NETSKE Catalog. Types, description and meaning of figurines.

NETSKE

Everything is conveyed accurately and expressively, with inimitable liveliness, spontaneity in the interpretation of nature, often with humor and imagination. From an artistic point of view, netsuke is an art that, based on the entire previous development of Japanese culture, has developed a unique plastic language. From the point of view of cultural history, netsuke plots act as an inexhaustible source for the study of morals, customs, religious and moral ideas - in a word, the life of Japan and China in the 17th - 19th centuries. Being utilitarian, everyday objects in their purpose, netsuke over time turned into genuine art.

The purpose of netsuke is revealed already in the name itself. The word "netsuke" - "ne-tsuke" is written in two hieroglyphs: the first means "root", the second - "attach". A netsuke is a keychain or counterweight with which a tobacco pouch, a set of keys, or an inro (a box for medicines and perfumes) is worn on the obi (belt). The need for such a device is caused by the lack of pockets in Japanese traditional costume. Counterbalance key fobs were used over a wide area: in Japan, Hungary, China, the Far North and Ethiopia. In essence, netsuke appear where there is a suit without pockets, but with a belt.

1. Netsuke Daikoku and Ebisu- happiness and luck, always going hand in hand. Two gods of happiness: Daikoku is depicted in a kariginu suit, wearing a tori-eboshi hat, with a hammer, a rat and a bag. It is believed that with each blow of the mallet the world's happiness, health and love. And the bag of heavenly rice that he carries over his shoulders symbolizes wealth and prosperity.

Ebisu is depicted with the magical fish Tai - a symbol good luck and success. Daikoku and Ebisu depicted together symbolize the balance between material wealth and spiritual achievements, harmony and peace of mind.

2. Netsuke Daikoku- one of the seven gods of happiness god of wealth and prosperity. Sometimes he is worshiped as the patron of the hearth. In netsuke he is depicted in a kariginu costume, wearing 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 assistants and our friends. They gnaw holes in his bag, and magical rice falls from the sky to the ground right into our hands.

3. Netsuke Ebisu- God happiness and good luck. Depicted wearing a tall hat, holding a fishing rod, a staff, and often a Tai fish. The sacred Tai fish is considered a symbol of good luck and spiritual achievement. According to legend, it is very difficult to catch a carp with bare hands in clear heavenly water - it is also difficult to achieve peace of mind, harmony and enlightenment. Sometimes Ebisu acts as the patron saint of fishermen.

4. Netsuke Shoushin-one of the seven gods happiness, bringing health, healing from serious illnesses and longevity. Considered the patron of medicine. Depicted with a huge staff made from ginseng root and a magical 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 — keeper of the home. Sometimes he is depicted with a round tablet in his hand, where the cherished dreams and wishes of all family members are written down. On December 24, Zaoshen goes to heaven to the sacred mountain Kun Lun and reports in the heavenly office to the ruler of the Celestial Empire, Yu-di, how he helps with household chores and protects the hearth, conveys all wishes, and they are sure to be fulfilled, and dreams come true. Zaoshen often has attributes symbolizing health: magic peach, bestower longevity, gourd with clean, clear water, representing long happy life, purity family relations and promising well-being for descendants. If a bag is depicted next to Zaoshen, then wishes for wealth and prosperity in the home are added to the wishes for health and happiness. On special occasions, Zaoshen can bestow a magical vase with treasures that have the property of never ending. All other household deities are subordinate to Zaoshen - Chuangong and Chuanmu, who protect the bed, the goddess Zigu, who keeps the house clean and orderly, and the younger Mensheni, who guard the doors of the house from harm and drive away evil spirits.

6. Netsuke Hotei — "canvas bag" god of communication, fun and prosperity. It is believed that it predetermines people's destinies and helps in the fulfillment of cherished desires. A belief is connected with this: if you rub the figurine of Hotei on your stomach three hundred times, thinking about something good, then your wish will definitely 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 rosary. Legend says that where he appeared, good luck, health and prosperity came to people. If someone asked what was in his bag, he would answer: "I have the whole world there". Once, when he was already an old man, sitting near a temple, Hotei said: “Eh, people, people, you didn’t recognize me. But I am the future Buddha-Maitreya.”. And, indeed, it is believed that Hotei is an emanation of Buddha-Maitreya. In the East, the coming of Buddha-Maitreya was understood as the ordering of the Universe, as the achievement of world harmony; in popular understanding, it meant the advent of an era of prosperity, well-being, contentment and carefree life for all people. It is no coincidence that Hotei was considered the embodiment happiness and carefree. In the 17th century, he was canonized in Japan and became one of the seven gods of happiness.

7. Netsuke Jurojin- "long-lived old man" - one of the seven gods of happiness: god of longevity and immortality. As a rule, the image of Jurojin contains attributes indicating a 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.

Page 2 of 11

8. Netsuke Fukurokuju- one of the seven gods of happiness: god of academic career, wisdom and intuition. The very image of Fukurokuju testifies to great intelligence and wisdom: his head is unusually elongated, there are deep transverse wrinkles on his forehead, and he usually holds a staff with a scroll in his hands.

