Small and artistic, the Netsuke has a variety of looks. And as the artwork spans over several centuries, you may wonder a bit about the origins, their use, and why they are so collectable. While there may be several variations to the modern Netsuke collectables, the traditional Netsuke is very specific in its history and function. Here is what we have learned about original Netsuke collectables.

NETSUKE’S HISTORY

Netsuke collectables can be traced back to the early 14th century Japan. Unlike the modernized versions we find today, they designed the collectables as a wardrobe necessity. In the 14th century, the kimono did not have the pockets or the space necessary to store anything. Therefore, inro and other pouches/containers were hung from the sashes of the kimonos.

The problem which arose was that the inro and pouches needed to have a counterbalance. At first, the small devices were like gourds. But as time went on, the counter measurements developed into various works of art. This has become known today as the Netsuke.

Netsuke are traditionally small. The average size of a netsuke collectable is around 4.4mm – 7mm long, though there are some which are slightly larger and smaller. As the original netsuke were commonly commissioned by people of a higher class than the artist, it is not common to find them with signatures until the late 18th and early 19th century. Artists who are best known for netsukes are Mitsuhiro, Masakazu, Kokusai, and Kaigyokusai.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF NETSUKE COLLECTABLES

When looking at Netsuke collectables, you note that there are several types of designs available. These different types correspond to the timeframe in which they were made. The first type is the iciraku which is extremely rare and made of basketwork. The bowl-shaped metal design is known as the kagmibuta. Manju netsukes are those which are circular, and button shaped and sasi are rod-shaped. These are very similar to toggles, which you find on today’s hoodies.

The design alone cannot determine the best or the specific time frame in which they made a netsuke. As the only real requirement was for the netsuke to counterbalance the inro. So long as they did this, it gave artistic freedom to the shape, material, and subject of the netsuke.

THE MOST COMMON NETSUKE COLLECTABLES

Common in today’s market are the katabori. These are the figurine type netsukes. They span a few centuries and range from small animals to the mythological creatures of Japan. As original netsuke collectables are of Japanese design, they strongly showed their culture in the Katabori. However, when the Katabori emerged, nearby China took up the design as a thing of fashion. It is not uncommon to find the Chinese Calendar Characters, the Three Wisemen, and mythological characters.

Prior to the 17th century, the focus of the netsuke was primarily animal based. Not that they were solely such. Yet, the majority stayed within this scope. Western influence in the 19th century transitioned the overall design to be that of humans doing various activities. Western influence changed the overall focus of the netsuke from being a functional wardrobe piece to being collectable art. Where the netsuke always has had a part in being an exclusive form of expression (as higher classed individuals could afford better materials and exclusive artists for their netsuke), it was not until the 19th century that the netsuke shifted from being mainly garment attire to being more ornamental art.

SPOTTING A GENUINE NETSUKE COLLECTABLE

If you are looking to purchase a netsuke collectable, there are a few things which you should look for. First, look to verify that your netsuke collectable has the two holes for the inro. These should be about the size of a shoelace hole. Holes should be parallel to each other, to allow for proper balancing of the netsuke and inro. Second, the netsuke should balance well if threaded. If you find the netsuke hangs awkwardly, it may result from age, but it could also be a sign of an imitation.

Apart from the holes and the balance, there are certain aesthetic considerations to help you spot a genuine netsuke. A 14th century netsuke will be made of wood. Make sure that the wood is native to Japan. 17th century netsukes could be made of wood, metal, clay, or ivory. Although constructed of some rougher materials, netsuke collectables should be smooth to the touch. The reason is simple. Over time the rubbing and use of the netsuke would cause for a smoother surface. Rough surfaces can be found on some (which were only used for a collectable art), but this is rare.

While spotting these things will help you in determining a genuine netsuke, we strongly recommended that you have an authoritative eye validate the authenticity of your netsuke collectable prior to purchasing.

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT NETSUKES

Netsukes are interesting pieces of art which have been around for centuries, gaining a following of collectors from around the world. If you would like to hear the story of the centuries with ties to the netsuke, then consider reading A Hare with Amber Eyes. This book, written by Edward De Waal, traces the lineage of a netsuke through Charles Ephrussi.

To find the perfect Netsuke for your collection, please browse our selection. All of our pieces are genuine. Should you wish to find out more about netsuke collectables, let us know as we would love to help.