Netsuke, Tamano no Mae, ca. 1850–1860
MediumIvory
Height5,7 cm
About the workTamano no Mae was the beautiful and learned favourite concubine of the Japanese ex-emperor Toba, who lived in the 12th century. Because of her magical powers, Tamano no Mae is known as a fox woman, hence her depiction at the side of a fox in this netsuke object. As small figures, called Netsuke, they were used as counterweights to attach containers for medicine, tobacco or money to the belt of the kimono, known as the "obi". Predominantly made of ivory and boxwood, the objects were first created in the seventeenth century and evolved into status symbols.
AccessionGift of Bruno Werdelmann 2004
Provenance[...]; bis 25.10.2004 Prof. Dr. Dr. hc. Bruno Werdelmann (1920 – 2010), Ratingen; 25.10.2004 erworben durch Schenkung von Bruno Werdelmann
Inventory numberP 2005-254
