# @newarkmuseumart on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DQeqcRbjXUx
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/36459822-newarkmuseumart-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/0f5608a21e.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-10-31T15:45:05.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** The Newark Museum of Art (@newarkmuseumart) — https://gondola.cc/newarkmuseumart

## Caption

Happy Halloween! 🎃 👻
These tiny sculptures called netsuke originated in Japan. Often intricately carved, netsukes were invented for a utilitarian purpose—serving as a counterweight to secure a pouch worn with a kimono. The robe-like garments lacked pockets, so clever artisans created these toggles that would hook onto the obi (sash) and keep personal items from slipping away.
Over time, they evolved into status symbols through the material used and the detail of the carving. Netsukes became wearable art that showcased the owner’s taste and wealth.  #HappyHalloween #Netsuke #JapaneseArt #WearableArt

Unrecorded artist, Netsuke (and detail), 19th century
Japan
Ivory, silver studs
Herman A. E. and Paul C. Jaehne Collection. Purchase and gift, 1938 | 38.681/4522.31

Unrecorded artist, Netsuke, 19th century
Japan
Ivory, Diam. 1 5/8 x 3/4 in.
Herman A. E. and Paul C. Jaehne Collection. Purchase and gift, 1938 | 38.681/5300.31

Unrecorded artist, Netsuke of a Bat, 19th century
Japan
Ivory, 3/4 x Diam. 1 1/2 x 7/8 in.
Herman A. E. and Paul C. Jaehne Collection. Purchase and gift, 1938 | 38.681/4435.31

## Stats

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## Tags

netsuke, happyhalloween, wearableart, japaneseart

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