Carved wood netsuke of a Shojo
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1800
This Japanese netsuke is a three-dimensional katabori carving made from wood, dating to circa 1800 during the Edo period. The carving measures 4.4 cm in length and depicts a Shojo, a mythical being traditionally known for long red hair and a fondness for drinking sake. The figure is rendered in a compact, rounded form with one hand raised to its face, displaying detailed carved patterns on its garments and finely incised hair.
The toggle was crafted in Japan by Masatoshi, an artist of the Nagoya school who specialised in carving both inro and netsuke. The piece carries the signature of Masatoshi and features a pair of himotoshi (cord holes) situated at the bottom to facilitate the passage of a suspension cord.
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
A netsuke is a functional toggle used in traditional Japanese dress, allowing men to suspend containers and pouches from the sash (obi) via a silk cord. Due to their practical role, netsuke were designed to be compact, sturdy, and free of sharp edges that might catch on clothing. From the eighteenth century onwards, makers increasingly signed their works. In folklore and netsuke art, the mythical Shojo was frequently portrayed either sleeping or drinking from oversized sake cups.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Carved wood
- Dimensions
- Length: 4.4 cm
Technical characteristics
- Inscriptions
- Date: Text: Research required; Latest: Research required; Earliest: Research required; Note: Signed Masatoshi; Type: Research required; Medium: Research required; Method: Research required; Script: Research required; Content: Research required; Language: Research required; Position: Research required; Inscriber: Name: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Association: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Description: Research required; Translation: Research required; Interpretation: Research required; Transliteration: Research required
- Maker recorded
- Masatoshi
- 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
- A.43-1919
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.