Netsuke have once again come to the fore in the popular imagination of the public. This book brings together one hundred of the beautiful and interesting netsuke from the extensive collection of the British Museum, each of which has its own special charm and story to tell.

Featuring dozens of Japanese netsuke masterpieces and extensive commentary, this Japanese art book is a treasured collector's item. Netsuke are superb miniature carvings, usually less than two inches high, that have been created by Japanese artists for over three hundred years. During that time, they have portrayed almost every aspect of life and culture in Japan. These tiny carvings were traditionally used to prevent the cord attached to a gentleman's medicine box or tobacco pouch from slipping through the belt of his kimono. Today they are highly collectible works of art. Netsuke: Japanese Life and Legend in Miniature presents over seventy full-page color photographs of netsuke in enchanting settings. The accompanying text gives technical details about the netsuke as well as interesting commentaries relating the pieces to Japanese life and legend. Information on the carvers has also been provided whenever possible.

Each reproduction is accompanied by a text that includes pertinent information about the work.

Drawing on the Victoria and Albert Museum's fine collection, Japanese Netsuke examines these appealing, accessible, and often humorous works of art in the broadest possible context. In a text that is both comprehensive and entertaining, Julia Hutt traces the history of netsuke, showing how these highly collectible objects originated from belt hangings used by nomads along the Silk Road. The stunning color photographs reveal the full range of subjects portrayed--images of animals, birds, and sea creatures, portraits of dancers and demons, droll cameos of characters from everyday urban life, even a rare poetic evocation of landscape--and the high level of skill involved in their creation. The richness and diversity of the materials used, as well as the different sources of inspiration, are also discussed, providing an indispensable guide for collectors and all those interested in Japanese decorative arts.

Netsuke, the carved toggles used to fasten a small container to a kimono sash, made from ivory, wood, porcelain, and more, are among the most popular Asian antiques. Over 970 vivid images of netsuke are shown, representing Japanese life, customs, religion, professions, art, history, and legends. The netsukes are organized by subject, allowing readers to rapidly find those that interest them most. The succinct text introduces, defines, and describes the various types of netsukes and helps identify the subjects represented. Additionally, important evaluating tips are provided, along with a bibliography. This book is a must for anyone interested in Oriental art