Netsuke of a Skeleton Dressed as a Geisha or Dancer
Unknown, Tokyo School
Date: 19th century
Place Made: Japan
Materials & Techniques: Ivory
Dimensions: Height 4.8 cm
Accession Number: The Holburne Museum, F42.86
Printable Version (opens in a new window)
The Japanese characters 'ne' (root) and 'tsuke' (hang) come together to make 'netsuke', a toggle originally made of roots or twigs which hung from the sash used by Japanese men to fasten their loose, wrap-around Japanese dress (kimono). Traditional Japanese kimonos had no pockets, so personal belongings were kept in a little container called 'sagemono', hung from the sash by a cord which was secured by the 'netsuke'. This one probably represents a ‘geisha’ or hostess with her signature fan, a delightful image turned into something a little weird by being pictured as a skeleton.
It is made of ivory with red and black colouring rubbed into the patterns. A piece of ivory was carved into a rough shape, then carved round and round into the exact shape and incised with the patterns.
The netsuke was probably made in Tokyo during the 19th century by a netsuke maker whose name we don't know.
Teachers' Information
The patience and control required for this miniature carving are technical achievements typical of Japanese carvers in the 19th century. Netsuke are an example of the individuality of a craft operation, as well as the imaginative and technical skill of the Japanese sculptor. They express without words humour and other feelings such the macabre in this piece.
The detail of the fur coat and the brocade is possible because ivory is such a dense material. Many netsuke have fine detail - the Japanese have always been very interested in contrasting areas of pattern.
This art form went out with the adoption of Western dress after Japan was forced to open up her markets to the West in the 1860s, and those continuing to be made for collectors were of inferior quality.
Activities
1. Discuss with your pupils the shape and design of the carving. Why do they think the figure has an arm above its head? Was the netsuke maker limited in the shapes he could make out of ivory? What kind of tools would the carver have used? What were the holes in the back of the object for?
2. Why put such detail into a tiny toggle which would hardly be seen? What would be the equivalent piece of costume in Western dress?
3. Model small figures in clay or plasticine and decorate 2 or 3 areas at least as finely as you can. Take into account the use, and the need for the cord (use fine string or cord). Pierce two holes in the back or discuss creating an element in the shape which allows fine cord to pass through. When the models are completed, pass a cord through, knot at one end and hang up the netsuke as a series on your classroom wall.