REDUCED Well-Carved Japanese Figural Netsuke Of A Toad, Signed

Collectibles : Ivory : Netsuke : Japanese : Toad : Frog

 

This well-carved ivory figural netsuke of a toad with bumpy skin and inlaid eyes is signed by the artist. It is in Very Good Condition, with just some expected age wear. It is 1 and 3/4 inches long. A netsuke is a form of small sculpture which developed in Japan over a period of more than three hundred years. Netsuke served both functional and aesthetic purposes. The kimono, the traditional form of Japanese dress, had no pockets. Women would tuck small personal items into their sleeves, but men suspended their tobacco pouches, pipes, purses or writing implements, on a silk cord, from their obi (sash). These hanging objects are called sagemono. To stop the cord from slipping through the obi, a small toggle was attached. The toggle is called Netsuke. Different styles of netsuke: The most common is the katabori or figural netsuke. There are also sashi or long, thin netsuke. Manju netsuke is in a round, flat shape. Kagamibuta (literally, "mirror lid") are a special type of netsuke with a metal lid and a bowl. Finally, there are mask netsuke, which are miniature versions of the masks used in Noh and Kyogen plays.

Item ID: A3834