In the old days Netsuke (根付) had the same practical purpose as Chinese toggles (see Introduction Toggles under ‘China’). The two Japanese characters ‘ne’ and ‘tsuke’ mean ‘root’ and ‘to attach’. Japanese clothing did not have pockets and a Netsuke was in fact a button-like fastener that secured small containers to the sash of their owner. With the advent of Western clothing which had pockets, Japanese Netsuke evolved from being strictly utilitarian into much sought after objects of art which found their way into Western collections. Even though the purpose of Netsuke had ceased to exist, talented carvers continue to create them until this day. The Lowlands-collection has a small selection of so-called ‘Contemporary’ ivory Netsuke that were all collected during the 1970’s during the time when ivory-trading was not forbidden and ivory did not have the stigma which it, rightfully, has today. The creation of contemporary ivory Netsuke mainly catered to the tourist trade and they were acquired at a time when the killing of the elephants and their possible extinction were not an issue like it is today. And because each one is a thing of beauty and an example of extraordinary craftsmanship, we decided to include them on the site despite the gruesome history of ivory. Interesting is that most of the Netsuke in the collection were not made by Japanese but by Chinese carvers which is also the reason why they are listed under ‘China’.