Artwork preview

Netsuke

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Netsuke by artist unknown, depicts a wooden sculpture of a laughing Buddha-like figure. The figure has a rounded body and head, with a wide face and a large mouth open in laughter. The figure has a prominent belly and folds of skin around its neck. The arms are bent at the elbows and held across the body. The sculpture is made of brown wood with darker striations throughout. The background is light gray.

Artwork details

Date:
18th century
Medium:
Wood
Culture:
Japan
Dimensions:
600 × 400 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette