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Contemporary Wood-Carved NETSUKE

Contemporary Wood-Carved NETSUKE

The Japan Foundation 2 Bloor St E #300

Sep 16 2023 to Dec 16 2023

Region : Greater Toronto Area     City: Toronto

  •  Add to Calendar 2023-09-16 2023-12-16 America/Toronto Contemporary Wood-Carved NETSUKE Netsuke is a delicate and whimsical art form unique to Japan which fits on your palm intimately. In the 17th and 18th century Netsuke developed rapidly in the kimono fashion culture. For kimonos, which had no pockets, Netsuke acted as toggles providing daily-life convenience for carrying things such as pouches, medicine cases, and smoking pipe cases.Since Japanese fashion had been westernized in the mid-19th century, Netsuke receded from practical use, but still attracted artistic interest not only within Japan but worldwide. In this exhibition, 65 contemporary pieces which are all wood-carved are on display. SAIT? Bish?, a master Netsuke carver, describes the charm and attraction of Netsuke as “Freedom amidst constraints.” Netsuke are made under certain restrictions, such as needing two holes to run the cord through and requiring it to be round to avoid getting caught. The carvers express themselves as freely as possible under these constraints, which, in the end, magically stimulate the imaginations of both creators and viewers.Contemporary Wood-Carved NETSUKEExhibition produced and presented by The Japan FoundationSeptember 15 – December 16, 2023Admission: FREEGallery Hours: Hourly timeslots starting at 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM (4:30 PM and 5:30 PM on Thursdays) The Japan Foundation 2 Bloor St E #300
Sep 16
to
Dec 16

Description

Netsuke is a delicate and whimsical art form unique to Japan which fits on your palm intimately. In the 17th and 18th century Netsuke developed rapidly in the kimono fashion culture. For kimonos, which had no pockets, Netsuke acted as toggles providing daily-life convenience for carrying things such as pouches, medicine cases, and smoking pipe cases.

Since Japanese fashion had been westernized in the mid-19th century, Netsuke receded from practical use, but still attracted artistic interest not only within Japan but worldwide. In this exhibition, 65 contemporary pieces which are all wood-carved are on display. SAIT? Bish?, a master Netsuke carver, describes the charm and attraction of Netsuke as “Freedom amidst constraints.” Netsuke are made under certain restrictions, such as needing two holes to run the cord through and requiring it to be round to avoid getting caught. The carvers express themselves as freely as possible under these constraints, which, in the end, magically stimulate the imaginations of both creators and viewers.


Contemporary Wood-Carved NETSUKE
Exhibition produced and presented by The Japan Foundation
September 15 – December 16, 2023

Admission: FREE

Gallery Hours: Hourly timeslots starting at 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM (4:30 PM and 5:30 PM on Thursdays)