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Japan supernatural
2 Nov 2019 - 8 Mar 2020
Netsuke
Netsuke
On traditional Japanese garments, women’s sleeves were partially sewn up and could be used as pockets, while men’s sleeves were open, leaving nowhere to keep small personal items. Instead, men carried objects in pouches and boxes hanging from cords. The cords were slipped under their wide sash belts and balanced by a small weight – the netsuke. Usually carved from wood, horn or ivory, these little sculptures were objects of fashion and could take any form, including yōkai.