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Writer's pictureCabinet Gauchet Art Asiatique
Nov 43 min read

Netsukes, miniature Japanese treasures

Netsukes, small Japanese sculptures with fascinating details, are much more than mere trinkets. Witnesses to an era, they embody the unique fusion of art and function in Japanese culture. Popular with collectors the world over, these objects continue to intrigue with their diversity and refinement. A look back at the history, uses and significance of these miniature treasures.


Netsuke of three rats, ivory, Nagahisa, Japan, 1st half of the 19th century, kept at the Met in New-York

Netsukes originated in Japan in the 17th century during the Edo period. At that time, kimonos - traditional clothing with no pockets - were worn daily by the Japanese. To carry small personal objects, such as seals, money or medicines, the Japanese used small boxes called inrô. These boxes were suspended by a cord threaded through the waistband of the kimono (obi) and held in place by the netsuke, a small carved clasp that stabilised the inrô and prevented it from falling out.


Although netsuke started out as a simple practical accessory, it quickly evolved into a genuine form of artistic expression. Each piece, made by a craftsman called a netsukeshi, was meticulously crafted, often embodying symbols, stories or elements of nature. This small sculpture thus became a personal signature, a way of showing one's taste, social status and even spiritual beliefs.


Inro with its netsuke, carved wood, Japan, 19th century, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon auction house, sold for €1,850


Netsukes come in a wide variety of shapes and styles. Among the most popular are katabori netsuke, carved in three dimensions and depicting characters, animals or mythological creatures from Japanese folklore, such as dragons or tengu, mountain spirits. Manju netsuke are finely engraved flat discs, while the longer sashi netsuke were often slipped diagonally into the obi.


Each motif on the netsuke has a meaning. For example, the rabbit symbolises longevity and good luck, while the Chinese lion (shishi) evokes protection and strength. Craftsmen sometimes incorporated scenes from everyday life, literary references or humorous allusions, demonstrating their dexterity and inventiveness. If you look at a netsuke, you can guess elements of the life and values of its original owner.

Netsuke (probably representing gama sennin), boxwood, Japan, 19th century, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon auction house, sold for €3,200


Netsukes are often made from noble materials such as ivory, wood, deer antler or coral, which allow for meticulous workmanship and exceptional longevity. Today, ivory is banned, but other materials such as wood and horn continue to be used to create refined pieces. Carving techniques demand patience and unfailing mastery. Not only must the craftsman carve the details, but he must also drill holes in the netsuke so that the cord can be attached.


Netsukeshi would sometimes invest weeks, even months, in the creation of a single piece, paying particular attention to the expressions and postures of the figures depicted. Some works are so small but so detailed that they require a magnifying glass to be appreciated in their entirety, a technical challenge that testifies to the legendary dexterity of Japanese craftsmen.

Netsuke, bone, Japan, 19th century, estimated by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon auction house, sold for €1,800

With the opening up of Japan to the outside world at the end of the 19th century, netsukes rapidly gained popularity in the West, not least because of their rarity and refinement. Over the decades, they have attracted collectors and lovers of Asian art, and the prices of some rare pieces today can reach astronomical sums at auction.


The famous netsuke collection of the writer Edmond de Waal, described in his book ‘La Mémoire retrouvée’, also helped to revive interest in these objects in the West. Today, museums around the world, such as the Musée Guimet in Paris and the British Museum in London, exhibit collections of netsukes, giving the general public the chance to admire these little marvels of Japanese art.


Although the traditional use of netsuke disappeared with the modernisation of Japan, its spirit lives on in contemporary creations. Some craftsmen carry on the tradition by making netsukes in the old-fashioned way, but others explore modern designs, adapted to today's tastes. Modern netsukes, inspired by recent cultural elements, are finding a younger audience and helping to preserve this ancient tradition by adapting it to the spirit of the times.

Netsuke, wood, Japan, Middle Edo period (1603 - 1868), appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon, sold for €3,000

Netsukes illustrate a distinctive feature of Japanese culture: the ability to maintain traditions while reinventing them. These small sculptures, halfway between art and craft, continue to embody the refinement and mystery of Japanese art, and their legacy lives on, both in Japan and around the world.


Gauchet Art Asiatique puts its expertise at the service of Asian art enthusiasts and collectors by offering appraisals and valuations of netsukes. Thanks to its in-depth knowledge of the history, materials and manufacturing techniques of these miniature Japanese sculptures, Gauchet Art Asiatique offers a precise evaluation of each piece, whether it be to determine the authenticity, rarity or market value of netsukes. The experts at Gauchet Art Asiatique provide their clients with professional and rigorous advice to help them enhance their collections or make future acquisitions.






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