netsuke

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

noun

1. (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

/ ˈnɛtsʊkɪ /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of netsuke¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of netsuke¹

C19: from Japanese

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.

From Washington Post

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

From Washington Post

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.”

From Washington Post

Everyone who first comes across netsuke loves them.

From Washington Post

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.

From Washington Post