Japanese netsuke, while it served with a practical purpose in seventeenth century Japan, has in recent times become a treasured art form with immense historical value to both the Western and Eastern worlds. These carved clasps contain such detail as to hold its own in the critical circles of the art world. The time taken to craft the small, almost animate-like figurines leaves a feeling of awe in those who see and touch them. There are stories that art pieces tell with each nick and crevice created by their maker is priceless. It reflects the histories of this cultured and progressive civilization.
The netsuke began as a means of closure. During the Edo period, the robes and kimonos of the Japanese people were without pockets and in a world that based its value system off of simplicity and nature, purses and such of great adornment were looked down upon. From this state of mind and need for a practical means of storing and caring valuables and necessities on one's person, the idea of having a small purse-the inro- evolved. This small purse of clutch could be hung from a string and hidden beneath one's robes. The netsuke became the means by which a person could clasp the purse to his or her neck.
Quite a bit of time and thought were put into the Japanese netsuke. Yes, they were meant to be simple and practical. However, the Japanese culture is rich with myths and spiritualism. It is no wonder that such ideas would present themselves in the forms of the netsuke. People, places, things, religion, sex, no category was left unturned and the netsuke has represented them all. These pieces were made from materials such as hardwoods and ivory, stone and whatever else an artisan could find that was malleable enough to be carved but sturdy enough to be used as more than a trinket.
The Japanese netsuke packs quite a punch for such a small item. The value that they hold today, with aesthetics only, is equal to that of their practical value in Japan during the seventeenth century. They can be found in private homes, popular museums and even on some persons as jewelry or the like. So, while the use of the netsuke has evolved in to something other than what it was created for it is still a treasure to be had and admired by all.
Anita Satin Choudhary writes for JapaneseNetsuke.org. Browse the gallery for a collection of Japanese netsuke and get more information.
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