Netsuke Central

[Bugyotsuji]

New, hopefully educational, thread for Netsuke. 

(Opinions offered, but be warned there are many *NLO out there, so gird your loins against disappointments.)

 

•Collections

•Recent acquisitions
•Mei signatures
•Materials
•Reference 
etc.

 

*Netsuke-like objects. This phrase was coined on the INS (International Netsuke Society) site which is currently undergoing running repairs.

[Bugyotsuji]

根付 Netsuke background knowledge.

 

From the late 1500s onwards, it became fashionable (mostly for males) when wearing kimono to hang Inro (personal seal) cases (and other things) from the obi waistband, the string anchored behind and on top of the obi with a Netsuke stopper, with an Ojime bead (slide) to hold the strings together.

 

A Sagemono (hanging) set would thus be a) the Inro, or specific object hanging by strings from b) the Netsuke, with strings loosened or pulled together with c) an Ojime slide. All three objects can be creations of beauty, and avidly collected.

 

When bans on dress gaudiness were issued by the Tokugawa Shogunate, the Netsuke was one small way to show off your wealth, as too with the swords you might wear. Rather like a watch or phone today.

 

A good netsuke would need to be able to take and anchor a string, either through two 'himotoshi' holes, or various other ways. It would need to be interesting to look at, and well carved, to be admired equally from any of the six directions, and naturally fit in the palm of the hand. Almost any material might work as long as it was strong enough and would not get caught on or damage clothing. 

 

Many Netsuke were unsigned, but there are many books recording the names of Netsuke carvers, the oldest of which The Soken Kisho (1781, 57 carvers) also recorded metalworker sword guards etc.

 

As clothing fashions changed to Western dress, Netsuke lost their primary usage, but were sought after by visiting Westerners. For this reason you may find more of them abroad than in Japanese collections. You may have noticed the Gyoji referee in Sumo wearing colourful kimono, and if you look carefully you may spot an inro set hanging from their right side. The TV series Mito Komon also uses the Kamon on an Inro for identification of the good characters at the end.

 

Netsuke continue to be carved even today, some of exceptionally high quality; others (NLO) can be cleverly designed to trick the unwary into parting with their money. Sorting out the good ones takes learning, exposure to collections and books and gatherings in order to develop an eye.

 

Purists like to collect good condition well-carved Netsuke from their Golden Age, signed if possible, before Western influences become discernable in them. Well-known Netsuke carving areas were Iwami, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, Edo etc. Since the modern fall from grace of ivory, other materials such as wood and stag antler have risen in popularity.

 

The above, written in haste, could be subject to change as and when! End of May 2025.

[Matsunoki]

 

Netsuke for me is a very bitter sweet subject. Over many years I’d built a half decent collection and had a massive library on the subject. But the along comes our woke vote grabbing government with its unjustified and ill considered ban on ivory thus was I really forced to sell the lot before their value evaporated to zero in this country. Of all the things I’ve been interested in Netsuke were (are?) probably my favourite…..even more than the guns and swords and tsuba! I really miss them more than anything else. Bloody Michael Gove…..what a weasel…..now he’s a Baron and a Lord 🤬🤬

Sorry for rant….netsuke always hit this painful nerve. Wonderful things like this …….banned from selling, importing etc

 

[Bugyotsuji]

Is your sweet tiger signed, Colin, and where do you figure it was made? Those eyebrows look very distinctive!

[Matsunoki]

It’s not mine Piers. It’s an example of what I once had. 18thC Tomotada….one of the greatest Kyoto masters.

When I sold the collection I deleted all photos. I was very very angry and upset. I sold the library as well which was pretty dumb! Lots of rare books and catalogues of old collection auctions. Yes I could have kept them (the netsuke) and watch them become valueless and unsaleable but that would have been ££crazy.

 

[Matsunoki]

Some nice things….,.

https://www.kunstauktionen-duesseldorf.auction/148-asiatika-antiken-schmuck-uhren--search-1-block-41-browse.html

[Bugyotsuji]

Colin, do we assume that the ivory ones all have the latest CITES etc. paperwork?

[ROKUJURO]

We also have an ivory ban in Germany, but if the objects are verifiably old, it does not apply. The problem remains to convince the customs.....

