Netsuke are small figurines carved from wood or bone by Japanese or Chinese craftsmen. As a rule, these are figurines of animals, fish, birds, people, deities or unusual creatures. Netsuke first of all amaze with their execution thought out to the smallest detail - all the smallest details are made at the highest level, made with love. Netsuke figurines reflect the culture, manners and customs of Japan and China of the 17th-19th centuries.
The word "netsuke" (non-tsuke) is two hieroglyphs, the first of which means "root", and the second - "attach". Thus, netsuke is a kind of keychain. Netsuke also served as a counterweight, with the help of which a pouch with tobacco or a bunch of keys was worn on a belt (obi). This was necessary because there were no pockets in the traditional clothes of the Japanese.
My acquaintance with netsuke (not with real ones, of course) began several years ago, when these figures began to appear in the shops of our city. Since then, I have been buying them from time to time. Of course, they were made not from real bone or wood, but from plaster, but the execution is still up to the mark. They are inexpensive and look very cool. In addition, netsuke are a good gift, as each of the figures has its own hidden meaning.
In this and subsequent articles, I will talk about the various netsuke that I have in my collection, as well as about those that I don’t have yet. To do this, I will use the catalog, which has a detailed description of the netsuke figures.
Netsuke meaning Chinese dragon
The Chinese dragon ("moon") is the embodiment of peace-loving strength, kindness and wisdom. It is a symbol of life-giving waters. In ancient times, the Chinese believed that dragons live in all rivers, lakes and seas, and also like to soar in rain clouds. They could become small, like a silkworm, or they could become so huge that they covered the whole world with their shadow.
The dragon, which has paws with five claws, with which it holds a pearl of wisdom, purity and beauty, is a symbol of the emperor, as well as his divine patron. The imperial seal always depicts a dragon soaring in the clouds, which guards the pearl.
Meaning of Netsuke Hotei
Hotei ("canvas bag") - a good-natured fat man, the god of happiness and prosperity. It helps in the fulfillment of cherished desires, and also predetermines the fate of people. That is why there is the following belief: think of something good and at the same time rub Hotei's stomach 300 times, and then your wish will come true.
The prototype of Hotei was a small fat monk Qi Qi. He lived at the end of the X century in China. Qi Qi traveled through the villages with a rosary and a large canvas bag. Where he appeared, good luck, health and prosperity came to people.
It is also believed that Hotei was an emanation of Maitreya Buddha. In the eastern countries, the advent of Maitreya Buddha in the minds of the people meant the onset of an era of well-being, prosperity and a cloudless life for all people.
Tengu ("heavenly dog") - the protector of night travelers, the spirit of the roads. In addition, he is a forest spirit that lives on Mount Kuramayama in Japan. It is believed that they do not really like to communicate with people, however, for some they make an exception. The heavenly dog is a fabulous creature capable of reincarnation.
There are two ways of depicting Tengu: a bird-like "Karasu-Tengu" with a powerful beak (in the case when it is depicted hatching from an egg, it is called "Tengu-Notamago") and "Karasu-Tengu" - a humanoid version with a long nose.
According to legend, he teaches warriors fencing and martial arts. The famous hero Yoshitsune was brought up in a temple on Mount Kuramayama. And he was taught martial arts by the king of Tengu - Sozebo.
Japanese netsuke is a small carving made of bone or wood. The word "netsuke" is written in two hieroglyphs: the first means "root", the second - "attach". The netsuke has a through hole (himotoshi) for the cord, the ends of the cord are passed through the holes in the netsuke and tied. A cord folded in half is threaded through the belt, so that at one hanging end there is a wearable object, and at the other - as a counterweight - netsuke.
Netsuke should not be confused with okimono - a miniature Japanese sculpture similar to netsuke in design and plot, and often in size. An okimono always lacks a hole for a cord. The word "okimono" is the general name for all small easel sculpture intended only for interior decoration.
In Japan, the first netsuke appear in the second half of the 16th - early 17th centuries. It is possible that specific events played a role here: campaigns in Korea by the military ruler of Japan Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1592 and 1597. This date of the appearance of netsuke is confirmed by the images of costumes in the painting of that time and information from literary sources. In the screen painting of the late 16th century "Dressage of Horses" one of the riders is depicted with an inro hanging from his belt. The folds of the clothes hide the object to which it is attached, but, judging by the position of the inro, it is a netsuke. There is a description of Tokugawa Ieyasu's hunting, in which, among other details of Ieyasu's costume, a netsuke in the form of a gourd is mentioned. This is the earliest evidence of counterweight trinkets being worn in Japan.
