Netsukes
The practical need for the small carvings known as netsuke arose from the fact that traditional Japanese dress had no pockets. The containers that were hung from the belt ranged from simple purses to delicately lacquered or carved ivory inro with several compartments, held together by cords which were passed behind the belt and tied to a netsuke.

The commonest materials used in carving netsuke were wood and ivory. The ivory used in Japan was mainly imported via the Chinese merchants who, like the Dutch, were allowed to continue trading after Japan was closed to the outside world in 1639.