Kagamibuta-netsuke

Japan, 19th century

Ivory round with metal disc decorated with a coloured metal relief. Motif of two women collecting mussels in the water.

Diameter: 3.3 cm

Signed “Tacumasa”(?)

O 412

Purchased from H. Sänger of Hamburg.

A kagamibuta-netsuke is a decorative button in the shape of a manju (a Japanese confection – a small round dumpling) with a metal disc lid and a bowl usually made of ivory. A netsuke is a decorative button that was tied to an inro box, usually with a silk cord. The netsuke was fastened behind an obi sash.