Animals in Art: Transformation.Japan, Dancing Fox Netsuke net·su·ke n. pl. netsuke or net·su·kes A small toggle, often in the form of a carved ivory or wood figure, used to secure a purse or container suspended on a cord from the sash of a kimono. , 18th century, ivory, 2 13/16 x 1 13/16 x 15/16." (7 x 4.6 x 2.4 cm). Los Angeles County Museum of Art The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, also known as LACMA, is the official and world-renowned art museum of the County of Los Angeles, California, located on Wilshire Boulevard along Museum Row in the Miracle Mile vicinity of Los Angeles. , Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection, AC.1998.249.69. This tiny sculpture is a netsuke (neh-tsu-keh), a form of personal adornment once worn by men in Japan. Before Western dress became popular, men carried small possessions in pouches or boxes suspended on cords from their kimono kimono Garment worn by Japanese men and women from the Early Nara period (645–724) to the present. The essential kimono is an ankle-length gown with long, full sleeves and a V-neck. sashes (obi). Netsuke were counterweights and toggles that attached to the cords, preventing them from slipping through the obi. Subjects for netsuke came from myths, religious stories, nature, and daily life. This example shows a spirit-fox transforming into a coquettish co·quette n. A woman who makes teasing sexual or romantic overtures; a flirt. [French, feminine of coquet, flirtatious man; see coquet. woman, a guise for bewitching be·witch tr.v. be·witched, be·witch·ing, be·witch·es 1. To place under one's power by or as if by magic; cast a spell over. 2. To captivate completely; entrance. See Synonyms at charm. monks and other travelers. Half its surface is stained, symbolizing sym·bol·ize v. sym·bol·ized, sym·bol·iz·ing, sym·bol·iz·es v.tr. 1. To serve as a symbol of: the transformation. Notice the figure's repeated curves and elegant stance. Its carver created a pleasing form without protrusions (that might break off or even tear the kimono) and positioned the cord holes so that the netsuke hangs with its best side visible. ?? Do you know any stories in which the central characters are animals? Choose your favorite animal from the story and use it as the basis for your own netsuke design. Can you reveal something about the character's personality with your design? What other design problems will you keep in mind? Gallery Card submitted by Jenny Siegenthaler, Associate Museum Educator, Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Jenny Siegenthaler |
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