Kagamibuta-netsuke

Japan, 19th century

Ivory round with metal disc decorated with a coloured metal relief. Motif of an old and a young samurai; probably a motif from the wars between the Taira and Minamoto clans – the confrontation between Taira no Atsumori and Kumagai Naozane.

Diameter: 2.9 cm

O 414

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.