Netsuke, molded celluloid, Japan, 19th century
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
19th 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. This netsuke depicts the Japanese legend of Gama Sennin, a Chinese alchemist (Liu Hai) who learnt the power of immortality from a three-legged toad.
It is made from an early plastic known as celluloid and has a seam, from where the two halves have been joined, running along the length of the piece. Celluloid was first developed in England around 1850 from a natural plant fibre and is very easy to mold and shape. It began to be manufactured in Japan during the late 19 th and early 20 th centuries. Often utilised as a replacement for ivory, due to its light weight and easily tinted material, celluloid was sometimes used to produce netsuke. Netsuke of Gama Sennin with a toad on his shoulder in molded celluloid
Bequeathed by Captain H. B. Murray, 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
- molded celluloid
- Dimensions
- Height: 6 cm cm
Technical characteristics
- 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-O492601
- Museum object name
- Netsuke
- Holding institution
- Victoria and Albert Museum, London
- Museum object number
- A.1042-1910
- Museum system number
- O492601
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.