Netsuke; blacksmith holding long-handled and long-headed mallet in both hands; apprentice (?) holding sword on anvil with left hand and smaller mallet (poised to strike) in right hand; H 3.3 cm X W 4.1 cm
Donor:
Dorothy Campbell Tompkins
Collection place:
Japan
Culture or time period:
Japanese
Collector:
Dorothy Campbell Tompkins and John Barr Tompkins
Collection date:
unknown
Materials:
Ivory (material)
Inscription:
Signature underneath anvil
Object type:
ethnography
Object class:
Netsukes
Function:
2.2 Personal Adornments and Accoutrements
Context of use:
A toggle or device attached to the end of a cord or rope to keep it from slipping; cord thrust under the sash of a kimono to support purse pouch, box, or basket (in absence of pockets).