The 17th century is the prehistory of netsuke, which we know about only from indirect data. The works that have survived to this day were created no earlier than the first half of the 18th century. By this time, the formation of the artistic language of miniature Japanese sculpture had already been completed, and we can consider the period from the middle of the 18th century to the middle of the 19th century to be the "golden age" of netsuke.
Things that had to be carried with them were worn differently. In the history of Japanese costume, there were several ways to carry things, for example, a bag for flint and steel was attached to the hilt of a sword. This method proved to be very stable. Another form that preceded the netsuke is obiguruwa - a belt ring to which a wallet and keys were attached. Apparently it was borrowed from the Mongols. Before and after the appearance of netsuke, various items could also be worn in a wide sleeve of a kimono.
Gradually, without exception, all methods were supplanted by netsuke. The plots of netsuke are generally the same as in other types of Japanese art. History, literature and theater, religious images, mythology and folk beliefs, auspicious symbolism, everyday life - all this is reflected in small carvings. The netsuke depicts not only Japanese, but also Chinese characters. The most popular were the deities from folk beliefs, the so-called "sitifukujin" - "seven gods of happiness." Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Daikoku, Hotei, Fukurokuju, Jurojin and Ebisu. The characters of folk beliefs are different in appearance and properties, but one thing brings them together: they are all endowed with the ability to give people happiness, peace, material well-being, health, longevity, carelessness, fun.
Fingering and stroking the netsuke at the waist, their owner not only demonstrated his attention to art objects, which has always been highly valued in Japanese society, but also by following the exquisitely harmonious curves of the form with his fingers, he calmed down and concentrated, found peace of mind, and relieved stress. And in general, netsuke is a sculpture with which they communicate. In addition, the collection of netsuke is one of the most prestigious and intellectual types of collecting. The collection of netsuke will add elegance to the room and will be able to say a lot about the owner of the house to the guest who understands what good taste, prestige and respectability are.
From an artistic point of view, netsuke is an art that, on the basis of all the previous development of Japanese culture, has developed a kind of plastic language. From the point of view of the history of culture, netsuke plots act as an inexhaustible source for the study of customs, religious and moral ideas - in a word, the life of Japan and China in the 17th - 19th centuries. Being utilitarian, household items by their purpose, netsuke eventually turned into a true art.
The purpose of netsuke is already revealed in the name itself. The word "netsuke" - "not-tsuke" is written in two hieroglyphs: the first means "root", the second - "attach". Netsuke is a keychain or counterweight, with the help of which a tobacco pouch, a bunch of keys or an inro (a box for medicines and perfumes) are worn on an obi (belt). The need for such a device is caused by the lack of pockets in the Japanese traditional costume. Trinkets-counterweights were used on a vast territory: in Japan, and in Hungary, in China, in the Far North and in Ethiopia. In essence, netsuke appear where there is a suit without pockets, but with a belt.
In the 17th and 18th centuries there are whole schools of carvers, differing in style and favorite topics. For example, the Hida or Nara schools were characterized by figures made in the style ittobori- with a single knife, without careful study of small details. The largest schools of carvers are formed in Edo, Osaka and Kyoto. In the provinces, sometimes original movements arise, the founder of which was often one talented master. As an example, one can point to Shiyoda(?) Tomiharu, who lived and worked in the middle of the 18th century. in the Iwami province of Honshu. Big names such as Shuzan Yoshimura from Osaka, Tomotada and Masano from Kyoto appear among the netsukushi. However, with rare exceptions, we know little about the lives and biographies of most carvers. A great help for researchers involved in the history of netsuke was the collection "Soken kisho". It was published in 1781 by an Osaka resident and sword merchant, Inaba Tsuryu. The collection contains a list of fifty-three names of the largest netsukeshi of that time, accompanied by illustrations of their work.
What are Netsuke?
1. Netsuke Daikoku and Ebisu - happiness and luck, always going hand in hand. Two Gods of Luck: Daikoku is depicted in a kariginu suit, wearing a tori eboshi hat, with a hammer, a rat and a sack. It is believed that with each beat of the mallet, happiness, health and love increase in the world. And the bag with heavenly rice, which he carries on his shoulders, symbolizes wealth and prosperity.
Ebisu is depicted with the magic fish Tai - a symbol of good luck and success. Depicted together, Daikoku and Ebisu symbolize the balance between material wealth and spiritual achievements, harmony and peace of mind.
