coolthingoftheday: Netsuke are miniature sculptures invented in 17th century Japan as a toggle in or
coolthingoftheday:Netsuke are miniature sculptures invented in 17th century Japan as a toggle in order to secure a small pouch or container to the sash of a kimono. Although first produced to fulfill a utilitarian function, they evolved into objects of impressive craftsmanship which reflected many aspects of Japanese culture. As the first animal of the Chinese zodiac (which was adopted in Japan around 600 AD), rats (nezumi) were a popular motif in netsuke carving, which, according to the British Museum, were given as gifts to people born in the Year of the Rat. -- source link
#netsuke#japan