| ke is a functional, yet beautifully small type of | | | | allowed in self-expression of the society as a whole |
| Japanese form of art developed over 300 years ago. | | | | due to custom and laws. Netsuke allowed a wide |
| Netsuke allowed a wide range of self-expression | | | | range of self-expression without repercussions. With |
| without repercussions. As long as related to the natural | | | | such a long standing time period of closed society to |
| being of the societal practices, exotic Netsuke called | | | | the western world and strict Empire rule, exotic |
| "Shunga" Netsuke was accepted within the societal | | | | sculptures were a release of free expression of |
| values. Shunga Netsuke originated in China, Japan | | | | almost any nature. |
| widely accepted Shunga Netsuke within their | | | | As long as related to the natural being of the societal |
| otherwise strict cultural society. Japan's expressively | | | | practices, exotic Netsuke called "Shunga" Netsuke |
| exotic sculpture originated in Japan during the Edo | | | | was accepted within the societal values. As gifts for |
| period around 1615 to 1868. These art forms are of | | | | young couples uniting together in marriage, Shunga |
| zodiac animals and other types of animals, but the one | | | | Netsuke gifts would be appropriate in the |
| animal being depicted with a beautiful woman is the | | | | encouragement of a prosperous long fulfilling marriage. |
| octopus. Netsuke gave vent to the suppressed | | | | Shunga Netsuke originated in China, Japan widely |
| society that people lived in with a freedom of | | | | accepted Shunga Netsuke within their otherwise strict |
| expression. | | | | cultural society. Shunga Netsuke is believed to have |
| Netsuke is a functional, yet beautifully small type of | | | | originally been inspired by the illustrations within the |
| Japanese form of art developed over 300 years ago. | | | | Chinese medical manuals during the Muromachi era |
| Miniature sculptures of many various styles were in the | | | | during 1336 to 1573. |
| beginning created for holding closed the pouch of | | | | Japan's expressively exotic sculpture originated in |
| personal items desired to be carried by Japanese men. | | | | Japan during the Edo period around 1615 to 1868. |
| Since there were no pockets on the traditional | | | | These art forms are of zodiac animals and other |
| Japanese kimono, there was necessity for pouches or | | | | types of animals, but the one animal being depicted |
| other small types of carrying devices to be attached | | | | with a beautiful woman is the octopus. The octopus |
| or worn by the Japanese men and the Netsuke toggle | | | | was highly popular in art and when combined with a |
| holding it closed was there to also be expressive and | | | | woman, the octopus will most always have nine |
| admired. | | | | tentacles instead of eight tentacles. The added ninth |
| These toggles could be of most any form or thought | | | | tentacle is to represent union in a subtle fashion. These |
| imaginable, but traditionally the Netsuke is in the subject | | | | types of toggle octopuses would most always be |
| categories reflecting the natural societal culture they | | | | completely embracing the beautiful woman. |
| were created by. There are several factors as to | | | | Netsuke gave vent to the suppressed society that |
| why these miniature sculptures were so expressive | | | | people lived in with a freedom of expression. Netsukes |
| and exotic. When Netsuke was first created, | | | | are still highly valued on their sculpture and depictions |
| Japanese as a whole were limited in what was | | | | until our days. |