Bird Whistle Netsuke

Traditional Japanese garments lack pockets. Personal items were carried in small containers or pouches that hung on a cord from a man’s kimono sash. Netsuke served as counterweights that held these containers in place. Developed in the early Edo period (1615–1868) and continuing through the 19th century, netsuke evolved into an art form where increasingly detailed and sophisticated examples reflected the wealth, social status, and taste of the wearer.

Yamaguchi Okatomo (school of) (Japan, late 18th–early 19th century), Bird Whistle, late 18th century, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection

During the Edo period (1615–1868) fear of illness prompted the creation of different talismans that were thought to ward off disease. It was believed that some childhood afflictions were caused by evil spirits who could be frightened away by noises, such as those from toy whistles. Press-molded clay whistles were produced at different sites around Japan in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Dove or pigeon shapes, with the mouthpiece hidden among the tail feathers, were the most common.

This is a replica of one of the many netsuke in LACMA’s collection.

- Each netsuke is made from a cast resin with a portion of granulated stone/mineral
- Each netsuke comes in it's chosen color pouch
- Approximate height: 1.5 inches