Artwork preview

Netsuke in the form of a Bell Ornamented with Waves and Figures

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Small, intricately carved, bell-shaped object made of a light-brown material, possibly ivory or wood. The object has a rounded top with a small, curved finial at the very top. The main body of the object features a scene carved into it. The scene features two main figures on either side and a figure in the center; the figure on the left appears to be a woman due to long hair, and she holds a large round object, possibly a fan; the central figure is a man sitting on a box or container; and the figure on the right appears to be a man due to a hat, and he holds a weapon. The base features a wave design. The background of the image is gray.

Artwork Details

Date
late 19th century
Medium
Ivory
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
599 × 391 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette