Netsuke have a long tradition in Japan. They are a form of functional art that has become a popularly collected item over the last two hundred years. Netsuke were used as a toggle to keep objects worn on the obi such as inryo, tobacco pipes, and purses from sliding through. Netsuke were intricately carved from ivory or wood, and were greatly prized by Samurai. This Netsuke is carved from wood and is of a naked women sitting in quiet contemplation. Image is not the clearest so keep that in mind.