NETSUKE

Netsuke

are miniature sculptures that were invented in 17th-century Japan to serve a practical function . Traditional Japanese garments—robes called kosode and kimono—had no pockets; however, men who wore them needed a place to store their personal belongings, such as pipes, tobacco, money, seals, or medicines.


The above text is a snippet from Wikipedia: Netsuke
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

Need help with a clue?
Try your search in the crossword dictionary!