Netsuke - peonies and the moon
Netsuke
Japan
c. 1750 - 1850
Carved ivory, silver, gold
Museum no. W.242:2-1922 vam.ac.ukNetsuke (toggle) with a depiction of the moon seen through peonies. The peony symbolises marriage, fertility, spring, glory, riches and gaiety. The moon symbolises masculinity, the god Tsukiyomi, born of the right eye of Izanagi. In Buddhist philosophy, the moon represents serenity, peace and beauty. The full and new moons are times of strength and spiritual power.
Notes:
beautifull carving…...Tsukiyomi? I didn’t know that, now that explains a lot
