Long-tailed Turtle (minogame) 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. Long-tailed Turtle (minogame), Japan, 19th century, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, gift of Ambassador Nicole Avant and Ted Sarandos  Long-tailed turtles (minogame) are said to live for thousands of years. They are identified by the long “tails” of seaweed and algae—which resembles a farmer’s straw rain cape (mino)—that accumulate on their shells after many years in the sea. While turtles appear in Japanese art in a variety of contexts, these long-tailed turtles—emblematic of long life—are portrayed most frequently. 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: .85 inches