Large button Netsuke with a design of the story of Shiranui Montogar, Signed ‘Reigyoku’, Japan, About 1850-1900, Museum No. 564-1904. Dresden Bequest.
Netsuke are miniature sculptures, usually out of ivory. They were invented in 17th century Japan to serve a practical function. Japanese clothing—kimono—had no pockets. How then, could men carry their pipes, tobacco, money, seals, or medicines?
They placed these objects in containers (called sagemono), which they hung by cords from the obi (the sash). These containers could be pouches or small woven baskets, but usually were crafted boxes called inro, which were held shut by an ojime, (sliding beads on cords). Whatever the type of container, the fastener that secured the cord at the top of the sash was a carved, button-like toggle called a netsuke.
Netsuke production was most popular during the Edo period in Japan, from about 1615 to 1868.