Netsuke is miniature carving attached to the end of a cord having from the pouch.
Netsuke is one of the Kimono accessories which hangs from Obi like strap with a cellular phone.
Netsuke is usually used as decoration of belt to make Kimono more fashionable and indicates the season.
Old netsuke is collected as curiosity.
This time I’ll introduce you about traditional netsuke.
Contents
Details of Netsuke
“Netsuke” comes from the words “tie the root”
Mainly, we coordinate with casual Kimono and Yukata.
Netsuke has accessory part and strings part just like a strap.
Netsuke’s spatula put between Obi and Obiage.
The sizes and materials are very diverse.
It’s said that bigger netsuke is made for men and the smaller one is made for women.
Netsuke’s figures are made roundly not to be damaged.
The Way You To Use Netsuke
For women Kimono, we put netsuke on the Obi and hang accessory part.
Men’s netsuke sometimes contains accessory case and put on the back.
The History Of Netsuke
In the Edo period, men started to use netsuke.
The purpose is to hold INro(pill case), Kinchaku and Tobacco Case around the waist.
Old samurai hold sword left side, so accessory case put on the right side.
This custom continues to now and men still put netsuke on the right side.
After that people started to find and use more fashionable netsuke.
There are good luck charms like zodiac and seven gods and good fortune.
Old netsuke is placed on display in the museum.
Nameless netsuke is expensive and rare if it has elaborate designs of carvings.
Foreigners also adore vintage netsuke.
The Variety Of Netsuke
Similar type of netsuke is Okimono(ornament).
But netsuke has a hole to pass a string.
Materials Of Netsuke
Materials
- Animals：Ivory, Fang, Horn, Tortoiseshell
- Woods：Japanese boxwood, Blackwood, White cedar
- Metals：Gold, Silver, Bronze, Iron, brass-work
- Others：Chinaware, Jade, Red Coral, Glass, Synthetic Resin
Because of the Washington convention, trade of ivory made antique netsuke are strictly prohibited.
The techniques of Netsuke
For accessorize Kimono, netsuke has bijoux and the techniques of inlaid mother of pearl, damascening and urushi coating.
Artisan like living national treasure makes artistic netsuke.
Original Netsuke
Actually we can make original netsuke by gathering materials and tools.
We can try practice and make at the special class.
Summary
These days we can collect cute netsuke.
We can use not only Kimono, but also accessories and pouch.
If you find a favorite one, why don’t you put on now?