Netsuke

Art Historical Context

This exquisite wooden netsuke, carved in 17th-century Japan during the Edo period (161–1868), exemplifies the masterful artistry of a time when samurai culture flourished alongside burgeoning merchant wealth. Netsuke were ingenious toggles designed to secure inro (small lacquered medicine or tobacco pouches) to traditional kimono sashes, as Japanese garments lacked pockets. Crafted from wood—a favored medium for its workability—these tiny sculptures (just 5/8 inch high and 1 1/2 inches in diameter) demanded extraordinary precision, transforming everyday utility into wearable art. Though the a...