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SAM'S collection
Farmer with Large Melon
Farmer with Large Melon

Farmer with Large Melon

Dateearly 19th century
Maker Ninkan Japanese, early 19th century
Label TextDuring the late Edo and early Meiji periods, it was very popular as a men's fashion to sport sagemono-tobacco pouch-suspended from a belt or obi. A small ornament called netsuke, attached to the top of the cord, served as a tool for securing the pouch string inside the belt. A great number of netsuke, made of wood, ivory, metal, and ceramic, were produced by skillful craftsmen and became quite fasionable. They provide us a view of the joyful expression of unrestricted craftsmanship at that time.
Object number33.365
Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Spring and Summer in Japan, February 28, 2002 - October 13, 2002
Credit LineDuncan MacTavish Fuller Memorial Collection
Dimensions1 3/4 x 7/8 in. (4.4 x 2.2 cm) L.: 1 7/16 in.
MediumWood