About netsuke

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Diagram detailing the different elements of how netsuke were worn

  • You can view many of the netsuke in our collection if you use the collections search above. Alternatively follow this netsuke search link

What is a netsuke?

A netsuke is a finely carved miniature sculpture, which ranges from around two to ten centimeters in height. Netsuke were mainly made in Japan between the 1700s and 1800s. They were used in Japan as a form of toggle, to fix objects to a belt.

There are many shapes of netsuke, from button shaped pieces to groups of figures, miniature masks and tiny animals.

What were netsuke used for?

Traditional Japanese clothing had no pockets. People in Japan would carry their possessions on an obi, or belt.

To stop their possessions from falling, a netsuke was used. Objects were hung from the belt by a cord with a netsuke in the end of it. The netsuke would tuck under the belt and hang over the top of it.

What are netsuke made from?

The most common materials for netsuke to be carved from were wood and ivory. Some netsuke were made from more unusual materials such as shells, bones, crystals and precious metals.

Glossary

Gourd

A gourd is a vegetable; it is similar to a pumpkin. Sometimes hollowed out gourds are used as containers.

Ivory

Ivory is the material that animals’ teeth and tusks are made up of. Many netsuke are made from ivory. The most common types of ivory are elephant and walrus tusks.

Inro

Inro are decorated boxes that were divided up into small compartments. They were used to carry seals which were used as currency.

Kagamibuta

These are small rounded netsuke with a metal lid

Kitsune

This is the Japanese word for fox. Foxes are depicted as being intelligent and magical creatures in Japanese folklore

Manju

Manju describes a type of netsuke which are small, flat and round. Manju is also the name of the Japanese sweet that these netsuke resemble

Obi

An Obi is a traditional Japanese belt.

Ojime

A type of bead or fastener

Scent Bottle

Scent bottles are small highly decorated bottles used for carrying perfume.

Shinto

Shinto is an ancient Japanese religion.