2. Netsuke Daikoku - one of the seven gods of happiness, the god of wealth and prosperity. Sometimes he is worshiped as the patron of the hearth. In netsuke, he is depicted in a karigin costume, in a tori-eboshi hat, with a mallet, a rat and a bag of magic rice - a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Rats are Daikoku's helpers and our friends. They gnaw holes in his bag, and magical rice falls from heaven to earth right into our hands.
3. Netsuke Ebisu - the god of happiness and good luck. Depicted in a high hat, with a fishing rod, a staff and often with Tai fish. Sacred fish Tai is considered a symbol of good luck and spiritual achievements. According to legend, it is very difficult to catch a carp with bare hands in clear heavenly water - it is just as difficult to achieve peace of mind, harmony and enlightenment. Sometimes Ebisu acts as the patron of fishermen.
4. Netsuke Shoushin - one of the seven gods of happiness, bringing health, healing from serious illnesses and longevity. Considered the patron saint of medicine. Depicted with a huge staff of ginseng root and a magic peach of immortality in his hand. Often a gourd with clear crystal water is tied to the staff - a symbol of life and longevity.
5. Netsuke Zaoshen - Zao Wang - the keeper of the hearth. Sometimes he is depicted with a round tablet in his hand, where the cherished dreams and wishes of all family members are written. On December 24, Zaoshen goes to heaven on the sacred mountain Kun Lun and reports in the heavenly office to the ruler of the Celestial Empire Yu-di, how he helps in household chores and guards the hearth, conveys all wishes, and they are sure to come true, and dreams come true. Often, Zaoshen has attributes that symbolize health: a magical peach that gives longevity, a gourd with clear transparent water, personifying a long happy life, purity of family relationships and promising prosperity to descendants. If a bag is depicted next to Zaoshen, then the wishes of health and happiness are added to the wishes of wealth and prosperity in the house. On special occasions, Zaoshen can bestow a magical vase with treasures that never run out. All other domestic deities obey Zaoshen - Chuanggun and Chuanmu, who protect the bed, the goddess Zigu, who keeps the house clean and tidy, and the younger Menshen, who guard the doors of the house from trouble and drive away evil spirits.
6. Netsuke Hotei - "canvas bag" - one of the seven gods of happiness: the god of communication, fun and prosperity. It is believed that he predetermines people's destinies and helps in the fulfillment of cherished desires. A belief is connected with this: if you rub the Hotei figurine on the stomach three hundred times, thinking about something good, then the wish will surely come true. The image of Hotei is associated with a specific character who lived in China at the end of the 10th century - a small fat monk named Qi Qi, who walked around the villages with a large canvas bag and a rosary. The legend says that where he appeared, good luck, health and prosperity came to people. If someone asked what was in his bag, he answered: "I have the whole world there." Once, being already elderly, sitting at some temple, Hotei said: “Oh, people, people, you didn’t recognize me. But I am the coming Maitreya Buddha.” And, indeed, it is believed that Hotei is an emanation of Buddha-Maitreya. In the East, the advent of Buddha-Maitreya was understood as the ordering of the Universe, as the achievement of world harmony; in popular understanding meant the onset of an era of prosperity, well-being, contentment and a carefree life for all people. It is no coincidence that Hotei was considered the embodiment of happiness and carelessness. In the 17th century, he was canonized in Japan and became one of the seven gods of happiness.
7. Netsuke Jurojin - "long-term old man" - one of the seven gods of happiness: the god of longevity and immortality. As a rule, in the image of Jurojin there are attributes indicating the wish for a long, happy life: a scroll with the inscription: "Heaven grants immortality", a magical musical instrument, the sounds of which rejuvenate a person and fulfill all good desires. Sometimes on Jurojin's clothes a triple swastika is depicted - a symbol of perpetual motion, and next to it is a turtle - a symbol of longevity, wisdom and the universe.
8. Netsuke Fukurokuju - one of the seven gods of happiness: the god of a scientific career, wisdom and intuition. The very image of Fukurokuju testifies to great intelligence and wisdom: his head has an unusually elongated size, deep transverse wrinkles on his forehead, he usually holds a staff with a scroll in his hands.
9. Netsuke Fukurokuju - sometimes depicted as a shifter - a huge celestial turtle - a symbol of wisdom and the universe.
10. Netsuke Ame no Uzume - the moon fairy, the goddess of happiness, love and joy. She is depicted as a plump-cheeked, smiling woman with long, flowing hair. The people called her Ota-faku - "great happiness." She is considered the founder of ritual dances and the founder of theatrical art in Japan. Therefore, Ame no Uzume is often depicted dancing or holding an actor's mask in her hands.
