Netsuke pronunciation: ˈnetso͝oˌkē net-soo-key.
In traditional Japanese dress from the 17th century, the inro box (compartments that stacked together) hung from the obi (belt like sash) of a kimono, on a double cord. At the top of the cord, a large carved bead called a netsuke 根付 acted as a toggle to anchor the inro. A much smaller carved bead called an ojime bead, helped to keep the inro box closed.
Most of our netsuke have authentic double-holes in the base, so when strung on a necklace they will hang upside-down.
Netsuke definition: The term or two characters in Japanese for Netsuke mean root or to attach to.