JAPANESE NETSUKE: The Tie That Binds

Netsukes were toggles used to solve an apparel problem for Japanese men. Since the Kimoto, or gown, had no pockets, a pouch for keeping money, tobacco, medicine or tinder was necessary and was hung from the man’s girdle. The string attached to the pouch was fit with an end device to secure the string: the Netsuke. The first Netsukes appeared in the Japanese Edo Period (1600- 1867), about 350 years ago.

Netsuke became an increasingly popular focus for artistic expression, taking on a multitude of designs and forms. Later the simple carrying pouches evolved into a different accessory called the Inro, or medicine pouch. The bead between the Netsuke and Inro, used to secure the Inro, was the Ojimi.

The need for Netsukes evolved from exclusive upper class Japanese, such as the Samurai, to include everyday tradespeople and farmers. As the demand increased, and artisans began creating ever more fanciful Netsukes and the art became more formalized. Fine Netsukes detailed, in miniature, depictions of a variety of animals, ordinary people, folk heroes or Gods as well as everyday objects. Materials such as ivory, hardwoods, ceramics and even metal were used their making. As years passed, competition for creating these engaging miniatures grew, reaching its peak in the early to mid-1800s; but then as the Kimono costume was replaced due to Western wear influences, demand decreased.

Despite the decreasing demand for the useful aspects of these old fashioned devices, Netsuke are still eagerly sought today by art connoisseurs. In fact, the Japanese art of carving miniatures has become so popular that today fine ivory carving in miniature is still done, with recent examples lacking the telltale two connecting cord holes (known as himotoshi), one much larger than the other.

There three basic forms of Netuske art. A small carving in the Katabori form depicts figures, either human or animal. The Kagamibuta forms are Netsuke containers with lids, while the Manju form take on a bun shape depicting almost anything. Better quality items express the essence of the object being depicted and will have few or no appendages sticking out of the mass. High degree of detail, many times with incised engraving colored into the sculpture, is another sign of high quality in Netsuke. Still another feature sought after by collectors is the patination of wear, something which is very hard to fake and enhances the beauty of the object, while always offering proof of its substantial age. But probably the most important single feature for a desirable Netsuke is the charm, wittiness and amusement that still captures the fancy of a collector even hundreds of years after it was made. Many Netsuke are signed, often in small characters somewhere on the bottom or back of the items.

In this sale we offer over twenty carved ivory items, with six of which are Netsukes. The detail and workmanship on all is superb, and we invite you to go to the live auctioneers sight to examine these highly collectable items.