Very elegant small netsuke carved from a short segment of bamboo, depicting three mushrooms caps growing at its top. Beautiful brown patina from use. Since traditional kimonos do not have pockets, everyday items were carried in small boxes (sagemono) attached to the sash (obi). To prevent these from slipping, a netsuke, a small figurine in wood or ivory, was used to secure the cords of inrō or other types of sagemono. Netsuke are among the finest examples of Japanese craftsmanship, meticulously carved, often from precious materials, and requiring considerable time to create. Even during the Edo period, collectors prized the most beautiful pieces, preserving them from heavy use. With changes in clothing styles during the Meiji era, these objects lost their utilitarian function and came to be appreciated primarily for their aesthetic qualities and the fascination they inspire as small precious objects.
Japan – Edo period (1603–1868)
Height: 9 cm – Length: 5 cm – Width: 3.5 cm