Charming Miniatures: The Art of Netsuke Sculptures
Intricately carved from various materials including ivory, wood and metal, netsuke (pronounced nets keh) is a quintessential form of Japanese art. These small toggles, which are usually less than 5 cm in width or height, served a practical purpose in Japan: a netsuke was used to fasten a man’s sash, an integral part of Japanese costume. They are found in a variety of forms and depict a wide range of subjects, including figures of human and legendary form, ghosts, animals, botanical subjects and masks. Skilfully worked and often whimsical, these miniature carvings were underappreciated up until the 17th century. But as time went by, netsuke was gradually recognized as an art form in its own right. Scroll below for a selection of these tiny objects to see why they have charmed their way into the hearts of many collectors around the world.
Gallery of Netsuke Masterpieces
Netsuke of a boy with a Daruma toy, ivory, early 20th century from The Marian P. Miller Collection. Courtesy of Portland Japanese Garden. Photo by Chloe Lee. Five puppies wrestling, ivory, late 19th century from The Marian P. Miller Collection. Courtesy of Portland Japanese-Garden. Photo by Chloe Lee.Netsuke of a Noh dancer, wearing eerily ambiguous grinning mask. The blend of colour and detail is almost as captivating as a costumed Noh dancer is in person. Made of lacquered ivory, 19th century. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.Netsuke of a man holding a small bottle in one hand and drinking from a cup Japan, wood, 19th century. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.Netsuke of three rats huddling together, ivory, 19th Century, Metropolitan Museum of New York.Netsuke of a folder letter, ivory, 19th century. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. This unusual netsuke recalls an ancient story known as the Ise Monogatari in which a writer is travelling along a secluded and dark path across Mount Utsu. There, he meets an ascetic who hands him a love poem. This netsuke harkens back to that folded love poem, and is decorated with the ivy as described in the Ise Monogatari.Netsuke of a kirin (dragon) by the master carver, Yamaguchi Okamoto, ivory, late 18th century. Despite its small size, the dragon has an imposing presence, emphasized by sinuous body and its large head turned back as if ready to spring into action. Presented by Max Rutherston Ltd, London. Netsuke of a fox. Carved in ivory, this lively netsuke (circa 1800) depicts a dancing fox, its forepaws raised as it dances and its tail gracefully curved up. Presented by Max Rutherston Ltd, London.Netsuke of a ceremonial tea set, ivory, 19th century. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. The tea ceremony is an admired aspect of Japanese tradition and this tiny tea set lovingly recreates the details and tools of the tea ceremony, including the iconic tea whisk and teapot. The attention to details is phenomenal (the pot is even decorated in the finest detail with peonies!)Netsuke of a couple making love, ivory, gold and lacquer, 18th century, British Museum, London. Measuring just 4.9 cm wide, this delightful netsuke box opens up to reveal a couple embracing in passionate love-making. The woman is visible from the front, and the man’s back and genitals can be seen from the other side. The inside of the top of the lid is lacquer with gold paint, and a small metal clasp and gold have been inserted as a repair.Netsuke of a boat with the seven gods of good fortune, 18th Century, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. This netsuke is a masterpiece in detail. Created by master carver Masahiro in the 18th century, it depicts the seven gods of good fortune travelling together in a boat with a dragon (kirin) figurehead. Each of the gods has a unique facial expression; even their body language is articulated as if they have different persona. Fish can be seen swimming in the waves beneath the boat, and the gods themselves are holding items like musical instruments and tridents.