11. Netsuke Siwanmu - the queen of heaven, one of the immortals (literally - "mother-mistress of the West"). Siwangmu is very popular. It is believed that she bestows happiness in love, health and well-being. In particular, her image was attractive because she was considered the mistress of the garden in the Kunlun mountains, where magical peach trees grew, the fruits of which bestowed immortality and healed from serious ailments. Peach trees bloom once in a thousand years. From magical peaches, Sivanmu prepared healing potions, bringing not only healing and immortality, but also extraordinary abilities, such as the ability not to drown in water.
12. Netsuke Benzaiten - the goddess of happiness, love and art. Sometimes she is considered the deity of water and the patroness of music. Benzaiten is depicted with a biwa lute in his hands and sometimes with a coiled snake in a high hairstyle. She is considered a female deity of happiness, girls turn to her with requests and dreams of mutual love and a happy marriage.
13. Netsuke Guanyin - "hearing everything in the world." A female deity who saves from all sorts of disasters, helping everyone who turns to her, especially women in labor and pregnant women. When someone needs help, she has a thousand hands, and on each palm an eye, to see everyone who needs her support. Often she is depicted with a holy book, a jug, a staff or a rope - after all, any of these items can help someone out of trouble. Protects children and protects them from diseases.
14. Netsuke Bishamonten - one of the seven gods of happiness - the god of wealth, the guardian of the North, the patron of warriors. He is depicted as a formidable warrior in armor with a trident or sword and a pagoda in his hands. Patronizes warriors and people involved in martial arts, helps them gain extraordinary strength of mind and courage, wisdom and justice.
15. Netsuke Amaterasu - the Great Sacred Goddess shining in the sky, the eldest daughter of the god Izanagi, the goddess of the Sun, the ancestor of the dynasty of Japanese emperors. "Ama" - means "sky", "Terasu" - "illuminate", "shine". She is depicted as a beautiful woman with a fan, in a kimono decorated with birds of happiness - cranes. The personification of all the most remarkable female qualities is the embodiment of Wisdom, Beauty, Purity and Harmony. Her image was always present in the palaces of the emperor, carrying a blessing and protecting meaning. Amaterasu is considered the Queen of the Seven Lucky Gods.
16. Netsuke Kubera - the god of happiness, wealth, righteousness and piety, the keeper of all treasures and treasures hidden in the bowels of the earth; the lord of mountain spirits - yakshas guarding these treasures. He has Pushpak's magical flying chariot from which he can view the riches he holds. He lives in the magical city of Alaku, surrounded by a wonderful garden where elephants and antelopes roam, and rivers and lakes are covered with golden lotuses. Kubera is unusually kind and fair, he gives people happiness and success, personifies the harmony of spiritual and material wealth.
17. Netsuke Dunfansho - the god of happiness and the patron of gold and silver craftsmen. According to legend, Dongfanshuo stole the magic peach of immortality from Xiwangmu, for which he was exiled to earth, where he began to work extraordinary miracles; he turned a piece of cloth into a huge dragon, gave Emperor Wudi a sounding tree with ten branches and a wonderful horse from the chariot Sivanmu. The curiosities created by Dongfangshuo were so beautiful and precious that he was considered the god of happiness and the patron of gold and silver craftsmen. He is usually depicted with a bag of gold and silver. Brings good luck in business, trade and crafts. Dongfangshuo is also considered the god of harmony and balance. The gold and silver in his bag is a symbol of two balanced principles - the Sun and the Moon, yin and yang, male and female. Sometimes it is believed that it brings harmony in the relationship between a man and a woman.
18. Netsuke Futen - uncle fair wind. Chinese deity, bringing good luck on the road, protecting travelers from all sorts of troubles. The figurine as a guarding talisman can be taken with you on the road.
Oh, the wind from Mount Fuji!
I would bring you on a fan to the city,
Like a precious gift.
19. Netsuke Kanzan and Jittoku - Buddhist monks of the Tang period, who were famous for their unusual behavior and extravagant deeds. Sometimes these characters were considered paired doubles, like He-He Er-Xian - immortal twins of unity and harmony. Thus, the image of Kanzan and Jittoku is called the "sacred family" and has a similar meaning - harmony, harmony and understanding between spouses. It was also believed that Kanzan and Jittoku are in the retinue of the god of wealth Mohai and patronize monetary profit, bringing wealth to the family.
