Japanese silver chrysanthemum (kiku) netsuke, 19th century
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
second half of 19th century
This Japanese netsuke, crafted in the second half of the 19th century, is fashioned as a blooming chrysanthemum, or kiku. The object is composed of silver, featuring a central stamen finished in gilt metal.
The design is characterized by tightly formed, overlapping petals that curl inward toward the center to create a compact, rounded composition. On the underside of the piece, a looped stalk serves as the himotoshi, the traditional aperture through which a cord would be passed to attach the netsuke to a sagemono. The item is unsigned and demonstrates high-quality metalwork, measuring 4.5 cm in diameter and weighing 48.7 g.
The chrysanthemum motif is culturally significant in Japan, symbolizing royalty, longevity, and rejuvenation, and serves as an emblem for the Japanese Imperial Family. This piece serves as a functional toggle for traditional Japanese garments, combining practical use with intricate, organic sculptural design.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Weight
- 48.7 g
- Diameter
- 4.5 cm
- Material
- silver, gilt metal
Technical characteristics
- Attachment
- himotoshi
Design
- Motif
- blooming chrysanthemum (kiku)
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.