Netsuke. Hare/rabbit pounding with pestle and mortar. Maker unknown. Japan. 1701-1900, Ivory. Wellcome Collection /Science Museum Group A641096                 https://flic.kr/p/2sgctKy From the Wellcome exhibition Coming of Age: Japanese mythologies of long life This carved ivory okimono (sculptures) and netsuke (clothing toggles) feature Japanese myths and folktales about long life. You might recognise some of these stories as they have similarities with other tales from across East Asia. This netsuke show the story of the moon hare where in Japan the hare pounds rice cakes with a pestle and mortar. [Text from exhibition label]

Forum Home