Netsuke of a Child Having a Bath
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
19th century
This Japanese netsuke, crafted during the 19th century, is a three-dimensional katabori carving rendered in ivory. It depicts a young child seated inside a round bath or tub, interacting with a small sphere. The carving exhibits detailed facial features and hair, with dark detailing accentuating the lines and texture of the water and hair.
The piece measures 3.33 cm in height and 3.02 cm in diameter. It functions as a toggle for securing pouches and containers suspended from an obi sash by silk cords. The record documents the maker as Koretami, bearing a signature on the carving.
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 was bequeathed to the museum by Mr. Edmond Dresden and accessioned in 1904.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Carved ivory
- Dimensions
- Height: 3.33 cm; Diameter: 3.02 cm
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Koretami
- Place recorded
- Japan
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Netsuke
- Museum object number
- 486-1904
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.