Before emojis there were…
NETSUKE 😡
A netsuke is a small sculptural object which has developed in Japan over a period of more than three hundred years. Netsuke initially served both functional and aesthetic purposes. The traditional form of Japanese dress, the kimono, had no pockets. Women would tuck small personal items into their sleeves, but men suspended their tobacco pouches, pipes, purses, writing implements, and other items of daily use on a silk cord passed behind their obi (sash). These hanging objects are called sagemono. The netsuke was attached to the other end of the cord preventing the cord from slipping through the obi.
This little guy shown in the photo is titled Raconteur
(Alternate Title: Rakugoka)Ōhara Mitsuhiro (Japan, 1810-1875)
Wood with inlays
1 ¼ x 1 ¼ x 1 in. (3.2 x 3.2 x 2.5 cm)
Raymond and Frances Bushell CollectionOn view at the
Pavilion for Japanese Art, floor 2 at LACMA. I also recommend spending a good amount of time in the pavilion, there is a lot to see. —Guadalupe Rosales (of @veteranas_and_rucas And @map_pointz) http://ift.tt/2ud4nuz