All about Netsukes
Ever since the 17th century, Netsuke was carved as items of utility. As the traditional dress, kimono and Kosode didn’t have a pocket, Japanese men and women used exquisitely carved containers, Sagemono that were attached to the robe and were opened and closed by the Ojime bead. The fastener that attached it to the top of the sash was a toggle button and this was the Netsuke. These small Sagemono were used to store tobacco, coins, medicines and pipes.
Over time, the Netsuke evolved to serve a purpose greater than that of just a utility bead. It became a symbol of artistic pursuits and extraordinary craftsmanship of the sculptors. These tiny beads evolved to become an object of artistic merit and reflected the different aspects of Japanese folklore and daily life.
Tracing the roots of the netsuke, it was most popular during the early 17th century better known in history as the Edo period. It was in vogue till the Opium wars of the late 19th century and after the westernization of Japan the attire changed. With the western dress and attires gaining prominence, the traditional dresses lost their appeal. The ease of wearing Western dresses and fashion statements changed in Japan after the advent of the Europeans. With that the utility of the Netsuke was lost. However, the curiosity of the Europeans was aroused with the traditions and items of the Japanese and later Netsuke, Ojime and Inro regained its popularity as an art collectible. Today Netsuke collectors prize the old and new expertly crafted Netsuke that is traded at high prices. However, reproductions and imitations are also available.
Common Materials Used to Craft Netsuke
Netsuke are available in a variety of materials but the most common or best preferred materials that has been constantly used since the emergence of Netsuke has been Ivory and wood. Ivory was the most preferred material due to its rich natural lustre, smooth surface and the ease of crafting. Originally elephant ivory was used but after the ban on elephant ivory, mammoth ivory netsuke is very popular.
Hard woods like boxwood have been used since the Edo period to craft netsuke and are still a popular material. Boar tusks are specially used by the Iwami carvers to sculpt some impressive sculptures. Other commonly used materials include metals, lacquer, tigers and boar’s teeth and rhinoceros horn and hippopotamus teeth.
Unique Materials Used To Sculpt Netsuke
Black coral is one of the brittle corals but Netsuke carved with black coral have a high collectible value, due to the rarity to obtain perfect specimen of black coral which can be carved.
Hornbill Ivory is not an ivory but due to the lustre and softness similar to ivory is known to be a popular material. It is harvested from the helmeted hornbill and is the dense casque growing over the forehead.
Unoregi or fossilized wood similar to lignite variety of Jet is also known to be used extensively to craft miniature sculptures. The sculptures crafted from this have a smooth wooden grain, soft lustre that resembles lacquer.
Whale’s Tooth especially sperm whales teeth have been used to raft netsuke for centuries. Other uses are creating scrimshaws. The middle teeth are the largest and are about 6-8 inches in length.
Walrus Tusk is a commonly used material in lieu of elephant ivory. The two large protruding teeth have been used to carve sculptures, netsuke and scrimshaws. Walrus tusk has nearly transparent material inside which is harder to carve. Usually Ryusa Manju is carved out of walrus ivory.
Tagua Nut is harvested from Ivory palm and is also known as vegetable ivory. Usually replicas and fakes of ivory are often carved from this nut and passed off as animal ivory. It is 1-3 inches in height and is usually worked on when it is fresh as it gets hard when dry.
Natural Walnut Shell has been used to carve Netsuke especially the Kataborinetsuke. The insides are removed and then exquisite designs are carved on the surface. The surface is carved in a latticed effect giving a beautiful delicate look. After polishing, the shell is shellaced.
Ivorine is the material created by using the dust of the scrap ivory. The scraps of mammoth ivory, teeth and tusks are compressed and mixed in resin and hardened. Once it becomes hard, it can be carved just like ivory. Usually fakes are crafted from this as a layman cannot see the difference between real ivory and ivorine.
Types of Netsuke
Mask Netsuke: Mask Netsuke or Mennetsuke were crafted as miniature replicas of the Noh Masks. The delicately crafted netsuke captured the detailed characterization of Manju/Kagamibuta and the Katabori style.
Katabori Netsuke: This is also known as the Sculpture netsuke and is one of the most common categories. Usually 1 inch to about 3 inches high, this netsuke is a solid with round shape and beautifully carved figures.
Obi-hasami sashi netsuke: The Sashinetsuke netsuke is nearly 6 inches long and popularly known as the ‘stab’ netsuke. While the Obi- Hasami is another elongated netsuke which was put behind the Obi and the curved ends were visible on both the ends.
Ryusa Netsuke: It is basically shaped like a Manju but with lace like carvings that allow light to pass through the netsuke. This gives it an elegant delicate look.
Anabori Netsuke: It is the ‘hollow netsuke’ and is usually carved out for a hollow centre. It is a sub categorization of Katabori.
Manju netsuke: This is a flat, thick and round netsuke that has relief carvings to accentuate its look. Usually crafted out of two halves of ivory, it resembles the Japanese sweetmeat, Manju.
Kagamibuta Netsuke: It is shaped similar to the Manju netsuke but has a metal disc like cover over a small bowl crafted of ivory. The unique aspect of the metal lid is that it is crafted with intricate details.