20. Netsuke Buddha - In China, the great founder of the Buddhist religion is called Shakyamuni ("Shakya" - the one who is merciful, "muni" - the one who lives in solitude and silence. "Prince Siddartha, known as Shakyamuni Gautama Buddha, was born in 624 BC in Kapilavastu - "the city of beautiful virtue" on the border of Nepal. The son of the ruler, he rejected the vanity and splendor of society and devoted himself to the great cause of spreading the religion of Buddhism. In Lalita-Vistara it is recorded that "the head of the Buddha corresponds to the traditional the image of holiness (lakshanas): eyebrows fused at the bridge of the nose, a cone of wisdom on the crown (ushnisha), covered, according to the tradition of Bodhisattvas, with a pointed tiara; three lines of happiness on the neck; earlobe, bifurcated and elongated, like those of the inhabitants of southern India; a mark in the middle forehead (urna), symbolizing the third eye of wisdom. "Buddha images, while generally retaining the features of holiness, vary in detail depending on the country where he is depicted and national traits. The Buddha is usually depicted sitting on a lotus, raising three fingers of his right hand for blessing ; "with snails on their heads", i.e. with spirally curled hair, in memory of the beautiful Indian legend of snails protecting the head of the Buddha from sunstroke with their cool bodies, while he was thinking about how to alleviate human suffering. Sometimes the Buddha is depicted with a weaving shuttle in his hands, symbolizing rebirth after death, just as the shuttle dives in the hands of a weaver. Sometimes he is represented as the Goddess of Fertility, holding a jug of earth in her left hand and rice sprouts in her right. Buddha can be seen with a book - a symbol of knowledge, and with a spear - a symbol of courage, in his hands. On the altars, the golden Buddha is depicted sitting between two of his students: on the right is Ananda, the author of sacred religious scriptures, and on the left is Kas "yapa, the keeper of sacred mystical traditions. Sometimes, instead of students, you can find two other images of the Buddha: the Buddha of the Past and the Buddha of the Future.
Shakyamuni Buddha was not the only Buddha, i.e. enlightened; there were others who came, perhaps, from the legends and beliefs of the peoples who came into contact with the Indian religion (Amitabha, Maitreya Buddha, etc.). Any thinking being, freed from feelings, perception and personality, who has known the highest essence of all phenomena, can become a Buddha. The most frequently depicted Buddha is Amitabha - the lord of the Pure Land - a Buddhist paradise, where pious people are reborn in lotus flowers. "Amitabha" means "infinite light". The image of the Buddha is an unusually strong spiritual symbol that protects and helps people on the path of spiritual development.
21. Netsuke Daruma - Bodaidaruma - Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of the name Bodhidharma - the founder of the Buddhist school of Zen. In the 510s, he went to China, where he founded the Shaolin Monastery in the Songshan Mountains, which later became famous. In this monastery, according to legend, for nine years he indulged in meditation, sitting in front of an absolutely clean wall and contemplating it. They say that one day he fell asleep, and when he woke up, he tore out his eyelashes, and where he threw them, a tea bush grew, driving away sleep. In a state of silent concentration, Daruma experienced Satori (enlightenment). After an instant Satori, it was revealed to him that it is possible to transmit the Truth directly, outside the teachings, outside the laws - "to poke the mind into the Truth." Daruma says: "There is only one Way: forgetting yourself, seek the Highest in yourself." From him came the custom of sitting meditation in Zen - zazen. In Japan, Bodhidharma is very popular. Everywhere you can find his image - in nzske, in painting, in poetry.
Ask - you say.
Don't ask, don't tell.
What is hidden in your soul
Noble Bodhidharma?
Daruma is a symbol of wisdom, clarity, compassion for all living beings.
22. Netsuke Daruma (see 21) is sometimes depicted sitting on the Chinese lion Karashishi Fo, the protector, companion and helper of all people striving for Enlightenment.
23. Netsuke Lao Tzu - philosopher, sage, founder of the doctrine of "Tao". Unfortunately, little is known about him. Even his true name is unknown, since Lao Tzu is just a nickname, meaning literally - "wise old man". According to legend, in his declining years, Lao Tzu decided to leave the Celestial Empire and went to the West. When he passed the border outpost, its chief begged Lao Tzu to leave a book about himself, which would reflect the thoughts of the "wise old man" about the Way of the world and the Way of man in it. This is how the famous manuscript of 5000 hieroglyphs appeared, which has survived to this day - the book "Ways and Grace" - "Tao Te Ching". The ideas of Taoism have had a significant impact on the culture of China and Japan, on the martial arts, they are the basis of Chinese traditional medicine, painting and science.
