Netsuke. Wood manju form base with kagamibuta lid of three materials. The subject matter of this piece is of a highly confusing nature. The figure with the steam issuing from his mouth could be the Chinese monk who insulted ht emporer by blowing wine out of his mouth in the direction of a house that was on fire. The lower figure does not really appear to be male, however. Some monks were thought to be able to vaporize their souls, but the context here is incorrect for that theme.
Donor:
Estate of Geraldine C. and Kernan Robson
Collection place:
Japan
Culture or time period:
Japanese
Collector:
Geraldine C. Robson
Collection date:
before 1940
Materials:
Ivory (material) and Metal
Object type:
ethnography
Object class:
Netsukes
Function:
2.2 Personal Adornments and Accoutrements
Accession date:
1968
Context of use:
Toggle to be attached to the end of a cord and thrust through the sash of a kimono for the support of a purse, pouch or lacquer box.
Department:
Asia (except western Russia)
Dimensions:
height 4.2 centimeters
Loans:
S1970-1971 #114: Department of Art History (UC Berkeley) (April 14, 1971–April 15, 1971)