I am summarizing this visit to LACMA because I must make up the initial class, i was recruited and began attending the 2nd class. This class has been an invaluable asset and I think the musemum visit was the perfect finale. My cohorts have discussed the various exhibitions that were viewed however I visited this Netsuke exhibition independently and must say that it was beautiful and intriguing and of course the cultural aspects of it is makes it even better. Netsuke's are miniature sculptures that range from genre scenes, revered religious figures, mythical beasts and everyday objects made from ivory, wood, ceremic, lacquer, deer antlers, boar tusk, and glass. They were made as toggles on the strings of purses worn suspended from kimono sashes by Japanses men. Netsuke stopped being used in the 20th century, after Western wear dress was adopted in Japan. Because they often depict legends and religious scenes, netsuke are studied by art historians as a source of information about cultural life in 18th and 19th century japan. The displayed works iranged from the earliest period of netsuke production through the mid-20th century. I actually could not believe the detail included within some of these pieces, they were exquisite and to know that they were worn by men to keep "whatever" because kimono's did not have pockets is unbelievable. Another part of culture that was beautiful and functional.
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