9. Netsuke Fukurokuju - sometimes it is depicted as a shapeshifter - a huge celestial turtle - a symbol of wisdom and the Universe.

10. Netsuke Ame no Uzume- Moon fairy, goddess happiness, love and joy. She is depicted as a thick-cheeked, smiling woman with long, flowing hair. People nicknamed her Ota-faku - “great happiness.” She is considered the ancestor 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 Shiwanmu- queen of heaven, one of the immortals (literally - “mother mistress of the West”). Sivanmu is very popular. It is believed that she gives happiness in love, health and well-being. In particular, her image was attractive because she was considered the owner of a garden in the Kunlun Mountains, where magical peach trees grew, the fruits of which granted immortality and healed serious illnesses. Peach trees bloomed once every thousand years. From magical peaches, Sivanmu prepared healing potions that brought not only healing and immortality, but also extraordinary abilities, such as the ability not to drown in water.

12. Netsuke Benzaiten- goddess happiness, love and art. She is sometimes considered a water deity 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 the 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 kinds 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 an eye on each palm to see everyone who needs her support. She is often depicted with a sacred book, a jug, a staff or a rope - after all, any of these objects can help someone out of trouble. Patronizes children and protects them from diseases.

14. Netsuke Bishamonten- one of the seven gods of happiness - the god of wealth, guardian of the North, 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 engaged in martial arts, helps them find extraordinary fortitude and courage, wisdom and justice.

15. Netsuke Amaterasu- Great Sacred Goddess, shining in the sky, eldest daughter of the god Izanagi, goddess of the Sun, ancestor of the dynasty of Japanese emperors. “Ama” means “sky”, “Terasu” means “to illuminate”, “to shine”. She is depicted as a beautiful woman with a fan, wearing a kimono decorated with birds of happiness - cranes. The personification of all the most wonderful feminine qualities - the embodied Wisdom, Beauty, Purity and Harmony. Her image was always present in the emperor’s palaces, carrying a blessing and protecting meaning. Amaterasu is considered the Queen of the Seven Gods of Fortune.

Original post and comments at

Netsuke are miniature carved figures that, first of all, amaze with their carefully thought-out execution. The term consists of two hieroglyphs, the first of which is translated as “root”, and the second - “to attach”.

History of the appearance of figures

This art appeared around the 16th-17th centuries, but gained mass popularity in the 19th century - at this time changes occurred in the interpretation of the images of figurines. The military government of Japan adopted a policy of preserving the created structure of society: several laws were passed against luxury. There is a strict distinction between classes. This is reflected in literally everything: lifestyle, the number of floors in the house, the material from which clothes are made.

In such conditions, the townspeople did not have many opportunities to decorate their costumes: netsuke were one of the ways to demonstrate their own taste. Using them you can study the peculiarities of the life of the Japanese, their clothing and the natural features of the country. Initially, netsuke served only as key rings for attaching keys and other things - national Japanese clothing did not have pockets.

Later, people discovered that the figurines were endowed with magical powers. They bring love, freedom and happiness. Thus, netsuke became real talismans for people, the popularity of which is only growing every day. They are purchased as souvenirs - for themselves and as gifts for friends.

Gradually, entire schools of netsuke carvers arose; each of them had their own style and favorite themes. For example, the Hida school made figures in the Ittobori style. Only one knife was used for the job; small parts were not carefully processed.

The history of the development of this amazing type of Japanese art is widely reflected in museum collections around the world. An Association has even been created, which includes both netsuke-making specialists and ordinary people who are interested in Japanese culture. At community congresses, experience is exchanged and new technologies for making netsuke are mastered.

REFERENCE! The largest collection of netsuke was collected by the American Robert Kinsei.

The meaning of netsuke

Each figure has its own meaning: some are needed for wealth, others help attract love. Without knowledge about the symbolism of netsuke, it is impossible to choose the right talisman for yourself.

• Hippos are most often depicted in pairs; they press tightly against each other. The figure not only helps to find love, but also to save old relationships.
  
• Bishamonten is a symbol of attracting money. He is one of the seven gods of luck.
• The bull promises happiness and prosperity.
  
• Benzaiten embodies the feminine. The owner of the treasured figurine will find happiness and stability on the personal front.
• Gasisu. The figurine represents an old man holding a writing board in his hands. It records a person’s desires; the old man helps in their implementation.
• Guanyin - a woman with a sacred book, rope or jug ​​protects from troubles; patronizes pregnant women and young mothers.
• Jurojin is an old man of science and longevity. It prolongs a person’s life and improves his memory.
• The dragon has powerful protection: it protects the owner from witchcraft and dark forces.
  
• The snake is the embodiment of beauty and wisdom. The figurine helps to learn a lesson from any situation and not repeat past mistakes.
  
• Goldfish is needed to attract jewelry and money.
  
• Lao Tzu. The figurine makes it possible to understand what the meaning of life is.
  
• Kappa is the embodiment of a Japanese merman.
  
• Carps are depicted in pairs. They help a married couple regain faded feelings.
  
