Netsuke: 14 Must-See Miniature Japanese Masterpieces

by Will Heath | CRAFT

Netsuke of Boat with the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, 18th Century, Met Museum

Perhaps the most fascinating facet of Japanese fashion history is the ways in which even the most practical aspects of clothing were given an artistic twist. A striking example of this attention to detail can be seen in the small but beautiful netsuke. This is an everyday object which was born of practical necessity, but soon became a highly respected art form in Edo Japan. Today, Japanese netsuke are still studied and admired by artists, historians, and lovers of fashion the world over. But what exactly are netsuke, and what do they represent? We answer all your questions with 14 masterpieces of miniature netsuke carving that will make you want to start a collection yourself!

What is a Netsuke?

Dream of Rosei Netsuke, 19th Century, British Museum

In Edo Japan, it was commonplace for women and men alike to wear kimono and kosode (a looser, simpler form of kimono), secured about the waist by obi sashes. Kimono and kosode, however, have no pockets and, regardless how fine and beautiful kimono may be, practicality still needs to be considered. For men in particular, it became necessary to have something tied to one’s obi belt which could be used as a vessel for money and personal effects. One popular vessel - a hand-carved wooden box - was known as an inro. These would hang from the belt on a cord that was anchored in place by a netsuke.

Netsuke are small, palm-sized ornaments, usually carved from boxwood or ivory. They often have a hole passing through them from top to bottom, for the cord of the inro to pass through. While at first, netsuke were simple objects used to hold inro in place, they later became pieces of art in their own right. And so, netsuke as we know them now are intricately carved objects of incredible beauty. Many common themes can be recognised, such as zodiac animals, creatures of Japanese folklore, monks, noh actors, masks, and many more. The love and skill that goes into carving something so small and so lavishly detailed is truly remarkable, but it is a testament to how much precision and care went into creating the perfect outfit in feudal Japan.

How are Netsuke Made?

Just like any form of sculpting, netsuke carving is starts with natural materials - most commonly boxwood or ivory – and creating the desired shape using various knives and chisels. The shape itself was often themed around folklore, the zodiac, traditional arts like noh theatre, or natural and spiritual imagery. It was common for kimono wearers to have netsuke in the shape of a dragon, a rabbit, a monk, a noh mask, or any of the other marvelous examples seen below.

The process of carving a single netsuke could take several weeks, especially if the netsuke has a human visage. Carving was done by hand, by a master carver, and once completed a wooden netsuke would usually be coated in lacquer to ensure it would be preserved and could be worn daily for years to come.

14 Masterpieces of Netsuke Carving

Here are fifteen unique art pieces from Edo Japan of the 17th - 19th centuries. They are carved from wood or ivory, and each one is entirely unique in its aesthetic. Together, they demonstrate the incredible diversity but also the uniting themes of netsuke in Japan: zodiac animals, shinto traditions, folklore, theatricality, and natural beauty.

1. Netsuke of Three Rats

Netsuke of Three Rats, 19th Century, Met Museum

This netsuke is carved from ivory and depicts three rats huddled close in an interlinked fashion. It was carved by Nagahisa, whose signature can be found on the base, encircled by the rats’ huddled feet. Here is where you can really remark on and appreciate the intricacies of the netsuke: in the place so few people would actually look. This is a great example of the love and attention given to netsuke by their master carvers; not a single detail was ever overlooked. The rat itself is a member of the zodiac, and is the first of the repeating twelve-year cycle. Zodiac animals like the rat are some of the most popular subjects for netsuke.

2. Netsuke Daruma

Netsuke Daruma, 19th Century, Met Museum

Many netsuke take the shape of various aspects of Japanese traditions and shinto faith. One of the most prominent examples is this: the daruma. Daruma are dolls in the effigy of Bodhidharma, a Chinese monk who began the Zen school of Buddhism and famously meditated for seven years until his arms and legs atrophied. While he usually takes the form of a red doll with two white and empty eyes, in this wooden netsuke, he has an angry and penetrating stare, with a small and screaming child attached to his back, possibly seeking the daruma’s protection.

3. Netsuke with Carvings of Household Utensils

Netsuke with Carvings of Household Utensils, 19th Century, Met Museum

Here is a most unusual and delightfully unique ivory netsuke, carved by Ryusa some time in the early 19th century. While most netsuke depict animals, monks, and natural details, this one represents a tightly bundled batch of household utensils. In it, you can see a decorated fan, chawan, a teapot, and more. It’s a strange and somewhat amusing netsuke that perhaps demonstrates pride in the simplest aspects of daily life, as well as an admiration for the beauty of even the most commonplace tools. It is, after all, a very beautiful little netsuke, and one entirely unlike anything else typically seen.

4. Demon Netsuke

While netsuke often depict positive and peaceful aspects of nature, such as deer and foxes, many were also carved in the shape of oni (Japanese demons). This netsuke is a wonderful example, carved as it is out of red lacquer which gives it this deep blood-red hue. Details like the demon’s horns, eyebrows, and nails have been decorated in gold to accentuate the impressive minute filigree carved out of these parts. The oni is sat in a relaxed, almost taunting manner, looking threatening in a nonchalant manner. It’s playful but unmistakably cruel-looking. Oni like this one are prominent elements of Japanese folklore, and many can be seen in netsuke from the Edo period. Find out more about Oni and other Mysterious Japanese Demons.

5. Netsuke of Boat with the Seven Gods of Good Fortune

This carved ivory netsuke, created by master carver Masahiro in the 18th century, is easily one of the most spectacularly and intricately detailed netsuke you’ll ever see. It depicts the seven gods of good fortune travelling together in a boat with a dragon (or possibly kirin) figurehead. Each of the gods has an individually carved face, demonstrating so much unique detail in their expression and even their body language. Fish can be seen swimming in the waves beneath the boat, and the gods themselves are holding items like musical instruments and tridents. This is a truly mesmerising and jaw-dropping example of netsuke carving. It also remains attached to a carved inro which depicts the god of longevity on one side, and a pine tree beside a stream on the other.

