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Friday, March 29, 2024


Exhibition Public - Europe & Africa

Dressed to Impress: Netsuke and Japanese Men’s Fashion

British Museum
Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG,
Great Russell, United Kingdom
Jun 19, 2014 To Aug 17, 2014


Detail: Step into Edo, one of the biggest cities in the world in the 18th century – now modern-day Tokyo. Discover the art of Japanese male fashion in this sophisticated urban centre, where men wore fashionable garments and carefully chosen accessories to demonstrate their status and personal style.

Netsuke (pronounced net-ské) are intricately carved toggles that were worn by Japanese men during the Edo period (1615–1868) to prevent dangling items (sagemono), hanging from a sash (obi) tied around a kimono, from falling to the ground. Netsuke were used by all classes of society, but in particular by merchants who wanted to demonstrate their wealth and taste. Much like European fob watches and cufflinks they revealed the sartorial taste of the wearer. Netsuke come in a variety of forms and materials such as wood, ivory and porcelain, and are now highly collectible.
Netsuke are often displayed as miniature sculptures, but this display will show how they were worn as part of a complete outfit. Apart from a group of some of the Museum’s most stunning netsuke, a bespoke kimono, an inro (a case for holding small objects), a sword, and smoking accessories will also be on display.

Phone No.: +44 (0)20 7323 8299
Contact Email: [email protected]
Site URL: http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/exhibitions/dressed_to_impress.aspx#1

Silver turtle netsuke
Silver turtle netsuke
Made by Kigugawa in Japan
late 1800s.

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