century
  
• Material: Ivory. Inscription: Ik-ko
  Netsuke
  
• Dimensions: 2.50" L
  
• What: Netsuke
  
• Subject: Netsuke / ivory
  
• Who: Ik-ko (Maker)
  
• Where: Japan
  
• Event:
• Description: Netsuke of carved ivory, the badger kettle with two boys either side, signed: Japan, by Ik-ko, 19th century
  
• References:
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