A cornucopia
Some of my favorite objects in the museum’s fine collection are netsuke — delightful little mini-sculptures that I like to call Japan’s Edo Period cell phone charms, except netsuke are not only ornamental but highly functional.
The persimmon, a lovely symbol of fall
In a nutshell, they act as toggles (fasteners), used to secure a purse or container suspended on a cord from the sash of a robe. The museum’s labels explain:
An inro (literally “seal casket”) is a small tiered container that a man would suspend from the sash of his kimono on a silk cord. A netsuke threaded onto this cord would serve as a toggle, and a movable bead (ojime) would keep the inro closed. Inro were used not only to hold seals (sometimes called “chops”)—which function in East Asian cultures in much the same way signatures do in the West—but also to hold other small items such as medicines.
Many of our netsuke take on all manner of subjects: flora and fauna, daily life, objects, people, and more, all ranging from charming and whimsical to hyper-realistic and creepy. They are truly a sight to behold, a must see in our Japanese galleries. To glimpse some, you can search our online collection here.
Since I love food and I love netsuke, and for many, Thanksgiving is about feasting, here are some netsuke of the food persuasion. Please enjoy, and tell us — which ones do you like? (I saved one of the absolute best for last) Have you seen our netsuke before? If so, did you have favorite?
6 Responses to “A cornucopia”
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Nancy on November 27th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
All I can say is that it’s a good thing these are kept under glass. I drool over the Netsuke every time I visit the museum but I’m fickle. I pick a new favorite every time. Right now, I’m enchanted with one of the tiny deer but who knows where my fancy will land tomorrow? I’ve always admired the creative way that the Japanese have with design and these are all exquisite masterpieces.
bittermelon on December 1st, 2010 at 12:39 pm
Hi Nancy, thanks for commenting.
Glad to hear I’m not the only one who drools over our fab collection of netsuke.
Imin on December 1st, 2010 at 2:10 pm
The netsuke are amazing and charming. I never get tired of the collection. Also check out the netsuke in the book at the museum store about Gentleman’s Jewelry from Japan. There is one with a woman taking a bath and a frog that is taking an inappropriate peek and it is great!
corbella on December 1st, 2010 at 7:23 pm
coral netsuke are only worn by the samurai
Nancy on December 2nd, 2010 at 12:57 am
I’m going to have to be more careful with the drooling. The last time I was eying the netuske, the guards were eying me. I guess I gave off those “covet, covet” vibes.
Hellen on December 3rd, 2010 at 1:19 am
wow … I am going to break the glass and steal them ALL!