A netsuke is a miniature carving that dates back to the 17th century in Japan. An onro, a decorative wooden carrying case, was originally attached to a man’s obi or sash with a netsuke. A netsuke is a large button-like object that is often round and intricately carved. Despite their utilitarian nature, netsuke became a means for artisans to demonstrate their skills, and they eventually came to be admired and collected for their own sake. Antique and modern artisan netsuke can now fetch thousands of dollars in the United States (USD).
Netsuke can be made out of a variety of different materials. Ivory was once the most popular material. Animal horns, bones, and teeth may also be used. The modern-day equivalent of ivory is hippopotamus tooth. Coral, bamboo, agate, porcelain, Tagua nut, woven cane, lacquer, and a variety of hardwood varieties are also used to make netsuke. Metal accents can be found on many netsuke.
Netsuke comes in a variety of traditional shapes as well. The most common types, Katabori and Anabori, are round and carved all over. The center of the anabori is hollowed out. The second most common type of netsuke is one that is designed to resemble a mask from the Japanese Noh drama style.
Manju netsuke are carved in relief on both sides and are round but flat, like a thick disk. Ryusa and Kagamibuta are similar in shape, but ryusa are more intricately carved, allowing light to shine through, and kagamibuta have an ivory or similar material bowl with a metal lid. Finally, netsuke can take on the shape of long sticks. These models are referred to as sashi or obi-hasami, with the latter having curved ends on both sides of the obi. Some netsuke also have movable parts.
Netsuke can be abstract in design or depict anything that comes to the artist’s mind. Netsuke from the Edo period often provide a fascinating look into Japanese culture at the time. People, animals, sexual scenes, plants, mythical or religious figures, and literary or historical scenes are all popular subjects for netsuke carvers.