Netsuke, Japan, 19th century (465-1904)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
19th century
Netsuke in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (museum number 465-1904), made in Japan, dated 19th century, attributed to unknown. The museum's brief description reads: Netsuke in ivory of Shoki throwing beans at an oni (demon), 19th century, Japan.
Museum description: Netsuke in ivory of Shoki throwing beans at an oni (demon). The beans are poised to be thrown in his left hand and the demon is cowering a his feet. The museum records it as Carved and stained ivory, measuring Height 4.13 cm. These details come from the museum's own record; how far this object represents a wider collectible type has not yet been independently verified.
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.
Historical context
The netsuke is a toggle. Japanese men used netsuke to suspend various pouches and containers from their sashes by a silk cord. Netsuke had to be small and not too heavy, yet bulky enough to do the job. They needed to be compact with no sharp protruding edges, yet also strong and hardwearing. Above all they had to have the means of attaching the cord. In this example, there are a pair of holes (himotoshi) on the bottom of the sandal. Although netsuke were made in a variety of forms, the most widely appreciated is the katabori (shape carving). This is a three-dimensional carving, such as this netsuke of Shoki. Shoki is a popular figure in Japanese folklore and a recurring theme in netsuke. Known as the Demon Queller, Shoki is represented with a fearsome exterior, large stature and grimacing expression seen to frighten away oni or demons. By capturing or exorcising such demons Shoki could prevent illness, plagues and misfortunes that could harm the Japanese populace. Shoki originally trained as a physician at the court of the Chinese Emperor but due to his ugly exterior was prevented from serving the court. His shame made him take his life and the Emperor, in his sorrow, granted Shoki a burial with the highest honours. Out of respect for the Emperor Shoki would continue to repel oni. This netsuke depicts the fearsome facial features of Shoki as he attempts to expel a demon by throwing peas on it. Throwing peas was thought to make the malevolent creature blind, as depicted in…
Physical characteristics
- Material
- ivory
- Dimensions
- Height 4.13 cm
Technical characteristics
- Technique
- Carved and stained ivory
- Maker recorded
- unknown
- Place recorded
- Japan
Identification
- Museum object name
- Netsuke
- Museum object number
- 465-1904
- Museum system number
- O493076
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 date against a specialist reference.