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Netsuke Depicting Writing Materials

Yamada Gyokuhosai (Japanese) (Artist)
2nd half 19th century (Meiji period (1868-1912))
whale tooth

This netsuke (toggle) is carved with Japanese writing implements, including brushes, an inkstick, inkstone, water-dropper, jars for brushes, paper and a writing box. Writing instruments, which have long had functional, symbolic, and aesthetic value in Japan, were collected by the Japanese intellectual elite and often decorated objects and textiles.

Inscription

[Signature] Gyokuho; [Seal] Hozan (?)

Exhibitions

2011 The Art of Writing Instruments from Paris to Persia.
2009 Shrunken Treasures: Miniaturization in Books and Art. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore.
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Geographies

Japan (Place of Origin)

Measurements

H: 1 5/16 x W: 1 1/4 in. (3.4 x 3.1 cm)

Credit Line

Acquired by William T. or Henry Walters, before 1931

Location in Museum

Centre Street: Fourth Floor: Across Asia - Arts of Asia and the Islamic World

Accession Number

In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.

71.835

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Hours

  • Wednesday—Sunday: 10 a.m.—5 p.m.
  • Thursday: 1–8 p.m.
  • Monday—Tuesday: Closed

Location

600 N. Charles St.
Baltimore, MD
21201

Phone

410-547-9000

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