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.
19thc ivory netsuke (ref: 384)

Summary: 19thc ivory netsuke of a standing Fukurokuju hiding his mouth with his robe (age cracks) £285
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Signed ivory netsuke (ref: 396)

Summary: Signed ivory netsuke of a tanuki hiding under his lotus leaf £240
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Jade shi-shi netsuke (ref: 403)

Summary: Jade/soapstone netsuke of a seated shi-shi £210
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Signed ivory netsuke of Kinko (ref: 417)

Summary: Signed ivory netsuke of Kinko astride hia giant carp £245
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18thc Ivory netsuke (ref: 500)

Summary: 18thc ivory netsuke of a man holding a fan - vertical himotoshi £480
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Signed ivory netsuke (ref: 517)

Summary: Signed ivory netsuke of masks of Okame and an Oni resting on sea shells £360
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Shi-shi netsuke (ref: 520)

Summary: Ivory netsuke of a Shi-shi with his tame, and pearl of wisdom in his mouth £220
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Signed hardwood netsuke (ref: 521)

Summary: Signed hardwood netsuke of a monkey with fruit, holding his tail, inlaid eyes £180
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Ivory netsuke of a bitch and puppy (ref: 522)

Summary: Ivory netsuke of a startled bitch with her puppy £140
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Signed ivory netsuke (ref: 523)

Summary: Signed ivory netsuke of Kan'u with his polearm and fan £160
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Hardwood netsuke Shi-shi (ref: 524)

Summary: Signed hardwood netsuke of a Shi-shi, with inlaid eyes £180
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Ivory netsuke of Ebisu (ref: 525)

Summary: Signed ivory netsuke of Ebisu with his fish £220
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Signed ivory rat (ref: 526)

Summary: Signed ivory netsuke of a crouching rat, with inlaid eyes £260
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Ivory netsuke (ref: 529)

Summary: Ivory netsuke of three figures beating an oni who is pulling them in a sack £360
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