Netsuke

Netsuke (根付) are miniature sculptures that were invented in Japan in the 17th-century to serve a practical purpose (the two Japanese characters ne+tsuke mean "root" and "to attach"). Men wearing traditional Japanese robes, which had no pockets, needed a place to store personal items, such as pipes, tobacco, money, & so forth. They carried these items in pouches, small woven baskets, or beautifully crafted boxes, which hung by cords from the robes' sashes,and were closed by sliding beads on cords, secured at the top of the sash with a carved, button-like toggle called a netsuke.

Netsuke evolved over time from being strictly utilitarian into objects of great artistic merit and an expression of extraordinary craftsmanship. Such objects have a long history reflecting important aspects of Japanese folklore and life. Skilled craftsmen continue to practice the art today, signing each individual carving..

The majority of netsuke offered below are carved from boxwood: approx. 5 x 4cm. (NET49, 50 & 51 are larger approx. 9 x 4cm carved from cherry).

£14.50 each: for mail order add £1.50 per carving.

NEW STOCK in 3 GROUP PICS