Netsuke, Japan, 19th century (A.737-1910)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
19th century
Netsuke in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (museum number A.737-1910), made in Japan, dated 19th century, attributed to Masakazu. The museum's brief description reads: Netsuke in wood of an oni (demon) running off with a pagoda, signed Masakazu, 19th century, Japan.
Museum description: Netsuke in wood of an oni (demon) running off with a pagoda, signed Masakazu. The demon is kneeling on his right knee and is wearing tiger-skin clothing. The museum records it as Carved wood with yellow and black glass eyes., measuring Height 3.81 cm; Width 3.97 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 an oni (demon) stealing a pagoda. In Japanese folklore oni are devious creatures with an ugly appearance capable of causing mischief and misfortune. This finely carved netsuke exaggerates the oni's grotesque appearance through its detailed features, such as its jowls, bulging eyes, sharp teeth and two protruding horns. By stealing the pagoda the demon exemplifies its roguish nature and disregard of religious property. From the 18th century onwards, many more makers signed their netsukes. This example is signed Masakazu.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- wood, glass
- Dimensions
- Height 3.81 cm; Width 3.97 cm
Technical characteristics
- Technique
- Carved wood with yellow and black glass eyes.
- Maker recorded
- Masakazu
- Place recorded
- Japan
Identification
- Museum object name
- Netsuke
- Museum object number
- A.737-1910
- Museum system number
- O492992
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.