Rabbit
mid-19th century
Medium
Ivory
Dimensions
H. 1 in. (2.5 cm); W. 1 in. (2.5 cm); D. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm)
Classification
Netsuke
Culture & Period
Japan · Edo period (1615–1868)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891
Accession Number
91.1.975
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delightful ivory netsuke, titled *Rabbit* and carved by the skilled Japanese artist MitsuhiroŌhara in the mid-19th century, the exquisite craftsmanship of Japan's Edo period (16151868). Measuring just 1 inch high, wide, and 1¾ inches deep, this tiny sculpture captures a rabbit in a compact, three-dimensional form, perfect for practical role as a toggle. Netsuke like this secured small medicine boxes (inro) or pouches to a wearer's kimono sash, serving as both functional accessory and wearable art during an era when pockets were absent from traditional clothing. Carved from ivory—a prized...