Etymology Map
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Netsuke

2 stages from Japanese to English.

Today it means a small, intricately carved Japanese toggle, now collected as miniature sculpture

Where does the word "netsuke" come from? It comes from Japanese netsuke, adopted directly into English (1800s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
netsuke
Japanese · 17th-18th century
"a small carved fastening toggle"
named the small carved toggle used to fasten a pouch to a kimono sash
2
Stage 2 of 2
netsuke
English · 1800s
"a miniature Japanese carved toggle, now prized as art"
borrowed by Western art collectors after Japan opened to trade
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