• The whale is a symbol of compassion and strength. This netsuke should be taken on sea voyages.
  
• Confucius is a real Chinese sage who lived in the 6th century BC. His image is the embodiment of education and wisdom. Often a figurine is presented to students to make the process of mastering new knowledge easier.
• The ship will provide the right guidance in all endeavors.
  
• Sage Darun helps a person become wise and courageous.
  
• The monkey resists evil forces.
• Halo - a figurine is necessary for building a successful career.
• The pyramid attracts joy.
• A crawling baby with a sparrow on his back. The interpretation of netsuke is happiness and approval of higher powers.
  
• Fish Tai - sacred heavenly carp. It helps to improve the relationship between teacher and student.
  
• Sivanmu is the queen of the sky, driving away bad luck.
• The elephant is a sign of strength and wisdom. This figurine is good to have in the bedroom for a family that cannot have children.
• With a couple of dogs, the owner gains reliable protection at home: the home will bypass various misfortunes.
  
• Elder Daikoku protects the family hearth and protects against quarrels and conflicts with household members. Most often, the old man is depicted with a bag of rice, which he holds in his hands. With him the house becomes a full cup.
• The three-legged toad holds a coin in its mouth and attracts money.
  
• Fukurokuju - God of wisdom. A person needs it in order to realize his purpose.
• Futen is the God of the wind. He is portrayed as a happy little man with a bag over his shoulders. It is customary to take the figurine with you on a trip - then the owner will definitely return back and will not encounter any dangers on his way.
  
• Hotei is represented as a fat man with an eternal smile. If you stroke his belly, your most cherished wish will come true.
• A person listening to a shell is the embodiment of support for people of creative professions.
• The turtle is a sign of wisdom and longevity.
  
• Shoushin - God of health. Usually depicted with ginseng. The figurine strengthens a person’s natural strengths; helps you recover faster and get back on your feet. Also, the owner of this talisman increases life expectancy.
• Ebisu. The sign embodies a man with a golden carp. It should bring good luck.

Figures and their colors may differ from those shown in the photo above.

Netsuke (根付) is a miniature sculpture, a work of Japanese arts and crafts, which is a small carved keychain. Netsuke are small figurines carved with fine jewelry craftsmanship from ivory, walrus tusk, wood, tree root, tortoiseshell, deer antler; less often - from coral, amber, jade, soapstone or metal. Usually netsuke were small in size from 2-3 to 15 cm.

Netsuke was used as a pendant on traditional Japanese clothing, kimonono (着物) and kosode (帯鉗), which were devoid of pockets. Small things like a tobacco pouch or a key were placed in special containers called sagemono (下げ物). The containers could take the form of pouches or small wicker baskets, but the most popular were inro (印籠) boxes, which were closed using a bead that slid along an ojime (緒締め) cord. Inro were attached to the kimonono obi (帯) belt using a cord. It was tied into a ring, folded in half and passed through the belt. A netsuke was attached to one end of the resulting loop. The cord knot was hidden in one of two himotoshi (紐解) - netsuke holes connected by a through valve. Thus, netsuke served both as a kind of counterweight and as an elegant decoration for clothing.

Netsuke should not be confused with okimono (置き物, 置物) - a miniature Japanese sculpture similar to netsuke in design, subject matter, and often in size. okimono always lacks a hole for a cord, that is, these sculptures are devoid of utilitarian functions

The word okimono (“delivered thing”) is a general name for all small-sized easel sculpture intended only for interior decoration. It refers to figurines made of any material. When the term okimono is used in connection with netsuke, it refers to sculptures made of ivory and, rarely, wood. Such okimono arose later - no earlier than the 19th century and were created by craftsmen whose main specialty was netsuke carving.

The question of the origin of netsuke can be resolved in two ways: netsuke is a Japanese invention, or netsuke were borrowed. Netsuke is both a utilitarian piece of costume, having a specific shape, and a work of art, decorated in a certain style. Each of these "aspects" of netsuke can provide a different answer to the question of their origin.

Netsuke type counterbalance key fobs were used over a wide area: in Japan and Hungary, in the Far North and Ethiopia. In essence, netsuke appear where there is a suit without pockets, but with a belt. Therefore, it is risky to explain the custom of wearing items like netsuke as borrowed from outside: this custom may turn out to be local. If keychains existing in different countries show stylistic similarities, then this is a good reason to assume influences and borrowings.

Netsuke in the form of a stick or button were used earlier, but it was in the 17th century that they began to take on the character of miniature sculpture.

In Japan, if not the custom of carrying objects in a belt with the help of a counterweight-keychain, then the specificity of its artistic design (in the form of a carved sculpture, a relief plate, etc.) is undoubtedly not of local origin, but of Chinese origin, where pendant keychains were made already in the 3rd century BC era. During the Ming period (1368-1644), the Chinese called such items zhuizi (坠子 zhuizi) or pei-chui - items similar to netsuke both in function and design. By this time, there had long been a strong tradition of borrowing various elements of spiritual and material culture of China, including clothing. The name of the keychains also points to China.

