Handmade ivory 24” Owl Netsuke, a miniature sculpture that was invented in 17th         century Japan to serve practical function ( the two Japanese characters netsuke   mean “root” and “to attach”). Traditional Japanese Garment —robes called kosode and kimono had no pockets, however men who wore them needed a place to store their personal belongings such as pipes, tobacco, money, etc. The solution was to place such objects in containers (called sagemono) hung by cords from robes sash (obi). Whatever the form of the container, the fastener that secured the cord at the top of the sash was a carved,button like toggle called a netsuke. Over time a Netsuke evolved from being utilitarian into objects of art & extraordinary craftsmanship Silver, African ivory. Beads, wood beads, silver metallic bead, worry beads (brown wood & silver)