netsuke

[ net-skee, -skey; Japanese ne-tsoo-ke ]

noun

1. (in Japanese art) a small figure of ivory, wood, metal, or ceramic, originally used as a buttonlike fixture on a man's sash, from which small personal belongings were hung.

netsuke

/ ˈnɛtsʊkɪ /

noun

1. (in Japan) a carved toggle, esp of wood or ivory, originally used to tether a medicine box, purse, etc, worn dangling from the waist

Word History and Origins

Origin of netsuke¹

1880–85; < Japanese, equivalent to ne root + tsuke (earlier tuke ( y ) attach

Word History and Origins

Origin of netsuke¹

C19: from Japanese

Example Sentences

Look at this little netsuke, or inro, or sword-guard, and follow the workman as you admire each detail of the execution.

From Project Gutenberg

Japanese Netsuke (tiny carvings of exquisite skill representing comical men, women, and children) are famous the world over.

From Project Gutenberg

The netsuke has, of course, no place in this form of the tabako-ire.

From Project Gutenberg

Japanese Netsuke and Scandinavian bone carvings are other stimulating, if more remote, fields.

From Project Gutenberg

In order to suspend this from the girdle there was employed a kind of button or toggle—the netsuke.

From Project Gutenberg