[Matsunoki]

6 hours ago, Bugyotsuji said:

Colin, do we assume that the ivory ones all have the latest CITES etc. paperwork?

Absolutely not!

It’s complicated globally and I can only comment on the UK.

Until the latest stupid UK ban, all antique ivory netsuke and okimono were exempt from CITIES regulations due to their age. They could be bought and sold with no paperwork necessary. Perfect and sensible. No elephants were being killed by poachers to supply the antique market.

Then along comes the UK blanket ban and it completely overrides and ignores the sensible old CITIES regulations in that ANYTHING made from ivory or predominantly from ivory IRRESPECTIVE OF AGE can no longer be bought, sold, imported or exported. They can be owned but the result has been to kill the market overnight. There are some minor exemptions which require submissions and paperwork but none will apply to netsuke or okimono or shibayama etc. or wonderful French and German carvings be they medieval or whatever. 
Regulations in Europe and the rest of the world are different and generally a bit more relaxed…..but I don’t know the detail.

This legislation is an example of politicians doing “something” about elephants being slaughtered. The trouble is they have achieved nothing except to cost law abiding citizens a huge amount of money and deny law abiding citizens from taking part in a historically important preservationist “hobby”. Elephants continue to be slaughtered by poachers often with cooperation from the local “officials” who all stand to gain a lot by supplying the predominantly Chinese market where it is used to make “tat”.

Sorry….I was ranting again😡

[Bugyotsuji]

Spot on.
(Actually I was asking specifically about all those ivory netsuke in your German auction link above.)

 

A top dealer in London told me that if he sells netsuke legally in Paris, he can still be fined £250,000 if the proceeds of the sale are moved to the UK. 

[Brian]

Couldn't agree more. As one of the primary countries where illegal ivory is sourced, the bans have created MORE demand, not less. And aside from rhino horn poaching which has vastly overtaken ivory poaching, it is happening on a daily basis, in spite of millions of $'s being spent on security. Govt, police and high level syndicates are involved, and the ban has done ZERO to prevent the poaching and trade.
My personal (controversial) opinion is that govts sitting with thousands of tons of stockpiled ivory should FLOOD the market with ivory that is already in stockpiles, and drive the prices down so much, that there is no incentive for poaching. No-one will poach elephants if the prices are cheap. The supply in Africa of already poached ivory is vast, and could kill the trade in illegal ivory.
Nothing else has worked.

[Bugyotsuji]

The law simply followed the demands of the crowd, with sops and appeasement, and the old ratchet effect, showing that something was being ‘done’ about the ‘problem’. Obama had already set an extreme precedent in the US. 

Sadly I had to choose among my ivory pieces. Some I decided to get rid of, but those that pleased me simply by their appearance and/or feel in the hand, I have kept.

[Bugyotsuji]

Meantime, to kickstart this thread, here is a netsuke. 

 

It is quite representative of Netsuke in general, a little small perhaps, and the only reason I have chosen this one is that it is my latest find. (And I like it.)

 

Unsigned, it is probably carved from 'tsuge' 柘植, 黄楊, 樿 etc., boxwood, for which there are various Kanji. Buxus microphylla var. Japonica. The carving is finely done, and the netsuke is a pleasure to hold in the hand.

 

There are no added himotoshi holes, this netsuke taking advantage of the natural gaps between the stems of the mushroom branch through which to pass the strings.

 

(Re Himotoshi. Himo 紐 means string/cord, and 通し toshi is part of the verb 通す tosu, to pass through. Short for himotoshi-ana, or 'string-threading holes'.)

 

What would once have hung from this possibly seasonal Netsuke? Quite realistically carved, I can imagine that it might stimulate the taste buds of a Japanese person.

 

Photos follow

 

 

 

Can be enjoyed from any angle.

[Matsunoki]

5 hours ago, Bugyotsuji said:

here is a netsuke. 

Hi Piers, 

This reminds me very much of the work produced in Ise Yamada by the Masanao school….mid 19thC ish?

or perhaps…..

https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24456/lot/166/a-boxwood-netsuke-of-mushrooms-by-juko-toshimitsu-19th-century/

[Bugyotsuji]

Very similar in feeling! (Partly confirms a suspicion I had.) Nice find, Colin, thanks!

