Netsukes (Routledge Revivals)

First published in 1924, no book had ever before emerged dealing with Netsukes, one of the most fascinating and interesting forms of expression of the Japanese in art. Netsukes are the exquisitely carved and infinitely varied little knobs used by the Japanese to keep from slipping all kinds of articles which are hung from girdles. For collectors who cannot afford originals in most of the arts, Netsukes offer an alluring field. Here is a branch in which originals are accessible. The Netsuke is a work of art that can only exist once in this world. It is found in Japan only and like the leaves of the trees, there are never two pieces of it alike. This book describes, in a fascinating way, whether you are a collector or the subject is new to you, the use and various kinds of Netsukes, the method of their carving, their subjects, the many extant collections, their history and their mythology.