Netsukes
The practical need for the small carvings known as netsuke arose from the fact that traditional Japanese dress had no pockets. The containers that were hung from the belt ranged from simple purses to delicately lacquered or carved ivory inro with several compartments, held together by cords which were passed behind the belt and tied to a netsuke.


The commonest materials used in carving netsuke were wood and ivory. The ivory used in Japan was mainly imported via the Chinese merchants who, like the Dutch, were allowed to continue trading after Japan was closed to the outside world in 1639.

 
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Our current stock of Netsuke is shown below, please use the button provided to contact me for further details. Note some of our larger galleries may take up to 30 seconds to load all the images. You may click any image to view a larger picture with more information.
Ivory okimono (ref: 497)

Summary: Japanese ivory okimono of a seated Hotei with two attendants £380
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Signed ivory netsuk (ref: 510)

Summary: Small signed ivory netsuke
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18thc Inro (ref: 538)

Summary: 18thc four case inro decorated with coastal scenes in hiramakiye, with gourd netsuke and bead ojime £480
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Signed wood netsuke (ref: 543)

Summary: Signed wood netsuke of a rat with a large nut and her young upon her back £120
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Hardwood netsuke (ref: 550)

Summary: Hardwood netsuke in hexagonal form, decorated in red and gold with carved script £140
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Signed ivory netsuke (ref: 551)

Summary: Signed ivory netsuke of two karako playing with a basket £140
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Ivory okimono (ref: 552)

Summary: Ivory okimono of a standing figure with a prayer wheel, staff and sack £120
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Ivory inro (ref: 553)

Summary: Small ivory decorative inro, ivory manju netsuke and ojime all decorated with birds and trees £180
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Signed ivory netsuke (ref: 554)

Summary: Signed ivory netsuke of falcon with wing outstretched sitting on a branch £180
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Signed ivory netsuke (ref: 556)

Summary: Ivory netsuke of a rat crouching on a bed of leaves £140
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Signed boxwood netsuke (ref: 560)

Summary: Signed boxwood netsuke of a toad with inlaid eyes clambering over large nuts £140
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Signed ivory netsuke (ref: 561)

Summary: Signed ivory netsuke of a seated deity stroking his beard £160
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Signed ivory netsuke (ref: 562)

Summary: Signed ivory netsuke of a seated muskrat £210
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