Netsuke, wood, squid, signed by Masakatsu, late 19th century, Japan
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 19th century
The netsuke is a toggle. Japanese men used netsuke to suspend various pouches and containers from their sashes by a silk cord. In this example, there are a pair of holes ( himotosh i) on the bottom of the sandal.
From the 18 th century onwards, many more makers signed their netsukes. This example is signed Masakatsu. This netsuke is highly realistic from the tiny suckers attached to each tentacle to the placement of its limbs. Around the 1750s, netsuke craftsmen carved their subjects in a more realistic style. They became interested in surface texture as illustrated upon this netsuke. The netsuke can be appreciated from all angles and despite its seeming simplicity the subtle details on the squid lend a greater realism to the piece.
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
- Dimensions
- Length 5.40 cm
- Materials and techniques
- Carved Boxwood
Technical characteristics
- Place recorded
- Japan
Identification
- Candidate id
- vam-O461223
- Museum object number
- A.70-1920
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked single-object source. Wider type attribution and authenticity have not been independently verified.
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 and source attribution against specialist references.