Netsuke, Minkoku, 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 Raijin and Fujin.
In Japanese mythology Fujin, the God of the Wind, and Raijin, the God of Thunder, are depicted, as within this netsuke, as a horned demons with humanistic features. Fujin is illustrated carrying a large bag on his back containing windy weather and Raijin holding a thunder drum. Japanese and Chinese mythology and folklore provided a rich source of inspiration for Japanese carvers due to the rich diversity and fantasy of the subjects. Netsuke in ivory of Raijin the Thunder God and Futen the Demon of the Winds, signed Minkoku. Fujin is depicted with a bag slung over his right shoulder and Raiden is reclining holding a drum.
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: 1.9 cm; Length: 5.39 cm
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Minkoku
- 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-O492753
- Museum object name
- Netsuke
- Holding institution
- Victoria and Albert Museum, London
- Museum object number
- A.11-1918
- Museum system number
- O492753
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.