Japan
Japanese

Wood
19th century
Length: 1.825 in, Width: 1.125 in, Depth: 1.625 in
Other – Regalia

This wooden netsuke is a small carved ornament worn as part of Japanese traditional dress as a toggle by which an article may be attached to the sash of a kimono.  This ornament is signed and carved into the shape of a Japanese mokugyo, showing two fish coming together with a pearl in the middle joining their two mouths.  The pearl represents unity, and the fish represent wakefulness.  The larger mokugyo, or fish drum, is used in Zen monasteries to keep the beat during the chanting of the liturgy.

Today, these antique netsuke figurines are collector’s items valued for their excellent craftsmanship and historical significance.   They were first worn during the Edo Period in 17th century Japan, then caught the fancy of European travelers in the 19th century.