netsuke, unknown maker from Japan

Artwork Overview

netsuke
netsuke
netsuke
1800s, Edo period (1600–1868) or Meiji period (1868–1912)
netsuke , 1800s, Edo period (1600–1868) or Meiji period (1868–1912)
Where object was made: Japan
Material/technique: ivory
Credit line: Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Warren H. Cole
Accession number: 1989.0220
Not on display
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Label texts

Exhibition Label:
"The Art of Stories Told," Jun-2004, Veronica de Jong
The Daoist immortal Kinko, frequently depicted astride a carp, was a popular and easily identifiable motif. He is often shown holding a book but in this netsuke (a toggle used to attach a small case to a man's waistband), he is shown with fan and scroll, while in the sword fitting (1928.2590) he is illustrated simply riding through waves of water. Though these works do not illustrate a narrative, Kinko and the carp would easily remind the viewer of numerous stories. Also on view in the gallery is a print (1928.7851) addressing the same subject. All three capture the whimsy of the sage and vigor of carp.