Editing Netsuke (section)

== History ==
[[File:印籠-Inro with Design of Eulalia Grass and Deer.jpg|thumb|An ivory {{transliteration|ja|netsuke}} with an eagle design and an {{transliteration|ja|inrō}} with a deer design. The combination of {{transliteration|ja|netsuke}} and {{transliteration|ja|inrō}} creates a story of an eagle preying on deer. [[Edo period]], 18th century]]

Traditionally, Japanese clothing – first the {{transliteration|ja|[[kosode]]}} and its later evolution, the [[kimono]] – did not have pockets. Though the sleeves of the kimono could be used to store small items, the men who wore kimono needed a larger and stronger container in which to store personal belongings, such as pipes, tobacco, money and seals, resulting in the development of containers known as {{transliteration|ja|[[wikt:sagemono|sagemono]]}}, which were hung by cords from the robes' sashes ({{transliteration|ja|[[obi (sash)|obi]]}}).

These containers may have been pouches or small woven baskets, but the most popular were crafted boxes ({{transliteration|ja|inrō}}) held shut by {{transliteration|ja|[[ojime]]}}, sliding beads on cords. Whatever the form of the container, the fastener which secured the cord at the top of the sash was a carved, button-like toggle called a {{transliteration|ja|netsuke}}. {{transliteration|ja|Netsuke}}, like {{transliteration|ja|inrō}} and {{transliteration|ja|ojime}}, evolved over time from being strictly utilitarian into objects of great artistic merit and an expression of extraordinary craftsmanship. {{transliteration|ja|Netsuke}} production was most popular during the [[Edo period]] (1603–1867).<ref name ="saip86"/>

{{transliteration|ja|Netsuke}} and {{transliteration|ja|[[inrō]]}} declined as Japanese clothes were gradually westernized from the [[Meiji (era)|Meiji period]] (1868–1912). Because of their popularity amongst Western collectors at the time, some of the greatest collections are now found outside of Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=International Netsuke Society - FAQ |url=https://www.netsuke.org/page-1125375 |access-date=2023-08-12 |website=www.netsuke.org}}</ref>

Today, the production of {{transliteration|ja|netsuke}} continues, and some modern {{transliteration|ja|netsuke}} can command high prices in the UK, Europe, the US, Japan and elsewhere. Inexpensive yet faithful reproductions are available in museums and souvenir shops.