Edamame (Soy Beans) 1771 - 1835

"Edamame (Soy Beans)" is a small netsuke, a traditional Japanese toggle, carved from ivory by the artist Okatomo sometime between 1771 and 1835. The sculpture depicts three edamame pods, or soybeans, in a realistic manner. The piece is small, measuring just under two inches in length, but is meticulously carved with fine detail, demonstrating the artist's skill. It is currently in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The piece would have been used to secure a pouch to the wearer’s sash. Netsuke are often collected for their artistic merit as well as their cultural significance.