A netsuke (根付) is a miniature sculpture, originating in 17th century Japan. Initially a simply-carved button fastener on the cords of an box, later developed into ornately sculpted objects of craftsmanship.

History

Traditionally, Japanese clothing – first the and its later evolution, the kimono – did not have pockets. Though the sleeves of the kimono could be used to store small items, the men who wore kimono needed a larger and stronger container in which to store personal belongings, such as pipes, tobacco, money and seals, resulting in the development of containers known as, which were hung by cords from the robes' sashes. These containers may have been pouches or small woven baskets, but the most popular were crafted boxes held shut by, sliding beads on cords. Whatever the form of the container, the fastener which secured the cord at the top of the sash was a carved, button-like toggle called a. , like and, evolved over time from being strictly utilitarian into objects of great artistic merit and an expression of extraordinary craftsmanship. production was most popular during the Edo period (1603–1867). and declined as Japanese clothes were gradually westernized from the Meiji period (1868–1912). Because of their popularity amongst Western collectors at the time, some of the greatest collections are now found outside of Japan. Today, the production of continues, and some modern can command high prices in the UK, Europe, the US, Japan and elsewhere. Inexpensive yet faithful reproductions are available in museums and souvenir shops.

Etymology

The term is formed from the characters meaning 'root' (根) and meaning 'attached' (付). In American English, the word is usually italicized, while it is usually unitalicized in British English.

Forms

Anabori-netsuke: Subset of which are carved out for a hollow center. Clams are most commonly the motifs for this type of. Kagamibuta-netsuke: Shaped like a, but with a metal disc serving as a lid to a shallow bowl, usually of ivory. The metal is often highly decorated with a wide variety of metallurgical techniques. Karakuri-netsuke: Any that has moving parts or hidden surprises. Katabori-netsuke: This is the most common type of. They are compact three-dimensional figures carved in a round shape and are usually around one to three inches high. Manjū-netsuke: A thick, flat, round, with carving usually done in relief, sometimes made of two ivory halves. Shaped like a bun, a Japanese confection. Men-netsuke: The largest category after. These were often imitations of full-size Noh masks and share characteristics in common with both and. Obi-hasami: Another elongated with a curved top and bottom. It sits behind the with the curved ends visible above and below the. Ryūsa-netsuke: Shaped like a, but carved like lace, so that light is transmitted through the item. Sashi-netsuke: This is an elongated form of, literally "stab", similar in length to the sticks and gourds used as improvised before carved pieces were produced. They are about 6 in long.

Materials

Unusual materials

Subjects

Like many other art forms, reflect the nature of the society that produced them. This effect is particularly pronounced in, owing to long periods of isolation imposed both by geography and internal politics and limited avenues of self-expression for Japanese citizens due to custom and law. As a result, display every aspect of Japanese culture, including its rich folklore and religion, crafts, trades, and professions, all types of people and creatures, both real and imagined, and every kind of object. As in other aspects of Japanese culture, the subjects portrayed by trend, over the long term, away from an initial emphasis on motifs of Chinese derivation toward a focus on objects of more strictly national interest. Some represent single, simple, objects, and some depict entire scenes from history, mythology, or literature.

Artists

Carvers of are called. is the earliest compilation of, which lists over 50 masters. It was published in Osaka in 1781 by Inaba Tsūryū. Some works of art are even illustrated in it. One of the most renowned artists during the Edo period was the founder of the Nagoya school, Tametaka (為隆), who is listed in the. He was followed in Nagoya by Ikkan (一貫). His pieces can be found in many collections and achieve high prices at auctions. The listed masters in the are: Seiyōdō Tomiharu (1733–1810) was founder of the Iwami school of carving.

Museum collections

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, the Toledo Museum of Art, the British Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum have many. In Kyoto, Japan, there is the Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Art Museum, which is the only specialized art museum in Japan. This museum is a traditional Japanese samurai residence built in the late Edo period. It has a collection of over 5,000 and 400 of them are on display and change every 3 months. The collection focuses on modern works, but there are also works from the Edo period. The Tokyo National Museum has a small exhibition room dedicated to displaying 50 of the 500 contemporary works collected by the Prince and Princess Takamado. The Tokyo National Museum has 274 high quality items collected by Go Seinosuke (郷 誠之助) and made by famous craftsmen from the Edo period to the Meiji period. They were donated by Go who was concerned that too many were exported from Japan and they were rarely seen in Japan. To mark its 150-year anniversary, the Tokyo National Museum simultaneously exhibited all 274 works from the Go collection from November 2, 2022, to January 22, 2023, and all 500 works from the Prince Takamado collection from November 15, 2022, to December 25, 2022.

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