Jaclyn Davidson, Necklace of Four Interchangeable Netsuke Beads, 1975, cast, soldered, engraved, oxidized and buffed silver, length: 16 1⁄2 in. (41.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1975.149
Copied
Artwork Details
- Title
- Necklace of Four Interchangeable Netsuke Beads
- Artist
- Date
- 1975
- Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- length: 16 1⁄2 in. (41.9 cm)
- Credit Line
- Museum purchase
- Mediums
- Mediums Description
- cast, soldered, engraved, oxidized and buffed silver
- Classifications
- Object Number
- 1975.149
Artwork Description
Netsuke (pronounced “netskeh”) were functional accessories to Japanese kimonos. A kimono did not have pockets, so the wearer carried a small box or pouch attached to a silk cord. The cord was strung through the obi (the belt-like sash of the kimono), and the netsuke provided counterweight so that the pouch could hang and be easily removed. Netsuke were often made of ivory or wood and inscribed with stories from Buddhist legends. Our Necklace translates the form to silver and creates a link between Japanese and Western traditions.