(Do you have a photographic memory, by any chance, or was this just coincidence?) 

[Matsunoki]

Hi Piers, I

3 minutes ago, Bugyotsuji said:

Do you have a photographic memory, by any chance, or was this just coincidence?) 

I can’t remember what I had for lunch yesterday nor can I remember peoples names…..not even for 5 minutes but yes I do have an almost photographic memory for images and objects…..where I’ve seen them/similar before, if/where I bought them, who I sold them to, if they were in auctions, even if I simply liked something without handling it….the image will still “stick”.

It’s a very strange thing to experience and I have no idea how or why it happens. 
 

[Bugyotsuji]

And… by popular acclaim, here is our old favourite, the ‘Sharpen your Eyes’ corner.

 

Can anyone spot the fake, and for bonus points, say why you think it is fake?

(More than one answer possible.)

 

PS Yes, without taking these in hand and examining them closely it is not an easy task. More photos available upon request.

 

 

 

 

[Bugyotsuji]

I'm guessing not many have found this nook corner haven, so let's give it a full earth day.

 

Top row, from left.

1. Horse grazing with bound legs, or emerging from gourd.

2. Horse lying with large fly on back.

3. Strange creature with stick, carrying sack.

4. Perching eagle.

5. Monkey with hands caught in jar.

 

Bottom row.

6. Snail and frog kissing.

7. Octopus and monkey entwined.

8. Warrior with sword behind back.

9. See-no-evil seated monkey.

10. Speak-no-evil seated monkey.

+ small kagami-buta type manju button (behind octopus)

 

[Bugyotsuji]

Gotta get back to work, but before my break ends here is a hint. 

 

Small button aside, how many are wood, how many are resin, and how many are stone? The answer may surprise some.

 

The answer is that five are resin. Although there is evidence that forms of resin were used to make pressed Netsuke back in Meiji times, these examples above are all modern. Although they look like wood, they tend to be heavier, and close examination should reveal mould casting lines, and/or evidence of sanding to remove such lines. Resin Netsuke can be made by some museums too for sale in their shop, but underneath a flat filed bottom (and sometimes a logo mark or Romanized lettering) usually makes that clear.

 

If five are resin, then we can say that at least five are fakes.

[Brian]

Showing even more reason why I don't collect these. Would have fooled me every time 

[Matsunoki]

Well I’ll join in now.
Based just on Piers’ images these are all fakes imo including any wood ones. 

None appear carved with any Japanese skill or sensitivity. The subjects are clumsily and crudely depicted.

The major UK auctions and even the large antique fairs are crammed with thousands of them. Probably carved in China, India et al. 
Just put “netsuke” into eBay ……and prepare to be very depressed. 

Compare……(a 19thC carving in 18thC Kyoto style)….a wonderful subject superbly carved and coming up for sale in Europe soon. …oh the pain, can’t buy it☹️😡

 

[Bugyotsuji]

First of all thanks to all those who looked, especially to Brian for the honesty in his replies.

 

Next, Colin has the correct answer. They are all fakes. 

Nos.1, 2, 4 and 5 are dark resin.

No. 3 is a striped wood, possibly ebony (?).

 

In the bottom row,

No. 9 is resin and No. 10 is some kind of crudely-carved green soapstone.

Nos. 6 & 7 are possibly boxwood, but you'll see tables covered in these. Their freshness and the identical beady black eyes give them away at once.

No. 8, the egg-shaped Asterix-like warrior figure is also that same stripy ebony (?), and the himotoshi holes are up by his neck, in totally the wrong place.

Of the two ebony figures, (3&9) the one carrying the sack has a signature plaque underneath which will fool a lot people. "If it's signed, it's surely got to be real." These shell cartouche signature plaques often look similar. The names are Japanese-looking signatures, scrawled for illegibility, and often dyed red. 

 

If a Netsuke is looking up at you and cute or smiling, it was probably carved appealingly for the post-Meiji Western tourist market. Most of the features above are immediate tell-tale warnings. (Unfortunately the forger's art progresses.)

