Glossary of Netsuke Terms

Netsuke are small carved toggles that secured hanging containers to the sash of a kimono, which had no pockets. Made in great variety during the Edo period, they became miniature sculptures in their own right. This glossary explains the vocabulary of netsuke and the objects they held.

Sagemono, the hanging objects

  • Sagemono. Any object hung from the sash by a cord.
  • Inrō. A small tiered case of compartments, usually lacquered, for seals or medicine.
  • Ojime. The sliding bead on the cord that keeps the inrō closed.
  • Tonkotsu. A tobacco box.
  • Kinchaku. A pouch or purse.
  • Kiseruzutsu. A pipe case.

Forms of netsuke

  • Katabori. A carving in the round of a figure, animal or object, the most familiar form.
  • Manjū. A round, flat netsuke named after a bun, often carved in relief.
  • Ryūsa. A manjū carved in openwork.
  • Kagamibuta. A bowl with a decorated metal disc as its lid.
  • Sashi. A long netsuke worn pushed through the sash.
  • Men. A netsuke in the form of a mask.
  • Okimono. A small carving made for display, usually without cord holes.

Construction

  • Himotōshi. The cord holes, whose form and placement help to date a netsuke.
  • Inlaid eyes. Eyes of horn, metal or shell set into the carving.
  • Staining. Colouring of the surface to bring out detail and imitate age.

Materials

  • Tsuge. Boxwood, the finest wood for carving.
  • Other woods. Cherry, ebony and persimmon.
  • Stag antler and horn. Widely used, especially in Edo period work.
  • Lacquer, porcelain and metal. Used for netsuke and especially for ojime.
  • Ivory. Common in old netsuke, but subject to international trade restrictions, and many countries limit or forbid its import.

Schools and signatures

  • Mei. The carver's signature, usually incised on the underside.
  • Sōken Kishō. A book of 1781 that named many carvers of the day and remains a key reference.
  • Regional schools. Kyoto, Osaka, Edo, Nagoya, Gifu, Iwami and Tanba each had distinctive styles and subjects.

Condition notes

  • Gentle wear to high points from handling is expected and adds character.
  • Worn or enlarged cord holes show use.
  • Chips, cracks and replaced inlays should be noted.

Related references

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