Manju Netsuke from the Collection of the Ashmolean Museum

"This catalogue is the first to be published on the subject of manju netsuke and provides an extensive guide to the Ashmolean Museum's fine collection of manju. These were mostly acquired between 1970 and the year 2000 by the late Dr Monica Barnett, who subsequently bequeathed them to the museum. It includes essays on the history and uses of manju, materials and carving techniques and sources of designs. The book is divided into eight themed sections according to subject matter. Each catalogue entry has a detailed description of the motif or story depicted and full colour photographs of both surfaces. A handy appendix includes colour photographs of the artists' signatures and brief biographies.".