An Introduction to Netsuke

Netsuke is a monied response to restrictions against ostentatious dress in Japan under Tokugawa Ieyasu ( 1542 - 1616). They are carvings, often less than 5 cm. in height, and were worn on a sash or cord and indic. wealth or position w/o indicating extravagance. (Some cultural customs DESERVE revisiting.) Ivory and wood (often lacquered) were the 2 usual materials of the sculptures. Inlays were common - often of pearl, glass, metal or ebony. Humour was a common theme. The book has 79 marvellous colour plates of examples bequested to the V&A Museum. Many have mythological meaning. Cond: Black boards illus. with a `Mongol figure' netsuke are clean, TIGHT and crisp. In the right light, one `scratch' is visible. All else AS NEW w/o marks, names, etc. Very attractive volume! The carver's often did challenging things such as: a hollow bell (Plate 26) or hollow tree ( Plate 17) or a lion with a loose ball in its mouth (Plate 15). Plate 43 - `Octopus in a Trap' will draw your attention with its inlays and its own haiku. Size: 4to.…