Manju-netsuke

Japan, 19th century

Round ivory button with high relief and engraving. The relief is accentuated with coloured metals; colours have been added to the engraving. Motif of the classical courtier Ono no Tofu watching a frog.

Diameter: 5 cm

O 423

Purchased from H. Sänger of Hamburg.

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