6. Netsuke of Noh Mask

Netsuke of Noh Mask, 19th Century, Met Museum

Noh is the oldest form of theatre in Japan, and it is famous for its intricate masks and costumes. Noh plays often feature creatures of Japanese folklore such as gods and demons. As such, their iconic aesthetics are prime inspiration for netsuke. Here you can see a traditional noh mask, carved out of wood with delicately painted eyes and a pained, angry expression. To learn more about Noh, check out our Complete Guide to Noh Theater!

7. Netsuke of Noh Dancer

Netsuke of Noh Dancer, 19th Century, Met Museum

While noh masks are impressive enough on their own, they are paralyzing in their beauty when seen as part of a full costume, kimono, props, and all. This netsuke of a noh dancer, made from lacquered ivory and painted in browns, reds, and golds, is one of the most vibrant examples of a netsuke. The carver has used colour here to faithfully recreate the impact that noh dancers’ costumes have on members of their audience. This one stands hunched, fan in hand, wearing an eerily ambiguous grinning mask. The blend of colour and detail is almost as captivating as a costumed noh dancer is in person.

8. Netsuke with Fox and Drum

Netsuke with Fox and Drum, 19th Century, Met Museum

From noh to kabuki, netsuke often celebrated popular Japanese theater. This wooden netsuke, carved in the 19th century, depicts a fox holding a drum, and is taken directly from the kabuki play Yoshsitsune Senbon Zakura. This is an 18th century play inspired by the epic Heike Monogatari which, itself, recounts the 12th century Genpei civil war. In the play, the fox is a kitsune who has been disguised as the protagonist’s retainer. In Japanese folklore, foxes (kitsune) have the ability to shapeshift and, so, are placed in the ranks of yokai (spirits and demons) in Japan. You can see more examples of kitsune in Japanese art, or find out more about Kabuki Theater.

9. Folded Court Letter Netsuke

Folded Court Letter Netsuke, 19th Century, Met Museum

This ivory netsuke is unique in its shape and minimalist appearance, but also in its background. A collection of poems from the Heian period, known as the Ise Monogatari, features a story in which the collection’s 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 described in the Ise Monogatari.

10. Tea Utensils Netsuke

Tea Utensils Netsuke, 19th Century, Met Museum

Along with shinto folklore, the zodiac, and noh theater, another admired aspect of Japanese tradition is the tea ceremony. And so, it’s no surprise that it, too, would be a subject for netsuke carving. This piece lovingly recreates the details and tools of the tea ceremony, including the iconic tea whisk and teapot. The pot is even decorated in the finest detail with peonies. The attention to detail here is really phenomenal.

11. Kirin Netsuke

Known in China as qilin and in Japan as kirin (after which the beer is named), this is a creature of folklore which resembles a dragon with the body shape and limbs of a horse or deer, as well as antlers (which Chinese dragons typically have anyway). This netsuke, however, has a far more dog-like appearance, recalling the infamous komainu lion-dogs which guard the entrance to many shinto shrines and were also, like the qilin, inspired by Chinese traditions and mythology. Whichever is being depicted here, this netsuke is remarkable in its carver’s ability to capture the expression and body language of the creature. There is real personality here, as well as an impressive amount of detail and shape to the netsuke.

12. Netsuke of a Priest

Netsuke of a Priest, 19th Century, Met Museum

Netsuke which depict human shapes and facial features are often the most impressive to behold. And it can take a master carver weeks of dedicated work to complete the face alone. This is a marvelous example of that achievement. An ivory netsuke from the 19th century, this carving depicts a priest with a soft and kindly face, as well as flowing robes which almost seem to be gently moving in the breeze. The dimensions and details of this netsuke are truly remarkable.

13. Lotus Netsuke

The lotus is a prominent symbol of purity in Japanese tradition, rising as it does from unclear and muddied waters and blossoming into a majestic flower. It is also a powerful symbol of enlightenment in the world of Buddhism. As such, it is no surprise to see the likeness of a lotus being captured by a netsuke master carver. This wooden netsuke is from the 18th century and has been so carefully carved with uneven and rippling lines that give it a truly natural appearance.

14. Netsuke of Deer

Netsuke of Deer, 19th Century, Met Museum

Deer are beloved creatures in Japan. They famously live in peaceful harmony with the people of Nara, and tourists travel from far and wide to walk amongst them, feed them, and share a respectful bow. Long considered messengers of the shinto gods, deer are treated with respect and courtesy. Here in this wooden netsuke, the deer’s likeness has been so softly and lovingly recreated. Its expression is meek and sweet; its body language is hopeful and attentive. The attention to detail in its fur, spots, and antlers is also very impressive.

Where Can You See Netsuke?

A great authoritative resourse is Netsuke: 100 Minature Masterpieces from Japan by Noriko Tsuchiya, available from Amazon.

Japanese netsuke are popular art and collector’s items. Outside of Japan you can find impressive collections in institutions such as the Met Museum or the British Museum. There are also many dealers who specialise in acquiring and selling authentic netsuke from Edo Japan. Some of the most popular and respected netsuke collectors and sellers include Michael R. Bernstein of Netsuke-Inro.com and the people at Edo Netsuke.

Within Japan, a popular seller is located in Kyoto, in front of Daitokuji Temple. They are called Oriental Antiques Kanegae and their website is in both Japanese and English. In Tokyo, you can find Sagemonoya, who sell vintage netsuke on their website, which is also in English. They also sell inro and sagemono.

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