24. Netsuke Confucius - Kung Fuzi - the greatest sage of China, who has been revered for many centuries; his merits as a Teacher, editor of the national lyrics, known as Odes, are especially noted; in addition, he published the Canon of History and described the history of his native country, which he called the Annals of Spring and Autumn. He taught that the nature of man is pure from birth and that it begins to deteriorate only from the impurity of his environment. His daily sermons were about a merciful heart and duties towards one's fellow men; the virtues he valued above all else were law and truth. Confucius developed a new morality based on mutual respect and strong family ties. He said that a wise ruler should set an example of fair treatment of his subjects, resorting to force as a last resort. In turn, the subjects must respect the ruler and obey him. Confucius was convinced that family relationships should be built the same way. He expressed the essence of his teaching in the maxim: "The ruler must be the ruler, the subject - the subject, the father - the father, the son - the son." Following Confucius, the Chinese imagined the people as a large family, whose members were the living, the dead, and the unborn. Correct relationships in the family, i.e. reverence by the younger elders, were the key to the prosperity of the state. Just as a father rules over his son, so the emperor rules over his subjects.
Grandfathers, fathers, grandchildren!
Three generations, and in the garden -
Persimmon, tangerines. . .
25. Netsuke Goshisa - a person who writes down fate. A time keeper who writes down good, happy dreams and dreams that will surely come true and bring happiness. Gosis' magical notes turn wishes into reality.
Fate is unknown.
We look at the month in autumn,
But we can melt
After all, life is only
Only beads
Transparent dew.
Who is not tired, you can see the continuation of the list of figures here -
Netsuke(jap. 根付 netsuke) - a small symbolic carving. It is made mainly of ivory or wood. In ancient times, the Japanese used netsuke to attach keys, a purse to a kimono belt, but also netsuke also served as a decoration for clothes.
In Japan, the first netsuke appear in the second half of the 16th - early 17th centuries.
Netsuke sashi depicting Jesus Christ, ivory, 17th century
Netsuke was used as a hanging keychain on traditional Japanese clothing, kimono and kosode (帯鉗), which were devoid of pockets.
Small items like a pouch or key were placed in special containers (called sagemono (下げ物). The containers could be in the form of pouches or small wicker baskets, but the most popular were drawers (inro), which were closed with a bead that slid along a cord (ojime).
Netsuke holding inro on obi
Inro were attached to the kimono belt (obi) with a cord. He was tied into a ring, folded in half and passed through a belt. A netsuke was attached to one of the ends of the resulting loop. The cord knot was hidden in one of the two himotoshi(紐解) - netsuke holes connected by a through valve. Thus, netsuke served both as a kind of counterweight and an elegant decoration of clothing.
Netsuke attached to inro, engraving by Katsushika Hokusai
Netsuke on the right
Some people equate netsuke with okimono, but this is not necessary. Netsuke and okimono are very similar, but in terms of purpose and symbolism, they are completely different figures.
Okimono- These are figurines used for decoration and decoration of the interior. These figurines can be made of any material and do not have any influence on the fate of a person, unlike netsuke.
Since ancient times, netsuke differed in typology and forms. The same netsuke difference has been preserved to this day.
Figures and types of netsuke
Katabori (形彫) - this is the most famous and familiar type of netsuke for many. Small carvings depicting animals and people, multi-figured groups. This species was popular in the XVIII - XIX centuries.
katabori
Anabori (穴彫) - a subgroup of katabori. These netsuke were made from a shell, inside which storylines were created.
anabori
Sasi (差) - This form of netsuke is one of the oldest forms. These netsuke are made in the form of a bar with an eyelet for a lace. They could be made of different materials, but were mostly made of wood. The method of using this type of netsuke was different from others.
If katabori, manji and others were used as a counterweight, then sashi was plugged into the belt in such a way that the hole was at the bottom, and a wallet, keys, etc., hung on a cord passed through it. at the top of the belt.
Usually sashi is considered one of the forms of netsuke, but according to some researchers, it is a modification of the sword handle, to which a bag of flint and flint was hung.
Another close analogy of sashi is the adaptation obi - hasami invented in China. In principle, it is similar to sashi, it has a hook on top, but instead of a hole at obi-hasami at the bottom there is a small round thickening, for which a wearable item was tied.