Netsuke is not their only designation in Japan. Sometimes there are also such as kensui, haisui and haishi. But these names - in Chinese, respectively: xuan-chui, pei-chui and pei-tzu - were used in China along with the most common term zhui-tzu

Some early netsuke were called karamono (唐物, "Chinese thing") and tōbori (唐彫り, "Chinese carving"). The connection between netsuke and their Chinese prototype is obvious. But the role of Pei Tzu in the history of netsuke should not be exaggerated: very soon in Japan, on the basis of Zhui Tzu, original forms of netsuke and carving techniques were developed, new plots were introduced and old ones were rethought. In Japan, netsuke has become an independent and highly developed art, which did not happen with the Chinese Zhuizi.





There is no record of the use of netsuke before the 17th century. Things that needed to be carried were carried differently

In the history of Japanese costume, there were several ways to attach things to a belt. The most ancient item that was carried using a device similar to a netsuke is mentioned in the writings of the first quarter of the 8th century by Kojiki (古事記, Records of Antiquities) and Nihongi (日本紀, Annals of Japan) hiuchi-bukuro (火打ち袋) - pouch for flint and steel, which was attached to the hilt of the sword. The custom turned out to be persistent

In the painting of the Heian period (平安時代, 794-1185), images of hiuchi-bukuro are often found (for example, in the icon of the deity Kongobu Ji of the Koya-san monastery). A pouch for flint and steel can also be seen on the Nagataka Tosa scroll (late 13th century) “Pictorial Narrative of the Mongol Invasion” by a man reporting the appearance of an enemy fleet

During the Kamakura (鎌倉時代, 1185-1333) and Muromachi (室町時代, 1335-1573) periods, the hiuchi-bukuro began to be used as a wallet, a portable first aid kit, etc., but was worn in the same way as before.





In parallel with this, other devices were also widespread. First of all, there are obi-hasami (帯鉗), which, as stated in the 1821-1841 work "Conversations in the Night of the Rat", were the predecessors of netsuke. Obi-hasami - figuratively framed hook; its upper bend is hooked onto the belt, and various objects are tied to the protrusion below

Similar things have come down from the Ming time in China. The obi-hasami form was not adopted because this method was unsafe: with fast movement and bending of the body, one could easily prick oneself with a long and sharp hook.

Another form that preceded and partly coexisted with netsuke is the obiguruwa, a belt ring to which a wallet, keys, and the like were attached. It is possible that this type of fastening came to Japan from Mongolia via China.

In Japan, the first netsuke appeared in the second half of the 16th and early 17th centuries.

Perhaps specific events played a role here: the campaigns of the military ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉) in Korea in 1592 and 1597. This date of the appearance of netsuke is confirmed by images of costumes in paintings of that time and information from literary sources. In the late 16th century screen painting "Dressage" one of the riders is depicted with an inro hanging from his belt. The folds of the clothing hide the object it is attached to, but judging by the position of the inro, it is a netsuke. There is a description of the hunt by Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川家康), in which, among other details of Ieyasu’s costume, netsuke in the form of a gourd is mentioned. This is the earliest evidence of counterweight charms being worn in Japan.

The 17th century is the prehistory of netsuke, which is known only from indirect evidence. 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 the period from the mid-18th century to the mid-19th century can be considered the “golden age” of netsuke.

The history of netsuke generally does not extend beyond the Tokugawa period (徳川時代, 1603-1868) - the heyday of the art of city dwellers: merchants and artisans. The conditions of their existence and the social atmosphere in general had a noticeable influence on the evolution of miniature sculpture. For example, in the field of domestic policy, the military government of Japan, bakufu (将軍), adopted a policy of preserving the groove of the created structure of society.

“Laws against luxury” were repeatedly issued, the purpose of which was to strictly distinguish between the “noble” and “mean” classes, including in lifestyle and clothing. Everything was subject to regulation: from the number of floors in the house to the quality of the material for the dress and the cost of toys or sweets. Punishments for violating prohibitions ranged from fines to expulsion from the city.

However, if these prohibitions were not directly violated, then, as a rule, they were skillfully circumvented. However, the townspeople did not have many opportunities to decorate their costumes, and therefore none of them should have been missed. Netsuke was the detail with which you could demonstrate your own taste, your attitude to the next fashion, and, to some extent, your well-being. It was in applied arts that the aesthetic demands of the townspeople were most fully satisfied, which stimulated the emergence of virtuoso masters netsukeshi (根付師) - netsuke carvers. Therefore, the change in form, material, and artistic interpretation of netsuke clearly indicates a change in the artistic tastes and preferences of people of the late 18th and 19th centuries.













