Netsuke
1800 - 1850
Medium
wood (plant material)
Dimensions
2.2; 3.3; 3.2
About this artwork
On loan from the Royal Asian Art Society in The Netherlands (Westendorp-Osieck bequest, 1968)
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the palm of your hand, this exquisite *netsuke* by the artist Ransen (ca. 1800–1850) exemplifies the pinnacle of Edo-period craftsmanship. Netsuke were ingenious toggles worn on traditional kimono sashes to secure small pouches or inro medicine boxes, transforming everyday utility into miniature artistry. Carved during Japan's vibrant Tokugawa era when urban culture flourished in cities like Edo (modern Tokyo), these objects captured the imagination of samurai, merchants, and collectors alike, often depicting whimsical creatures, deities, or daily life scenes. Crafted from wood—a p...