Ornament

Item number Ed5.1440 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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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.