In traditional Japanese dress from the 17th century, the inro box hung from the obi (belt) of a kimono, on a double cord. At the top of the cord, a large carving called a netsuke 根付 acted as a toggle to anchor the inro.
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.
This is the Speak No Evil monkey bead of the hear no evil see no evil speak no evil monkeys. This Netsuke bead measures 43mm by 27mm by 22mm.