Netsuke, toggle of ivory

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 netsuke shows a man with a small boy on his lap. He is pointing at his eye whilst talking to the child. His other hand holds a mask behind his back, possibly hiding it. The sash on the child's kimono is tortoiseshell.

Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.