Netsuke Toggles and Okimono Ornaments: The Tradition of Ivory Carving
-
Fujiwara no Kamatari, By Shimamura Shunmei, Dated 1892 (Gift of Japan Delegate Office for World's Columbian Exposition)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 14
June 7, 2016 (Tue) - July 31, 2016 (Sun)Ivory carving for interior ornaments, or okimono, developed from the tradition of meticulous ivory carving for netsuke that flourished in particular around the mid-19th century, at the end of the Edo period. These ivory carved netsuke and ornaments became popular among Westerners who visited Japan from overseas, and as early as the beginning of the Meiji period, ivory okimono became favorites of exported Japanese decorative art.
Many of the okimono made in the Meiji era were exported to the West and few works remain in Japan. However, the Tokyo National Museum collection includes a number of outstanding works displayed at international expositions at the time. This exhibit features these works and presents the tradition and evolution that has continued on from the Edo period since the 17th century until today.
Current exhibit includes:
Netsuke, Mask maker design, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Go Seinosuke)
Netsuke, Lady Tokiwa design, Edo period, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Go Seinosuke)
Netsuke, Oharame (female vendors from Ohara known to carry merchandise on their heads) design, Meiji era, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Go Seinosuke)
Netsuke, Design of scene from Noh play Takasago, Meiji era, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Go Seinosuke)
Fujiwara no Kamatari, By Shimamura Shunmei, Dated 1892 (Gift of Japan Delegate Office for World's Columbian Exposition, Chicag)
Cherry, Taisho era, 20th century (The family of Prince Takamado)
Grass Pillow, By Miyazawa Ryoshu III, 1991 (The Prince Takamado Collection)