The first netsuke sashi have survived to this day in very small quantities. In addition, the first netsuke sashi are difficult to distinguish from obi-hasami. Later, during the period of developed netsuke art, the sashi form was probably perceived as archaic and not often used.
Sasi
Mask (面 maine) - reduced copy of Noo's mask. The largest netsuke group. With its properties, the mask is very similar to the type of katabori.
mask
Manju (饅頭) - these netsuke were made of ivory and had the shape of a circle. Sometimes the manju was made from two semicircles. Sometimes it is made of two halves. The image is given by engraving, which is usually accompanied by blackening. It got its name from its resemblance to the round, flat manju rice cake. One of the peculiar varieties of manju is compositions made up of several miniature theatrical masks.
manju
Itaraku- these netsuke were made of reed or wire. They wove in the form of boxes of pumpkins and other shapes.
Ryusa(柳左） — Form variant manju. The main difference between this form and the usual manju in that it is empty inside, and one (upper) part is made using the technique of through carving.
When ryusa made from two detachable halves, then usually the material was selected from the middle using a lathe. This form was especially often used in Edo, where the famous carver Ryusa lived (active in the 1780s), after whom it is named.
It is believed that this form, like the manju, became especially widespread in connection with the earthquakes of the Ansei period (1854-1860), and especially with the Edos earthquake of 1855, when many netsuke were destroyed and a need arose for new products. Ease of manufacture ryusa compared to, for example, katabori or kagamibuta and influenced their predominant distribution at that time.
ryusa
Kagamibuta (鏡蓋)- is also similar to manju, but it is a flat vessel made of ivory or other bone, horn, rarely wood, covered with a metal lid on top, on which the main part of the decoration based on a wide range of techniques is concentrated. The signature on such netsuke usually belongs to the metal master.
kagamibuta
Of course, each image had its own purpose.
So, for example, stamina, courage and fortitude were provided by the figurine of a sage Daruma ,
Daikoku with a bag of magic rice promised wealth, 
and gave good luck Ebisu with a magic carp in their hands (it was believed that how difficult it is to catch a carp with your bare hands, it is so difficult to find peace of mind and balance).
Happiness and good luck, which always go together, was bestowed by a double figurine - Daikoku And Ebisu .
Seekers of health and longevity wore a figurine of the god of happiness shousina who was holding ginseng and magic peach.
Those who had a cherished desire turned to the god of happiness, fun and communication Hotei, it was he who was always depicted either sitting or standing, but always smiling. To fulfill the plan, it was necessary to stroke the figurine on the stomach three hundred times, while thinking about what was desired.
Travelers took a figurine Futen, which promised a fair wind and good luck on the way. He was depicted as a man carrying a bag on his back and with a serene smile on his face.
Samurai gave. strength of mind, courage and courage
The queen of heaven, Sivanmu, drove away the winds of adversity with a fan.
Creative people were helped by a figurine of a man listening to a shell. A huge variety of figurines, and, accordingly, missions, made it possible to choose the one necessary for a particular situation and use it to solve difficulties.
But these gizmos are known all over the world not only as lucky amulets. The fact is that many real artists created tiny, but very expressive netsuke, and then these figurines became masterpieces of world art.
Japanese netsuke: miniature figurines
Netsuke with a secret
Ebisu with fish and basket.
Early 20th century, bone carving
Shousin with staff and peach.
Late 19th - early 20th century, bone carving, staining
Hotei with a fan and a bag.
Late 19th century, bone carving, staining
Jurojin with a scroll.
Bone carving, blackening.
Okimono Bishamonten with pagoda.
Bone carving, 19th century
Jurojin, one of the seven gods of fortune
DARUMA DOLL SELLER, master YASUYUKI
Ivory, carving. Second half of the 19th century Netsuke of the famous master
Yasuyuki depicts a caricature scene typical of Edo at the time. The peasant came to trade in
Edo before the new year with Daruma dolls of their own making.
NETSUKE IN THE FORM OF MANJU master KOYUSAI
Ivory. Diameter approx. 4 cm. 19th century
NETSKE "GEISHA AND DEMON"
Ivory. Height approx. 4.2 cm. 19th century
A fine example of the work of Masatsuge, the Edo school. Rare plot
THEATER ACTOR BUT IN THE ROLE OF A DEMON.
Ivory. Gold lacquer, red lacquer, blackening, gold inlay and
mother-of-pearl. Height approx. 3.8 cm. Early 19th century. Master Sugoku (Hidetama)
Rare netsuke
Kanu (Guan Yu) with a halberd. 19th century, bone carving
ACTOR IN THE ROLE OF A WEREFOX.
