(Description) Figure _unit1.3.2 Figure 7 A Japanese netsuke of doctor and patient. Netsuke are ornaments from which to attach objects, such as medicine boxes or tobacco pouches, on the sash of a kimono (a traditional form of Japanese dress)

Health and wellbeing in the ancient world

Photograph of a small, nineteenth-century ivory netsuke of a doctor taking the pulse of his female patient. Doctor and patient are both kneeling on the ground, while the doctor holds the patient’s right hand in both of his hands to feel for her pulse. A few jars and the doctor’s bag are positioned on the ground on either side of them.