Are netsuke valuable?

Factors that contribute to the value of a netsuke are authenticity, the skill of the artisan, the condition, and if signed, the name of the artist. The most difficult of these to determine is authenticity, as ageing can be faked, and it takes a long period of study of the netsuke to become competent in this area.

Is my netsuke real?

Many netsuke are believed to have been talismans. Instead, under a strong influence of Western collectors visiting Japan in larger and larger numbers, netsuke developed into a form of fine art and exists as such today with true master-carvers from all over the world still creating these little masterpieces.

What is Japanese netsuke?

Netsuke, ornamental togglelike piece, usually of carved ivory, used to attach a medicine box, pipe, or tobacco pouch to the obi (sash) of a Japanese man’s traditional dress. During the Tokugawa period (1603–1868), netsukes were an indispensable item of dress as well as being fine works of miniature art. Netsuke.

How much is the International netsuke Society Catalogue?

The catalogue contains informative texts in English, French, and Japanese, dealing with the origins of the Netsuke art form and the migration of Netsuke from Japan to France. The catalogue is priced at US$185, with overseas postage included. Orders should be accompanied by checks made out to

How is the netsuke attached to the sagemono?

The netsuke was attached to the other end of the cord preventing the cord from slipping through the obi. A sliding bead ( ojime) was strung on the cord between the netsuke and the sagemono to allow the opening and closing of the sagemono. The entire ensemble was then worn, at the waist, and functioned as a sort of removable external pocket.

Why did the Japanese invent the netsuke?

Get it in front of 160+ million buyers. Japanese netsuke were invented because kimonos do not have pockets; it was originally a carved toggle part of a box that helped a person wearing a kimono carry personal effects.

What was the purpose of the netsuke carvings?

Many netsuke are believed to have been talismans. These items eventually developed into highly coveted and collectible art forms. Today we see a broad range from “folk art” carvings to levels of sophistication some consider to be fine art.