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Japan supernatural
2 Nov 2019 - 8 Mar 2020
Netsuke
Netsuke
On traditional Japanese garments, women’s sleeves were partially sewn up and could be used as pockets, while men’s sleeves were open, leaving nowhere to keep small personal items. Instead, men carried objects in pouches and boxes hanging from cords. The cords were slipped under their wide sash belts and balanced by a small weight – the netsuke. Usually carved from wood, horn or ivory, these little sculptures were objects of fashion and could take any form, including yōkai.
'Netsuke in the form of a mushroom with 'okame' leaning against it and 'oni' crouching under it'
'Netsuke in the form of a demon chanting Buddhist sutra', 1800s
'Netsuke in the form of a seated skeleton hitting a 'wooden fish' bell ('mokugyo')', 1800s
'Netsuke in the form of a fox disguised as a woman dancing', 1800s
'Netsuke in the form of a monkey dressed as a court noble' 1800s
'Netsuke in the form of a Kirin' 1800s
'Netsuke in the form of 'Ashinaga' carrying 'tenaga' who is holding an octopus' 1800s
'Netsuke in the form of Hotei (?) carrying a child on his shoulders' 1800s
'Netsuke in the form of a festival group with a mask, drums and lanterns' 1800s
Netsuke in the form of 'peach boy', 1900s
