Antique Japan Japanese

Antique Wooden Japanese Netsuke of a Nara Ningyo (ningy) Doll Edo Period

Antique Wooden Japanese Netsuke of a Nara Ningyo (ningy) Doll Edo Period

Antique Wooden Japanese Netsuke of a Nara Ningyo (ningy) Doll Edo Period
"Human form" are one of the traditional Japanese crafts. This one is in the form of a well used, worn, Netsuke. Netsuke [netske] are miniature sculptures that were invented in 17th-century Japan to serve a practical function (the two Japanese characters ne+tsuke mean "root" and "to attach"). Their solution was to place such objects in containers (called sagemono) hung by cords from the robes' sashes (obi). The containers may have been pouches or small woven baskets, but the most popular were beautifully crafted boxes (inr), which were held shut by ojime, which were sliding beads on cords.

Whatever the form of the container, the fastener that secured the cord at the top of the sash was a carved, button-like toggle called a netsuke. Netsuke, like the inr and ojime, evolved over time from being strictly utilitarian into objects of great artistic merit and an expression of extraordinary craftsmanship.

Such objects have a long history reflecting the important aspects of Japanese folklore and life. Netsuke production was most popular during the Edo period in Japan, around 16151868. Today, the art lives on, and some modern works can command high prices in the UK, Europe, the USA, Japan and elsewhere. Inexpensive yet faithful reproductions are available in museums and souvenir shops. Measures 1 5/8 inches tall, 7/8 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick (see the item next to a standard thimble; thimble not included). The item "Antique Wooden Japanese Netsuke of a Nara Ningyo (ningy) Doll Edo Period" is in sale since Thursday, February 22, 2018. This item is in the category "Antiques\Asian Antiques\Japan\Netsuke". The seller is "cosmic_goods" and is located in Freeport, Maine. This item can be shipped worldwide.
  • Region of Origin: Japan
  • Age: 1850-1899
  • Primary Material: Wood
  • Maker: unknown
  • Type: Masks

Antique Wooden Japanese Netsuke of a Nara Ningyo (ningy) Doll Edo Period