Netsuke of Woman Reading from a Scroll
Unknown Artist
19th century
Medium
Ivory
Dimensions
H. 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm); W. 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm)
Classification
Netsuke
Culture & Period
Japan · Edo (1615–1868) or Meiji period (1868–1912)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Russell Sage, 1910
Accession Number
10.211.421
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite netsuke, carved from ivory in 19th-century Japan during the Edo (1615–1868) or early Meiji (1868–1912) period, a serene woman absorbed in reading from a scroll. Measuring just 1 1/2 inches high, it exemplifies the netsuke's role as a functional yet artistic toggle. Worn on a kimono sash (obi) to secure inro pouches for medicines, pipes, or seals, netsuke evolved from practical objects into coveted miniature sculptures, showcasing the carver's mastery in a palm-sized form. Ivory's creamy translucency and fine grain made it ideal for intricate detailing, allowing the unknown arti...