netsuke

Netsuke are carved toggles that used to be worn by middle- and upper-class Japanese men. As a kimono has no pockets, netsuke were used to fasten various objects to the sash (or "obi") of the kimono.

Netsuke were use from at least the 17th century until the end of the 19th century. They come in a wide variety of different materials, the most usual being ivory, wood or jade.