Japanese portable tobacco-box
Forani Collection
Cat. No: IC73-694

Tabako-ire (portable tobacco-box) of wood, realistically carved in the form of a turtle retracted into its shell with its head and forelimbs serving as a lid for the box closing on a drawstring. 19th century, Japan. L 10.50 cm. Acquired: Brussels.

Note. While having a practical purpose, this object was made for display, to be worn as a sagemono (hanging object) suspended on a cord from a netsuke (waist-band toggle) held in place by the obi (sash).

Photo: John Noone IMG_1408.jpg