The library was fortunate this winter to have a display of 26 pieces of Japanese netsuke, or Japanese toggles, from the collection of Stephanie Bange.  A netsuke is a carved miniature sculpture, drilled with paired holes so that it can be threaded on a cord to serve as a toggle for a small case, meant to carry personal necessities, hanging from a kimono. Originally, netsukes were made from ivory, then wood, and even from nuts. Their themes include demigods, animals, birds and fish, urban scenes, and fairy tales and fantasy scenes. The intricately and beautifully carved pieces are thought to have been used beginning in the seventeenth century.  Contemporary reproductions, made for sale in museum stores, are often made of resin.

Also included are six examples of inro, where the cord is attached.  Shown below is the full display, an inro of a mother turtle and her young "kissing" at the opening point, bamboo and birds, a fish, and a cat above a cat.  Pictured also were are netuske of a rabbit and a Sambaso dancer.