In the 17th and 18th centuries, entire schools of carvers emerged, differing in style and favorite themes. For example, the Hida or Nara schools were characterized by figurines made in the ottobori style - using one knife, without careful elaboration of small details

The largest schools of carvers are in Edo, Ōsaka and Kyōto. In the provinces, original movements sometimes arise, the founder of which was often one talented master. As an example, we can point to Shiyoda Tomiharu, who lived and worked in the mid-18th century on the territory of the province of Iwami (石見国) on the island of Honshū (本州). Among netsukushi, big names emerge such as Shūzan Yoshimura (周山吉村) from Ōsaka, Tomotada (友忠) and Masanao (正直) from Kyōto

However, with rare exceptions, little is known about the lives and details of the biographies of most of the carvers. The collection Sōken Kishō (装劍奇賞) became a great help for researchers studying the history of netsuke. It was published in 1781 by Ōsaka resident and sword merchant Inaba Tsuryu (稲葉通龍). The collection contains a list of fifty-three names of the largest netsukushi of the time, accompanied by illustrations of their works.





Much of the netsuke of the late 19th century and all of the netsuke of the 20th century were made for export. They are still made today. For the most part, these are rather low-grade souvenir products produced on a conveyor belt. But the art of netsuke has not disappeared

Even today there are craftsmen whose specialty is netsuke carving. Some works by such masters are valued very highly (from US$10,000 to $100,000 or more). Prices for collectible netsuke at auctions in the United States usually range from several hundred to thousands of dollars (inexpensive stamped but accurate reproductions are sold in museum stores for prices up to $30).

However, the nature of the development of this art has changed. Firstly, the practical need for netsuke has disappeared: the Japanese wear European clothing, since kimono is replaced by European clothing in the 1920s. Secondly, the attitude of the carvers themselves towards the netsuke they create has changed: now they are considered as completely independent works, isolated from the customer, and from fashion, and often from the tradition of a particular school. The works of modern masters can be divided into two groups: netsuke, made in the spirit of modern easel sculpture, and traditional netsuke.











The word netsuke contains two hieroglyphs. Ne (根) means root, and the verb tsukeru (付ける) means to attach, attach, append, apply; or tsuku (付く) - to be attached to something.

Typology (types) of netsuke:
. katabori (形彫) is the most famous type of netsuke, a compact carved sculpture that can depict people, animals, or multi-figure groups. Characteristic of the mature period of netsuke history (late 18th - early 19th centuries);
. anabori (穴彫) - a subtype of katabori, the plots of which are created inside a carved cavity; the most common scenes are inside a bivalve shell;
. sashi (差) is one of the oldest forms of netsuke. It is a long block (made of various materials, but most often made of wood) with a hole for a cord at one end. The way to consume sashi is different from all other forms. If katabori, manju and others were used as a counterweight, then sashi was tucked into the belt in such a way that the hole was at the bottom, and a wallet, keys, etc. hung from a cord passed through it. Sometimes a hook was additionally cut out at the upper end, hooking onto the upper edge of the belt. Usually sashi is considered one of the forms of netsuke, but according to some researchers, it is a modification of the handle of a sword, from which a bag of flint and steel was hung. Another close analogy to sashi is the obi-hasami device, invented in China. It is basically similar to sashi, it has a hook on top, but instead of a hole, obi-hasami has a small round thickening at the bottom, to which the wearable object 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 the developed art of netsuke, the sashi form was probably perceived as archaic and was not used often.
. mask (面 men) - the largest category after katabori, often a smaller copy of the Nō theater mask (能), similar in properties to katabori and manju (kagamibuta);
. itaraku - netsuke in the form of a pumpkin, box or other objects woven from wire, bamboo or reed;
. manju (饅頭) - netsuke in the form of a thick disk, most often made of ivory. Sometimes it is made of two halves. The image is given by engraving, which is usually accompanied by blackening. It got its name due to its resemblance to the round flat rice cake manju. One of the unique varieties of manju is a composition made up of several miniature theatrical masks;
. ryusa (柳左) is a variant of the manju form. The main difference between this form and the usual manju is that it is empty inside, and one (upper) part is made using the through-carving technique. When ryusa was made from two split halves, the material was usually removed from the middle using a lathe. This form was especially 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 manju, gained particular popularity in connection with the earthquakes of the Ansei period (安政, 1854–1860), and especially the Edo earthquake of 1855, when many netsuke were destroyed and a need for new products arose. The ease of making ryusa compared to, for example, katabori or kagamibuta influenced their predominant distribution at this time.
. kagamibuta (鏡蓋) - also similar to manju, but 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 decorative design is concentrated based on a wide range of techniques. The signature on these netsukes is usually that of the metalsmith.

These forms, of course, do not exhaust the entire variety of netsuke. There were so-called "curious" netsuke - for example, made from the triggers of Dutch guns, carved items adapted to be worn as a belt keychain, such as dolls, as well as keychains that had additional practical meaning: in the form of abacus - soroban, compass, flint and flint, ashtrays and so on. However, these things appear in the general mass only sporadically; they represent an exception to the general rule.

netsuke materials are varied:
. tree;
. ivory;
. walrus ivory;
. deer antlers;
. buffalo horns;
. rhinoceros horn;
. narwhal horns;
. boar tusks;
. bear fangs;
. wolf fangs;
. tiger fangs;
. bones of various animals.

Used, although much less frequently:
. varnish;
. metals;
. porcelain;
. bamboo;
. different types of coral;
. different types of amber;
. tortoiseshell;
. glass;
. agate;
. nephritis;
. flint;
. petrified wood.

