Introduced in 14th-century Japan, the netsuke would hang from a kimono's obi or sash by a cord to attach the container in which Japanese men would store their personal belongings. These soon became elaborately sculpted from ivory, lacquer, wood and other exotic materials.

The netsuke in the Washington and Lee Collection come from alumnus Joseph M. Glickstein.

Kamen Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.