M0004082: Netsuke of Shinno, one of the Three Sovereigns, wearing leaf coat, Japan

Previous title, replaced May 2020: Shinno, God of medicine wearing leaf coat.

Photograph of a Netsuke of the deity Shinno, wearing leaf coat while chewing medicinal herb. Shinno (also known as Shennong) was believed to have taught the ancient Chinese about agrilculture and the benefits of herbs to relieve and cure ailments. Netsuke are ornaments worn with a Kimono. The Netsuke is tied a silk bag hidden behind the sash for belongings. They were especially popular during the Tokugawa period (1603–1868) and are seen by many as fine works of miniature art. This Netsuke is from Doctor Hermann Gunther's collection of Netsuke. The original object can be found at the History of Science Museum under the inventory number 46974

24 October 1934

1 photograph glass plate negative; 12 x 16 cm

Catalogue data comes from a combination of entries in the original glass plate registers, metadata created when the glass plates were digitised in the early 2000s and enhancements made by the cataloguer in 2021.

Please consult the digitised version as this item is fragile. Email library@wellcomecollection.org to request access to the physical item.