The following could be adapted for wearing:
. gourd pumpkins
. shells
. or objects that originally had a different purpose, for example, parts of the frame of edged weapons.

However, netsuke made from materials such as lacquer, ceramics, and porcelain are products of applied arts with their own traditions and techniques. The development of netsuke as an independent art, the formation of its artistic language, is associated with two materials: wood and ivory.

Ivory is a rather “young” material in the history of Japanese art.” Before the Tokugawa period, it was known only from Chinese products. In the form of tusks, it began to be imported to Japan from Vietnam through China. Combs for women's hairstyles and other decorations were made from this material, but primarily plectrums for shamisen (三味線). Ivory scraps, which usually had a triangular shape, were used for the mass production of netsuke, which also left an imprint on the shape of such products. Craftsmen who worked on private orders and cared more about their professional reputation than about their earnings avoided such material.

Wood is a traditional material for Japanese sculpture. Various species were used, but the most common was Japanese cypress (檜 or 桧 hinoki).

Much of the early period netsuke is made of cypress wood. It is soft and convenient for carving, but has a significant drawback: over time, the products become covered with cracks. The requirements for netsuke are most fully satisfied by: Japanese boxwood (tsuge) is a hard material that has long been used for seals. In addition to hinoki, light and soft Korean pine wood (chosen-matsu), distinguished by a reddish-yellow hue, was used. Netsuke was also cut from persimmon, a wood with a yellowish color and a black core, which was sometimes taken as an independent material.

Among the heavy and hard woods, in addition to boxwood, prunus (isu), the wood of which has a dark brown or reddish tint, was used to make netsuke. There are netsuke made from pale pink cherry (桜 sakura), as well as from ebony, which was imported from India.

Other types of wood were used much less frequently, such as:
. yew;
. tea bush;
. camphor;
. ironwood;
. camellia;
. jujub;
. pine;
. sandalwood;
. walnut;
. betel nut (vegetable ivory);
. palm nut (during the Meiji period (明治時代, 1868-1912), it was brought from South America).

The predominant use of one or another material is explained, first of all, by reasons of a purely practical nature: suitability, strength, availability and sufficient quantity.



In most cases, the material (and not just the plot) had symbolic overtones.

Thus, boxwood, being an evergreen tree, was considered a symbol of longevity, and its wood was highly valued as a material for amulets, amulets and other ritual objects. Ivory also had benevolent symbolism and was also a healing agent. In China, from where ivory products first came to Japan, and later tusks, ivory powder or shavings were used in medicine. For example, in order to remove a splinter, a poultice of ivory powder and water was used. It was believed that ivory scraps boiled in water acted as a laxative, but if they were first burned, the effect of the drug would be reversed. In addition, ivory was recommended for epilepsy, osteomyelitis and smallpox. Thus, the Chinese ivory zhuizi was a kind of portable first aid kit with medicines for all occasions.

That such a perception of ivory existed in Japan is evidenced by some netsuke, in which the reverse side, invisible to the naked eye, was left untreated so that a little ivory could be scraped off to prepare medicine without damaging the image. This method of using netsuke was undoubtedly borrowed from China, where ivory zhuizi was used for the same purpose.

It is not difficult to imagine that even in those cases when ivory was not intended for treatment, the understanding of the healing function of the material remained unchanged, and therefore its symbolism, just like the symbolism of boxwood, is associated with the wish for longevity

Powder made from deer antler was also considered a medicine; it was believed to have magical properties: the return of youth and strength. Accordingly, we can conclude that netsuke made from deer antler, thanks to the material, contained a connotation of wishes for health and longevity.

Netsuke made from sakura cherry, birch, prunus, jujube and some other materials also had benevolent and healing symbolism.

More than any other art, netsuke reflected the nature of the society that gave birth to it. Reasons include long periods of isolation due to geographic and political reasons, as well as restrictions on people's ways of expressing themselves due to customs and laws. As a result, netsuke shows all aspects of life of its time, including rich folklore, religion, crafts, trades and professions, and various types of people and creatures, real and fictional. The following stories can be highlighted:
. people: famous and unknown, real, historical, and fictional, children, warriors, priests and so on;
. animals: signs of the eastern horoscope and others;
. plants and plant products; small ones, such as beans and walnuts, were often cut to real size;
. deities and mythical creatures, often from Chinese myth and religion, netsuke depicting one of the seven gods of fortune, who, according to Shinto (神道 shintō), bring good luck;
. items are the rarest category. Coins, tools, roofing tiles and the like;
.abstract: mon symbols, patterns;
.sexual (春画 shunga): can depict a man and a woman copulating or only hint at erotic content in a subtle symbolic form.

Some netsuke depict simple objects, others depict entire scenes known from history, mythology or literature.

If you literally translate the word “netsuke” from Japanese, you get “attached to the main thing.” As you know, the Japanese kimono dress did not have pockets. And if women could put something in the sewn part of the bag-shaped sleeve, then men were deprived of this convenience - men have straight sleeves. Netsuke were originally used to carry objects.