 

Apologies for the diversion. I kept a box of these NLO for just such an occasion, and felt a need to get this subject in the open and out of the way. (Photos supplied regarding any of the above points.)

 

Please feel free to add to this thread for the benefit of us all! 

 

[Bugyotsuji]

The horse appearing from the gourd shows no craftsmanship underneath, indeed the resin seam has been polished off, but look at the horse’s stomach.

 

As to these others. More bad seam polishing.
The Himotōshi holes. One set situated in the wrong place, one shows white resin residue inside, and the eagle holes are too badly formed.
The signature cartouche example looks the ticket from a distance but is modern, garish and scribbled to look like a Japanese artist’s Mei signature.

 

[Matsunoki]

The wonderful ivory Kirin above just sold for €4400+30%ish  premium….and it was not expensive. 

[Bugyotsuji]

That is astonishingly cheap, Colin! 
(But not ‘congratulations!’ though…?)

 

Strangely enough, I saw a large Bizen-yaki Kirin yesterday. Now, you will see Shishi of all shapes and sizes, even pairs of fighting shishi, but I cannot recall ever having seen a Kirin in Bizen pottery before.

(Talking of Bizen, they have just knocked down the 'old' Bizen Yaki Kaikan in Inbe and completely rebuilt it as the Bizen City Museum, opening on 12 July, very soon.)

 

https://www.axismag.jp/posts/2025/06/660481.html

[Matsunoki]

5 hours ago, Bugyotsuji said:

But not ‘congratulations!’ though…?)

Thanks to our ignorant law……congrats are due elsewhere. Wonderful buy at that price. Ought to have been £10k+ and had it been 18thC maybe double that.

I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of my inner seething regarding this “issue”☹️

 

….and nor have I ever seen a Bizen yaki Kirin. I love Bizen yaki…..such a strong understated ceramic. It is also surprisingly affordable…..it’s a bit too wabi-sabi maybe for many?

[Bugyotsuji]

It's certainly unglazed, earthy and nutty. I have grown to like it over the years; earthy colours and textures seem to be common to Bizen sword tangs, Bizen long guns with iron and silver lockwork, and Bizen pottery. Three-in-one.

 

It is said that fresh flowers last longer in a Bizen-yaki vase, as the pottery 'breathes'.

Incidentally, I once saw an example of a Bizen-yaki Netsuke, but where and when....

 

The Silverman Collection in the Toledo Museum of Art in the USA has probably the world's largest collection of ceramic netsuke. Once dropped, that's it, thus not too many ceramic examples have survived down through the centuries. I only have about six or seven (?) myself.

[Bugyotsuji]

Neither raising nor lowering the tone particularly, but just to add another coal, log , er, uh... another shovel of wood chips to the fire, here are a couple of ceramic Netsuke examples.

 

Unfortunately I do not have any human or animal figures here with me here, or good photos of them, but my general impression of ceramic figures is that they tend to be quite crude. I do have a nice little Satsuma figure of a woman carrying a giant 'kabu' beet on her back, but I cannot be sure that she is a Netsuke, or just a small *okimono. 

 

The first of these is part of a sagemono set I carry everywhere with me as it contains my hanko. The next is a similar ceramic 'haizara' ashtray which I found in an antiques market quite recently. The third is a lacquered ceramic chestnut, with quite a bit of damage to it. The fourth is a very simple 'manju' with copper fastenings that I found about 20 years ago in an old drawer of bits in an antiques street market. (Photos to follow.)

 

*Okimono, a free-standing decorative object designed to be placed on a flat surface for display. They might have been carved, even signed by the same artists, but differ from Netsuke in that they were not designed to be worn like Netsuke, they are usually bigger and more intricate, without needing to worry about catching on clothing. Other general giveaways are a large-area flat base and lack of himotoshi holes.

[Bugyotsuji]

Some illustrated examples.

 

Two of mine are very similar, the seated Daruma and the manju.

 

 

[Bugyotsuji]

This is my old faithful, possibly Hirado ware. Quite heavy in the hand, about 4 cm across by 2 cm thick. Silver mekugi peg/post/pin gold-plated at one end, an eye in the other.

 

 

And the reverse