Netsukes
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From the 16th century onward, the kimono was the traditional Japanese clothing. As kimonos do not have pockets, ladies used their sleeves instead. Gentlemen had to bring tobacco pouches, pipecases, a money purse and writing utensils when going out, too heavy to put up the sleeve of a kimono. It therefore became fashionable to carry small pouches and purses suspended from a silk cord (a ‘himo’). This cord was attached to a netsuke to keep it from gliding. At first, netsukes were simple beads made out of roots or branches or even stone, ‘Ne’ meaning root, and ‘Suke’ hanging. Eventually they developed into marvelous miniature carvings made of wood, but also coral, turtle shell, amber, buffalo bone, staghorn, rhino and ivory, to name a few. The carvings varied from mythological scenes, animals of the chinese zodiac, its owners profession, but also eroticism was popular. By the end of the 18th century, Japanese gentlemen started wearing suits with pockets and netsukes became obsolete. They are now highly appreciated collector items. |
Okimonos figures and more
During the Meiji period in Japan, at the end of the 18th century, ivory carving became popular. First miniature carvings, called netsukes, and later bigger carvings, called okimono, were made. Okimono are decorative items, displayed in the tokonoma, a specially built alcove in Japanese houses where artifacts are shown related to each other and to the season of the year. Often depicting everyday life situations; fishermen, children playing, artisans and others, all carved so precise and lifelike that one could imagine them walking out of your cabinet right in front of you. Animals, flowers and religious themes with great symbolism are also popular.
We offer a great selection of these fine carvings in various sizes and prices. Besides the okimono and netsukes, other special pieces include completely carved tusks, chessboards and sets.
Click here to see all Okimonos