Netsuke was first mentioned in 1690. In shape, they initially resembled a round cake of rice cookies and were usually made of wood. A little later, netsuke made of lacquer in the form of boxes appeared, and then small figurines made of wood, stone, and ivory, now famous all over the world, appeared. porcelain - very expressive and carefully finished.

Dreamer

Netsuke depicting artisans at work were in great demand. A common theme of netsuke are magicians, folk storytellers, and wandering actors—their faces are cheerful and sly. They also loved to make netsuke on the themes of Japanese fairy tales, legends, where the real and the fantastic, funny and touching, heroes of legends, historical figures, and deities were intertwined. Images of the seven gods of happiness - Shichifukujin - were very popular.

Am I the cutest 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 stamp and signature on their work. The flourishing of the art of netsuke was associated with the rise of the country's culture. The artists depicted the life of the Japanese in miniature figures.

Cheerful Buddha

How were netsuke used? The required item was tied to one end of the cord, and the other end was tucked into the belt and, to prevent it from slipping out, a netsuke was attached to it - a figurine with a specially made hole in it. So the traveler took with him a travel ink pot (a utensil with ink), a seal, and the master of the tea ceremony - a set of tea accessories, the merchant - a wallet, keys and small bills, the samurai had a box of medicines, the players and fishermen - amulets, the reveler - vessel with sake.

By the end of the 18th century, netsuke were already valued for their quality of work. The creative imagination of the masters was inexhaustible, the carving was delicate, and the professional culture was high. However, later netsuke was almost forgotten in Japan. And now they are remembered all over the world only as a collector's item.

Netsuke figurines are popular souvenirs that are often brought from Eastern countries. It is believed that this is a good reminder of the trip and a sign of attention to loved ones. However, such figures have a deeper meaning.

Miniatures bring happiness, attract wealth and reflect negative magical influences.

What is this?

Netsuke figurines are small Japanese sculptures in the form of deities, animals or people. They are believed to have magical properties. For this reason, they are most often used as amulets.

There are several types of figurines, each of which has a specific meaning, which is recommended to be studied before purchasing.

Origin story

The history of netsuke figurines has its roots in Japan. Previously, they were key chains on which special bags were hung. They kept keys and other small items.

Such devices were attached to the belt, since national clothing did not provide pockets. So users received a useful device and an attractive accessory.

Later, observant Japanese discovered that the miniature sculptures had magical properties. After this, they began to be used as talismans.

Varieties

There are several types of netsuke, depending on the typology and shape.

Katabori

These are images of people and animals. They are the most popular.

Anabori

This is a variation of the previous version of netsuke. They are made from a shell, inside of which there is a figurine.

This is a block with a hole in it. A rope is threaded through it, which is then fixed to the belt. Sasi are used only as key holders. It does not have magical properties.

Mask

This is a picture of a Noo mask.

Manju

They are semicircular and round figures. Previously, only ivory was used to make them.

Itaraku

These are wicker figures. Reed is most often used to make them.

Ryusa

These are semicircular and round figurines, but unlike manju, they are hollow inside. There is a thread on the top.

Kagamibuta

This is a vessel with a lid on which some images are applied.

Differences between netsuke and okimono

Often, ordinary people confuse netsuke and okimono. However, these figurines have a significant difference.

Okimono is an interior detail that complements it and “revitalizes” it.

The figurines have no magical properties. Netsuke is a talisman that can attract good luck, money, grant health and protection from external negative influences.

Meaning

Each netsuke figure has a specific meaning. Below are the most popular figurines and what they mean.

People and deities

Humans and deities are the most popular figurines. Each of them has a specific meaning.

Sage Darun with a long beard

It gives the owner masculinity and wisdom. In addition, the talisman promotes spiritual development. It is recommended to place the figurine at the head of the bed or on the nightstand next to the bed.

Elder Daikoku

This miniature represents an old man with a big belly and a bag over his shoulders. It is believed that he carries magic rice in it. Such a talisman attracts wealth, protects the family hearth and brings happiness. It is recommended to place it in the living room.

Ebisu

This is an old man holding a fish in his hands. It attracts good luck to the house. It is recommended to place it in the living room with Elder Daikoku. It is believed that such a union guarantees the prosperity and well-being of the entire family. It is also recommended to place Ebisu on your desktop. This will bring good luck in business.

Shawsin

This is a bald old man with a long beard and a staff in his hand. Such a figurine guarantees health and longevity for all household members. Such a talisman can be presented as a gift to a sick person. It is believed that it will help get rid of any disease.

Hotei

God of wealth, happiness and fun in Feng Shui. He can fulfill any wish. Hotei is a cheerful bald man with a big belly and a bag in his hands.

This is a classic version, but there are other images - with a fan, etc. If you stroke his belly 300 times and make a wish, it will come true.

Futen

God of the wind. It protects travelers along the way and makes it possible to return home safely. It is recommended to take the talisman on the road during long or long trips.

He will bring good luck and make the path calm and easy.

Jurojin

This is the patron of science and longevity. Description of the figurine – a long-lived old man with a scroll or a magical musical instrument. The talisman gives longevity, protects against diseases and helps to study better and absorb new information.

