WIK Outing to Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Museum, Sept 26, 2020
Report by Peter Macintosh
A small, mask-wearing group of WiKers spent a couple of hours being educated in the not so well known world of netsuke.
Have you ever wondered what was the object dangling from the obi of a woman’s kimono, or what was keeping the beautifully lacquered box from falling off a kimono-clad dandy’s hip?
At close inspection, you will see an intricately carved sculpture, usually small enough to fit in the palm of a hand, which is attached to finely woven string. These pocket-sized artworks, netsuke-(根付), are the epitome of Japanese craftsmanship. “Ne” comes from the Japanese for “root” and “tsuke” from “attach”.
In the Edo Period (1603-1868) when pocketless kimono was everyday wear, these carved “toggles”, as they are sometimes referred in English, were a practical way for the samurai to carry such amenities as medicine, skin cream, tobacco or small coins, They were easily accessible at the hip but left the hands free. Although often made from common materials such as boxwood, older and more expensive pieces used semi-precious stone, coral and even ivory.
Whether you are a beginner, enthusiast, and/or even a seasoned collector, there is no better venue in all of Japan to unlock and explore the world of netsuke than at the Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Art Museum. Each individual piece embodies a unique story. Located just west of Kyoto’s city center, just opposite Mibu Temple, the museum’s collection is displayed in a beautifully renovated “buke yashiki” – samurai residence – surrounded by an immaculate Japanese garden. The museum rotates their collection of more than 5,000 netsuke every three months, so the airy and spacious setting is a great way to spend a few hours of your day during this time of social distancing.
For those who still are hesitant about venturing out in public, don’t worry, you can see some of the collection on their Instagram page where pieces are photographed in many unusual backgrounds and thought-provoking settings.
Dangling from the hip
telling stories from the past
one lone netsuke
For more information, please see: www.netsukekan.jp.
Instagram @netsuke_museum
Peter Macintosh’s website can be found at http://www.kyotosightsandnights.com
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