Ornament Item Number: Ed5.1440 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Netsuke carved of medium brown wood, roughly in the form of a cone-shaped seed pod, with 8 rounded cylindrical pieces projecting from holes in the base. Pieces can move freely in holes. Projecting from top of cone is an irregularly cylindrical piece representing a stem, bent down and attached to lower edge. Surface of cone is striated; bottom surface is stippled.
History Of Use
Toggle used to support an inro on a belt. This netsuke is carved in the form of a lotus seed pod, the protruding pieces presenting seeds. This form was a common subject for netsuke carvers. Netsuke were worn by Japanese men from the late 16th to mid-19th centuries; strung on one end of a cord, at the other end of which was attached an inro, smoking accessories, purse or other things. A bead (ojime) was strung on the cord. The cord was put through the wearer's girdle and the netsuke prevented the objects from slipping through.
Cultural Context
worn by men
Item History
- Made in Japan before 1953
- Collected before 1953
- Owned by Marion Stephan
- Owned by Charles H. Stephan before January 10, 1977
- Received from Charles H. Stephan (Donor) on January 10, 1977
What
Who
- Culture
- Japanese
- Previous Owner
- Marion Stephan and Charles H. Stephan
- Received from
- Charles H. Stephan (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Japan
When
- Creation Date
- before 1953
- Collection Date
- before 1953
- Ownership Date
- before January 10, 1977
- Acquisition Date
- on January 10, 1977
Other
- Item Classes
- carvings & sculpture
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 79
- Accession Number
- 0352/0174