Goddess Benzaiten

Goddess of female happiness. She helps the fair sex, regardless of age, find love. The figurine is placed in the bedroom.

Bishamonten

Patron of warriors. He helps to win the battle and return home safe and sound.

In everyday life, the figurine gives the owner self-confidence, courage and strength. The talisman helps to cope with any, even the most difficult problem.

Fukurokuju

Represents an old man with a long beard and a large head. Fukurokuju protects all household members from diseases and gives them a happy life.

Goddess Ame no Uzume

Brings happiness and love to the house. In addition, she is considered the creator of the theater, so her presence in the house helps to reveal hidden talents.

Buddhist monks Kanzan and Jittoku

This figurine symbolizes harmony and brotherly relationships. She brings peace, harmony and mutual understanding to the house.

Gasisu

The figurine represents an old man holding a writing board. In it, he records a person’s desires, and then helps to fulfill them.

Daruma

Symbol of wisdom and compassion. Helps the owner make the right decisions, avoid mistakes and grants clarity of thought and philanthropy.

Confucius

This is a real Chinese sage who lived in the 6th century BC. His image symbolizes education and wisdom. Often the figurine is given to students to make it easier for them to learn.

Lao Tzu

Founder of the teachings of Tao. The figurine makes it possible to find the meaning of life and bestows wisdom.

Sivanmu

Goddess of the sky, who owns a drink that grants immortality. Her image brings happiness to the house. In addition, it bestows longevity and good health.

Crawling baby

A sparrow is depicted on the baby's back. The interpretation of such a figure is happiness and protection from higher powers.

Child

This is a popular figurine in different variations. It could be a child with a fish, etc.

Any figurine is presented as a gift with the wish for the birth of a child, who should be born healthy and grow up wise and happy.

Animals and inanimate objects

In Japan, it is also common to cut inanimate objects and animals as netsuke. Each figurine has a specific meaning.

Toad with a coin in his mouth

Such a talisman attracts wealth and prosperity. It is recommended to place the figurine at your workplace. It will bring good luck and help you conclude lucrative contracts.

Whale

It symbolizes goodness, happiness and compassion. It is recommended to take Netsuke with you on a trip if it involves traveling by water. It will help you endure the journey well and return home safely.

Coin with a hole in the middle

Another money talisman. According to the teachings of Feng Shui, it is placed in the wealth zone.

Two dogs

The figurines provide reliable protection to all inhabitants of the house. In addition, they help loved ones find mutual understanding. To do this, they need to be placed in the wealth zone.

Monkey

She protects from evil forces. In addition, it protects people from any negative impact.

Bull

Gives well-being. The talisman attracts wealth.

Goldfish

The figurine relieves you of material problems. In addition, it helps fulfill desires.

Snake

The figurine symbolizes beauty and wisdom. It helps the owner to overcome any difficulties in life and learn a lesson from any situation that helps to avoid mistakes in the future.

Elephant

The figurine symbolizes wisdom and strength. It is recommended to place such a netsuke in the spouses’ bedroom. It is believed that the figurine will help them conceive healthy children.

Ship

Attracts good luck. The ship also improves material well-being.

Two carp

This miniature helps household members gain mutual understanding. In addition, she bestows happiness and love.

Hippos

They are depicted in pairs. Such figures give love. In addition, they revive old feelings between husband and wife.

Eagle

Turtles

The turtle symbolizes longevity and wisdom. There are several options for such a figurine, but any of them will help solve the most difficult issues and bestow good health.

Fairy-tale and mythical creatures

Often fairy-tale and mythical creatures are chosen as images for netsuke. They also have a certain meaning.

Tengu

The translation of the name netsuke is celestial dog. However, the appearance of the figurine does not correspond to the name. The miniature is a feathered creature with a beak that sits in a bowl with its paws sticking out of it. This is a forest spirit that has the ability to take the form of any living creature.

Dragon

This is a celestial lion that is in the service of the Buddha himself. The figurine bestows well-being and protects from any negativity. If the celestial lion is depicted with a peony or a ball in its paws, then it will attract money and help the owner become famous.

Figurine of a cat lying on the back of Namazu catfish

This netsuke helps the owner to find harmony with himself and the world around him. In addition, the figurine protects against natural disasters.

Gamma Sennin

This is an image of a saint with a toad sitting on his back. It represents long life and good health.

Kappa

Price

Real netsuke, made by masters, have a high cost. The most expensive figurine is a boy drawing. The original is up for auction. It costs 42,000 rubles.

Simple figurines that are sold as souvenirs have a more reasonable price. The cost depends on the material from which the figures are made, which sketches are taken as a sample, as well as on the dimensions. The price can be either 100 or 5000 rubles.

What are they made of?

Most often, bone or wood is used to make figurines. Less commonly, figurines are made of clay or ceramics. However, now other materials have begun to be used for the production of miniature sculptures.

Netsuke figurines can become not only a good gift, but also a talisman that will help change your life for the better. To do this, you need to study the meaning of each figurine and choose the appropriate option.