Cherry (?), ivory. Height approx. 4 cm
First half of the 19th century. Signature: Hogyoku.
Netsuke "Boy with a book" (drawing boy)
netsuke crab
MOTHER AND CHILD. HOUSEHOLD SCENES.
Ivory, tinted,
engraving. Height approx. 4.2 cm Second half of the 19th century Master Shosai.
THE BLIND ONE PULLING THE STONE FROM THE GET
Ivory. Height approx. 5.8 cm. First half of the 19th century. Signature: Kogyoku.
MOTHER WITH CHILD
Ivory. Height approx. 4 cm. Second half of the 19th century.
TENAGA-LONG-ARM AND OCTOPUS
Deer horn. Length 12 cm. Late 18th - early 19th century. Signature: Beisai.
FUKUROKUJU, god of health, wisdom and longevity, HOT BATH TAKER
Boxwood, ivory. Height approx. 5.3 cm. 1840-1860 Signature: Toyo.
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Miniature carved charms from China, designed to be worn on a belt, are well known both in Asian countries and in Europe and Russia. This type of arts and crafts appeared around the second half of the 16th century, quickly gaining popularity. Made from a single piece of wood or ivory, they are strong enough to reach us through the thickness of centuries, and models made of silver, gold, adorned with precious stones, also have jewelry value.
Range
The catalog of the antique salon "ArtAntik" presents netsuke figurines, among which the following plots stand out:
- people of different professions, ages and genders;
- animals real and mythical;
- plant motifs;
- deities;
- abstract, used to decorate other products;
- images of household items.
All figures carry a certain semantic load; according to legend, they bring happiness and prosperity to the house. Netsuke (antiques) are made from traditional natural materials, while more modern designs can be made from plastic. Often there are combined figures, for example, "They with a drum", made of ivory, mother-of-pearl and amber.
Offer features
All items shown are in good to excellent condition and are signed. Also in the catalog you can find okimono - decorative figurines designed to decorate the house, Japanese travel sets. In addition, you can find household items decorated with netsuke, for example, a Japanese compass from the early 19th century, decorated with ivory carvings.
A large selection of traditional netsuke in the antique shop "ArtAntik"
We offer a wide range of Chinese and Japanese arts and crafts, as well as figurines made in the technique. All products are genuine, which is confirmed by the conclusions of independent experts. Choose and order from us!
If we literally translate the word “netsuke” from Japanese, we get “attached to the main one”. As you know, the Japanese kimono dress had no pockets. And if women could put something in the sewn-in part of the bag-shaped sleeve, then men were deprived of this convenience - men have straight sleeves. Netsuke were originally used to carry items.
For the first time, netsuke is mentioned in 1690. In shape, they first resembled a round cake of rice cookies and were made, as a rule, from wood. A little later, lacquer netsuke appeared in the form of boxes, and then small figures made of wood, stone, and ivory, now famous all over the world. porcelain -very expressive and carefully finished.
dreamer
Netsuke depicting artisans at work were in great demand. A frequent theme of netsuke is magic tricks, folk storytellers, wandering actors - their faces are cheerful and sly. They also liked to make netsuke on the themes of Japanese fairy tales, legends, where the real and the fantastic, the funny and the touching, the heroes of legends, historical characters, and deities were intertwined. The images of the seven gods of happiness - Shichifukujin - were very popular.
Am I the cutest thing in the world...?
When the custom of smoking tobacco spread in the 18th century, pipes and pouches were hung from the belt exclusively with the help of netsuke. By the middle of the 18th century, professional netsuke carvers appeared, who put their seal and signature on their works. The flowering of netsuke art was associated with the rise of the country's culture. The artists conveyed the life of the Japanese in miniature figurines.
Merry Buddha
How were netsuke used? The necessary object was tied to one end of the cord, and the other end was plugged into the belt and, so that it would not slip out, a netsuke was attached to it - a figure with a specially made hole in it. So the traveler took with him a travel ink pot (dishes with ink), a seal, and the master of the tea ceremony - a set of accessories for tea, the merchant - a wallet, keys and small bills, the samurai had a box of medicines, players and fishermen - amulets, a reveler - sake vessel.
By the end of the 18th century, netsuke were already valued for the quality of their work. The creative imagination of the masters was inexhaustible, the carving was openwork, and the professional culture was high. However, later the netsuke was almost forgotten in Japan. And now they are remembered all over the world only as a collectible.
