netsuke

/nɛtˈsu.ki/

NƐTSU · ki (2 syllables)

English Noun

Definition

A small, often collectible, artistic carving characterized by an opening or two small holes (紐通し (himotōshi)), most commonly made of wood or ivory, used as a fob at the end of a cord attached to a suspended pouch containing pens, medicines, or tobacco. Netsuke originated in feudal Japan in the late 16th and 17th centuries.

Etymology

From Japanese 根付 (netsuke). Literally 根 (ne, “root”) + 付け (tsuke, “attach”).