Netsuke: The Functional Art of Miniature Sculpture

Netsuke as a functional art form was brought into existence by a lack of pockets, its flowering and expansion fueled by the introduction and general use of tobacco and then the miniature sculpture, Netsuke, declined to a curiosity and niche art form with the advent of cigarettes and by new clothing fashions that included pockets.

Functional Art

The intricately carved miniature sculpture of ancient Japan known as Netsuke (Net'-skee) were created to function as a counterweight by attaching it to a pouch or wallet, a set of keys, chopstick case or sake cup. These were connected by a cord to the Netsuke and worn by looping them through the waist sash (obi) of a kimono.

Before the 1600's small, interesting looking natural objects such as gourds, shells, pieces of wood, bamboo or stones served the purpose of a counterweight. When the Portuguese visited Japan in 1543 they brought tobacco as a trade item and since it was an expensive, imported luxury it became a status symbol for the rich and elite. Tobacco seeds arrived in 1604 but the Shogun banned the sale and use of the plant in 1609. It had already become so popular that by 1684 it was in general use, had become socially acceptable and was by then a sign of hospitality offered to visitors and house guests.

Miniature Sculpture

Fashion came into play and with fancy tobacco pouches came the need for Netsuke of design and quality to complete the ensemble. Although they were miniature sculpture they had to be crafted with special considerations. Form follows function and the Netsuke had to be small and smooth with no sharp edges or points that would catch or break off. Superior artists took into account the natural wear involved in being worn as an article of clothing so that patina and feel after smoothing were part of the design considerations.

Early on, subjects as diverse as Buddhist carvings and Haiku poems inspired the designs. Every natural object and anything the imagination could conjure became a source and model for the Netsuke carver. Animals and plants, people and demons, insects and creatures from the zodiac were all cleverly crafted in a variety of woods. Ivory, amber, tusk and metal were also used to create these most life-like and intricate carvings that are only an inch or two in size.

Evolution and Demise

Different types and functions evolved for varying tastes and uses during this period in the history of Netsuke.

Katabori Netsuke - the most common style, completely carved in the round as was the elongated version called Sashi.
Manju Netsuke - round and flat like a button and its variation the Ryusa, a fretwork style Manju.
Kagamibuta Netsuke - a bowl shaped netsuke with an attached lid.

The kagamibuta was a member of a sub-class of Netsuke that had a secondary functional purpose, it was used as an ash tray while other types performed as sundial, compass, tea whisk, abacus and even one type with a flint and tinder that functioned as a lighter.

Around the year 1876 two social changes coincided to cause the decline and eventual doom of Netsuke as a functional element of Japanese attire. The general acceptance of western style clothing with its many pockets bringing about the elimination of a need for the obi (sash) and the universal use of cigarettes instead of the pipe for smoking tobacco combined to make the Netsuke obsolete. Only as an art form, a miniature sculpture, are Netsuke produced in this day and age.

The Netsuke Handbook of Ueda Reikichi
translated by Raymond Bushell

Collectors' Netsuke
by Raymond Bushell

The Art of Netsuke Carving
by Masatoshi
as told to Raymond Bushell

The International Netsuke Society
www.netsuke.org