netsuke

American  

[net-skee, -skey, ne-tsoo-ke] / ˈnɛt ski, -skeɪ, ˈnɛ tsʊˈkɛ /

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.

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netsuke British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of netsuke

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

Example Sentences

The author, himself a renowned ceramist, structured his family saga around a collection of 264 netsuke he inherited from his uncle.

From Washington Post

Netsuke are Japanese wood and ivory carvings of animals, dragons, skulls, snails, women bathing, coopers making tubs, and so on — all small enough to slip into a trouser pocket or be concealed in a clenched hand.

From Washington Post

But perhaps the stronger point is that the netsuke are not metaphors.

From Washington Post

Charles later gave the netsuke as a wedding present to a cousin living in Vienna.

From Washington Post

Only the netsuke were salvaged, hidden away in a straw mattress by a maid who managed to return them to the family after the war.

From Washington Post