NETSUKE Definition & Meaning

netsuke

[ net-skee, -skey; Japanese ne-tsoo-ke ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

(in Japanese art) a small figure of ivory, wood, metal, or ceramic, originally used as a buttonlike fixture on a man's sash, from which small personal belongings were hung.

netsuke

/ ˈ��ɛ�ٲ�ʊ��ɪ /

noun

(in Japan) a carved toggle, esp of wood or ivory, originally used to tether a medicine box, purse, etc, worn dangling from the waist

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of netsuke¹

1880–85; < Japanese, equivalent to ne root + tsuke (earlier tuke ( y ) attach

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of netsuke¹

C19: from Japanese

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Example Sentences

Netsuke are Japanese wood and ivory carvings of animals, dragons, skulls, snails, women bathing, coopers making tubs, and so on — all small enough to slip into a trouser pocket or be concealed in a clenched hand.

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But perhaps the stronger point is that the netsuke are not metaphors.

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Even as the exhibition presents a version of this story, it does its best to remain true to de Waal’s desire to walk into whichever room the netsuke occupy and “to feel the volume of the space.”

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Everyone who first comes across netsuke loves them.

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So perhaps the main reason to see the show at the Jewish Museum is that 168 of de Waal’s netsuke are in it, including the eponymous white hare with amber eyes.

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