Lotus netsuke

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Datepossibly 19th century
MediumTagua nut
DimensionsOverall: 3.5 x 4.1 cm (1 3/8 x 1 5/8 in.)
Credit LineGift of Robert S. Wolfe, Class of 1967
Object number1992.11
On view
DescriptionThe word netsuke is formed using the symbol ne (根) meaning “root" and tsuke (付) meaning “attach.” The first netsuke were created in late sixteenth-century Japan as simple button fasteners for pouches and other containers that were hung on the sash (obi 帯) of a kimono. As time progressed, the carving of these small figures became increasingly intricate as netsuke transformed from purely functional objects into fashionable indicators of status. Netsuke commonly depict imagery from nature, myth, and Japanese history. Beginning in the late nineteenth century, netsuke also became a popular type of collectible in the West. Netsuke carved lotus blossom from tagua nut with two holes in the back for stringing.

Additional Details

Oni in a box netsuke
Unknown artist, Japanese
Date: 19th century
Medium: Boxwood, mother-of-pearl
Object number: 1992.13
Netsuke of a bearded man
Unknown artist, Japanese
Date: 19th century
Medium: Ivory, wood, metal
Object number: 1992.14
Mendicant netsuke
Unknown artist, Japanese
Date: 19th century
Medium: Boxwood
Object number: 1992.16
Foo Dog Netsuke
Unknown artist, Japanese
Date: 19th century
Medium: Ceramic
Object number: 1992.10
Two Rats on a Mussel Netsuke
Unknown artist, Japanese
Date: 19th century
Medium: Carved wood
Object number: 1992.17.2
Monkey Netsuke
Unknown artist, Japanese
Date: 20th century
Medium: Carved boxwood
Object number: 1992.12
Ivory man
Unknown artist, Japanese
Date: Early 19th century
Medium: Ivory
Object number: 1992.15
Photograph by John Bentham.
Date: early 19th century
Medium: Gouache and gold over white ground on paper
Object number: 1986.26
© Lorna Simpson. Image courtesy of the Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art, Clinton, NY. Photog…
Lorna Simpson
Date: 1996
Medium: Portfolio of 21 photogravures with text printed on 30C (300 lbs.) Somerset paper.
Object number: 2016.11
Photograph by John Bentham.
David Esterly
Date: 1993
Medium: Limewood
Object number: 1993.37
Photo by John Bentham.
William H. Beard
Date: 1878
Medium: Oil on canvas, mounted on masonite
Object number: 1971.1
© 2021 The Jacob and Gwendolyn Knight Lawrence Foundation, Seattle / Artists Rights Society (AR…
Jacob Lawrence
Date: 1977
Medium: Lithograph
Object number: 2020.2