Japanese crafts: netsuke

How netsuke is worn on a waist sash.

A netsuke ('root-fix) was attached to the end of a small decorative container called an inro, stopping the weight of the inro from slipping through the waist sash (obi). The cord was passed round the back of the sash, and the netsuke hooked over the edge.

Netsuke were often carved from ivory or wood, but there areexamples of other materials, such as carved nuts. They were either drilled to take the inro cord or had carved channels incorporated into the design. They were made to be smooth, and not have any prominent protuberances as these would either break off or catch on the kimono. They were made in many shapes and showed a variety of subjects.

Netsuke were designed to delight those who took the time to examine their miniature detail. The figures represented are often magical or mystical beings from myths and legends, such as Raiden, god of wind, thunder and lightning; Daruma, the historical founder of Zen Buddhism who meditated for nine years; and the Shojo, a creature who lives at the bottom of the sea and is fond of drinking sake. Simple depictions of everyday objects carved in exquisite detail, such as a basket of fish, were also produced.

Click on the image for a larger version:

Netsuke of a basket of fish, Japan

Netsuke
Japan
18th century
Carved ivory
Museum no. A.59-1952

Netsuke of a basket of fish, including an octopus.

Netsuke - Shojo sleeping, Japan

Netsuke
Japan
1750-1850
Carved ivory
Museum no. A.894-1910

Figure of a sleeping Shojo, a mythical creature  with a liking for drinking sake. A kindly creature from Japanese mythology, Shojos live on the bottom of the sea. They have red  hair and a pink or red skin and are naked but for a skirt  of green seaweed. The figure here is sleeping and  leaning forward into its lap, therefore the nakedness is hidden. They brew a medicinal white wine called 'shiroi sake'  and other medicines. If a good person drinks the sake,  it will taste delicious and heals all ailments. If  consumed by a wicked person it will kill them, unless the drinker repents at once.

Netsuke depicting Raiden, Japan

Netsuke
Japan
19th century
Carved ivory
Museum no. A.741-1910

Netsuke depicting Raiden, god of wind, thunder and lightning, amongst  clouds with another figure beating a drum. He is usually depicted as a red  demon with sharp claws and carrying a large drum..

Netsuke of a daruma, Japan

Netsuke
Japan
c. 1800
Carved wood
Museum no. A.23-1919

Netsuke in the shape of a daruma. One of the most popular charms in Japan, representing a Buddhist priest called Bodhidharma (Japanese name, Bodai Daruma), who  was born in India in the 5th century. He introduced Zen  meditation to China. People who meditate fold their  legs under them and hold their arms close to the body -  this explains why the doll has no arms or legs. The daruma developed its present form about 200  years ago. one of its best loved features is the shape,  which makes it bounce back to an upright position after it is pushed over..

Netsuke of General Gentoku, Japan

Netsuke
Japan
19th century
Carved ivory
Museum no. A.781-1910

Netsuke depicting the Chinese General Gentoku, riding through water on a horse.

Netsuke of a skull, Japan

Netsuke
Japan
19th century
Carved ivory
Museum no. 457-1904

Netsuke in the shape of a skull, the Japanese Buddhist symbol of Yama, god of the dead.