Netsuke

The art of the netsuke carving reached it's height in the 17th century during the Edo period. Many popular themes and characters from Japanese mythology show up in netsuke carvings. Materials can range from ivory, bone, wood and nut. Netsuke were used like a toggle to attach the inro to the kimono through the obi. Inro are pouches and boxes the Japanese used to carry their small personal items, money and tobacco. Pictured are some examples of netsuke from fathers collection as well as a very interesting, early Edo inro for a seamstress or tailor.

This is a very interesting inro with a basic old ivory shell netsuke and a traditional coral oijime. I believe due to the simplicity of the design this is from the early Edo period. As the Edo period progressed, inro and netsuke became more decorative and ornate.