Netsuke

Netsuke (Japanese根 付, dt " root [ wood ] attachment " ) are small carved figures from Japan. They served as a counterweight in fixing an Sagemono (, hanging container ') such as an inro, a small, flat, multi-part lacquer wood box on the Obi of pocketless kimono.

The preferred material was originally root wood, ivory, as well as whale and walrus teeth, especially wood boxwood, bamboo, deer horn, and more.

They originated in the late 17th century with the rise of the bourgeoisie and lasted until the 1880s, when the kimono came as an everyday garment into disuse.

Were represented mythological figures especially the Seven Lucky Gods, animals, flowers, fruits, as well as objects and scenes from everyday life. One of the famous Netsuke Carver ( Netsukeshi ) was Masanao from the Kyoto school.

Netsuke - forms

We distinguish several forms, for example

• Katabori (形 雕) - compact, round sculptures ( widespread )
• Anabori (穴 雕) - hollow, shell -like sculptures
• Men (面) - header or mask netsuke, often reductions of Noh masks ( widespread )
• Sashi (差) - long, rod-or needle-shaped netsuke
• Manju (馒头) - round, button-shaped netsuke with reliefs
• Ryūsa (柳 左) - like manju, but carved pierced
• Kagamibuta (镜 盖) - like a small cup with a lid of a decorated metal
• Karakuri (からくり) - all Netsuke with moving parts or hidden content

Anabori netsuke

Men netsuke

Sashi netsuke

Manju netsuke

Ryūsa netsuke

Kagamibuta netsuke

Karakuri Netsuke