| The traditional form of Japanese dress, the Kimono, in different forms was worn by both men and women. It was made from a veriety of materials, the best known of which is silk. Tied around the waist was a belt called an "Obi", now the thing about Kimono's is that they have no pockets, leaving the wearer nowhere for loose change. This was overcome by hanging a purse called a 'Sagemono' from the obi. The cord of the sagemono was tucked behind the obi and tied through the netsuki to stop it slipping back. All netsuki have a small hollow to pass the cord through.
As the Japanese adopted western dress those artist who carved netsuki found their trade deminishing, they started carving figures for sale in both their home and the western markets, those figures are called 'Okimono'. |
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| All Netsuki have a small hollow to pass the cord through, 'Okimono' have no cord holes. |  |
| In a western display, a cobra has no relevance, it does not give the viewer either a time, or place they can easily relate to. However someone putting on a display in places where the Cobra exits, may well be able to use it. The figure is an 'Okimono' having no cord holes. |  |
| Much the same applies to this octopus Netsuki. Not many trees grow on the seabed. I bought it for about £15.00 ($25.00?), it's a wonderful piece of carving. |  |
© Allen. C. Roffey 17:53 05/04/2006