What is Netsuke?

and Netsuke is a type of miniature carving that was created in the Japan of the 17th century. Originally Netsuke was used to attach onro , a decorative wooden carrier, to the man obi or wing. Netsuke is somewhat like a big button, often round and sometimes quite complicated carved. Although utilitarian, Netsuke became an opportunity for craftsmen to show their skills and eventually be admired and gathered simply for their own. Today, both the antique and modern craftsman Netsuke can sell for thousands of US dollars (USD).

Netsuke can be made of a wide range of materials. In the past, ivory was the most popular. Other animal corners, bones or teeth can also be used. Hrochopotamus tooth is a modern substitute for ivory. Netsuke can also be made of corals, bamboo, agate, porcelain, tagua matrix, woven cane, varnish and a series of hardwood varieties. Many Netsuke also includes metal accents.

There are many diff.FerenT traditional shapes for Netsuke. Katabori and Anabori , together the most common type, are round and carved everywhere. Anabori are excavated by the center. The second most common Netsuke type is made to look like a mask of Japanese foot of the foot drama.

Manju Netsuke are round but flat, like a thick disk and usually carved in the relief on each side. Ryusa and Kagamibuta are the same basic shape, but ryusa are more complicated, which allows to shine light and kagamibuta has a metal people. Finally, Netsuke can be shaped like long sticks. These models are known as sashi or Obihami , the other of which has curved ends that lie on both sides of OBI. Some Netsuke also has moving parts.

Netsuke can be abstract in design or can introduce the artist's introductionVarses to display anything. Antique Netsuke from the EDO period often offers an interesting view of Japanese culture at that time. Some popular items for woodcarver Netsuke include humans, animals, sex scenes, plants, mythical or religious characters and literary or historical scenes.