A Leak In The Safe

Japan (made)

early 19th century.

The netsuke (a kind of toggle) depicts the goddess Okame holding the overtly phallic nose of the mask of a long-nosed tengu (a mythical creature). Quite aware of the suggestive nature of the long nose, she giggles coyly behind the sleeve of her kimono. The long-nosed tengu is sometimes identified with the male Shinto deity Sarutahiko no Mikoto, who was captivated by Uzume, the Shinto goddess of mirth, with whom Okame in her turn has become associated.

The Victoria and Albert Museum