Because traditional Japanese garb lacked pockets, objects were often carried by hanging them from the obi, or sash, in containers known as sagemono
(a Japanese generic term for a hanging object attached to a sash). Most
sagemono were created for specialized contents, such as tobacco, pipes,
writing brush and ink, but the type known as inrō was suitable for
carrying anything small.
An inrō (印籠) is a traditional Japanese case for holding small objects, suspended from the obi.
Ojime (緒締め, lit. "cord fastener") are a type of bead which originated in Japan.
They were worn between the inrō and netsuke and are typically under an inch in length. Each is carved into a particular shape and image, similar to the netsuke, though smaller.
Consisting of a stack of tiny, nested boxes, inrō were most commonly used to carry identity seals
and medicine. The stack of boxes is held together by a cord that is
laced through cord runners down one side, under the bottom, and up the
opposite side. The ends of the cord are secured to a netsuke, a kind of toggle that is passed between the sash and pants and then hooked over the top of the sash to suspend the inrō. An ojime,
or bead, is provided on the cords between the inrō and netsuke to hold
the boxes together. This bead is slid down the two suspension cords to
the top of the inrō to hold the stack together while the inrō is worn,
and slid up to the netsuke when the boxes need to be unstacked to access
their contents.
Obi (帯, おび , literally "sash") is a sash for traditional Japanese dress.
Netsuke (根付) are miniature sculptures that were invented in 17th-century Japan to serve a practical function. Traditional Japanese garments—robes called kosode and kimono—had
no pockets; however, men who wore them needed a place to store their
personal belongings, such as pipes, tobacco, money, seals, or medicines.
Showing posts with label netsuke. Show all posts
Showing posts with label netsuke. Show all posts
21.7.12
Netsuke
Netsuke (Japanese:根付) 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"). Traditional Japanese garments—robes called kosode and kimono—had
no pockets; however, men who wore them needed a place to store their
personal belongings, such as pipes, tobacco, money, seals, or medicines.
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 (inro), 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 inro and ojime, evolved over time from being strictly utilitarian into objects of great artistic merit and an expression of extraordinary craftsmanship.
katabori netsuke (形彫根付) or "sculpture netsuke" - This is the most common type of netsuke. They are compact three-dimensional figures carved in a round shape and are usually around one to three inches high.
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 (inro), 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 inro and ojime, evolved over time from being strictly utilitarian into objects of great artistic merit and an expression of extraordinary craftsmanship.
katabori netsuke (形彫根付) or "sculpture netsuke" - This is the most common type of netsuke. They are compact three-dimensional figures carved in a round shape and are usually around one to three inches high.
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