The photos were taken during the Japanese ” Netsuke” Art Exhibit at Ayala Capitol Central, Bacolod City. The exhibition was sponsored by The Japan Foundation, Manila in collaboration with the Ayala malls, Ayala Museum with the support of Japan Embassy in the Philippines. 

5 Things to Know About the Contemporary Wood-Carved Netsuke | A Collector’s Guide

We all have our unique fascination about anything. What might sound attractive to one might not be to another, and vice versa. The thing is, we all have something that we are fond of collecting. May it be an object, ornament, memorabilia, or whatever it may be, we always have our reason and inclination.

In this article, allow me to share with you useful guides or tips in collecting netsuke. Yes, this object may be something new to most, but I must tell, it has existed for centuries already. Thus, it is worth a try for those who are really into coming up with collections. Netsuke is a carved ornament which has been an integral part of the world of fashion for the Japanese back in the 17th century. With that being said, the fashion craze it brought is already enough reason for us to cover this topic fully. As this netsuke varies in style, size, and texture, these are needed to pass specific standards to be thoroughly worn by a man as an ornament.

1. Netsuke started of necessity

Since the kimono worn by Japanese men way back doesn’t have any sewn-up sleeves and were open, they do not have a place for a pocket purpose. So, for them to bring whatever they would like to carry such as medicine, tobaccos, and other small objects, they needed to hang stylish inro using a cord and use an object to balance the weight. The object that they were able to come up with is the wooden ornament called netsuke.

2. A netsuke is a distinct form of art

Starting from 17th century going to the 18th century, the origin of netsuke seems to be unknown. All they know is that it is something that they could relate to the other objects used by the Chinese. But as the years go by, the evolution of netsuke, as well as the process of creating it, has been very distinct in Japanese culture and tradition. It is not just anymore a small ornament but more of an expression of oneself as manifested by different designs and compositions.

3. Netsuke comes from various inspirations

The development of netsuke flourished when the 18th century began. Designs became more elaborate and intricate as compared to the previous century. They started to use different inspiration in creating netsuke. It includes mythology, religion, zoology, literature, and famous kabuki actors. With the diversity of inspiration that they had paired with the vast imagination of creators, nothing is impossible.

4. Netsuke has become one of the favorite items of collectors

Netsuke has been continually being patronized by a lot of people as well as collectors. Though kimono is no longer worn daily, the Japanese would still have a fascination towards netsuke, and once they wear a kimono, they make sure that they have this precious ornament with them. Rich people in Japan would make sure that they will have a variety of netsuke for various wardrobe that they have. Thus, netsuke has managed to stay in the fashion industry.

5. It may be signed or not

Experts and collectors will always have an eye about purchasing legit netsuke. That is why as much as possible, they try to figure out if a netsuke has a name signed or it or not. If there is, they try to validate if it is true or not. Their keen attention to details and vast knowledge about the world of netsuke helps them study a particular item.

Admit it or not, netsuke has made an impact in the lives of a lot of people, either Japanese or not. As a netsuke enthusiast and probably as a collector, I hope that you find true happiness in the process of collecting. Good luck!

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