Netsuke, ivory oni on hat, Japan, 18th century
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
18th century
The netsuke is a toggle. Above all they had to have the means of attaching the cord. This is a three-dimensional carving, such as this netsuke of an oni (demon) on a tattered hat. Both wood and ivory were traditionally the most widely used materials for making netsuke.
This example is carved from ivory, which was an expensive luxury material. At the time this netsuke was carved, only ivory from the Indian elephant was used and was imported by Chinese and Dutch traders. This example is signed Masatsugu and depicts the animated form of a demon crawling over a tattered hat, perhaps belonging to a farmer or a pilgrim. The demon's mischievous expression illustrates the oni 's playful and troublesome nature. This netsuke is skillfully carved with the smooth contours of the demon's body neatly contrasting with the woven form of the hat. Netsuke in ivory of an oni ontop of a tattered hat.
Bequeathed by Mr. George Salting, accessioned in 1910.
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
- Material
- Carved ivory
- Dimensions
- Height: 2.69 cm; Diameter: 4.45 cm
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Masatsugu
- Place recorded
- Japan
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum, London collection record for this single object (sentences kept verbatim apart from removed sale or rarity wording); how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Candidate id
- vam-O492966
- Museum object name
- Netsuke
- Holding institution
- Victoria and Albert Museum, London
- Museum object number
- A.777-1910
- Museum system number
- O492966
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: confirm the wider type, maker and dating against a specialist reference; this entry documents one recorded example.