Netsuke

[Prince_Alarming101 37]

If it's possible, I'd like to start a thread about a form of japanese Art that I deeply love, the netsuke. As a result of sumptuary laws, traditional japanese clothing often included what was essentially a very finely worked toggle. There are animal shaped netsuke, human shaped netsuke, rude netsuke... I own several books about the subject that I'm happy to discuss but I absolutely adore these exquisite little things. I've been experimenting with carving myself recently, and my heart's desire is now to make tiny, exquisite wooden carvings that resemble nonfunctional netsuke. I'm really awful at it, but it helps me understand the form better. Does anybody else love netsuke? I have a board on pinterest if you'd like pictures

https://uk.pinterest.com/bowingtotheinevitable/netsuke/

 

[isshinryuronin54 53]

If it's possible, I'd like to start a thread about a form of japanese Art that I deeply love, the netsuke. As a result of sumptuary laws, traditional japanese clothing often included what was essentially a very finely worked toggle. There are animal shaped netsuke, human shaped netsuke, rude netsuke... I own several books about the subject that I'm happy to discuss but I absolutely adore these exquisite little things. I've been experimenting with carving myself recently, and my heart's desire is now to make tiny, exquisite wooden carvings that resemble nonfunctional netsuke. I'm really awful at it, but it helps me understand the form better. Does anybody else love netsuke? I have a board on pinterest if you'd like pictures

https://uk.pinterest.com/bowingtotheinevitable/netsuke/

I am also a fan of Japanese art (and architecture). The L.A. County Museum of Art had a netsuke exhibit back in the 1980's. Those pocket-sized little sculptures were kind of cute. Reminds me of the sculptured art of the Inuit that's meant to be carried around.

 

[Prince_Alarming101 37]

I am also a fan of Japanese art (and architecture). The L.A. County Museum of Art had a netsuke exhibit back in the 1980's. Those pocket-sized little sculptures were kind of cute. Reminds me of the sculptured art of the Inuit that's meant to be carried around.

Cute, but also... indescribably beautiful at the same time. I have an inuit soapstone carving I am watching on ebay atm, they have the same kind of vibe, somehow

 

[opr1945162 48]

I feel another addiction coming on....

 

[Prince_Alarming101 37]

I feel another addiction coming on....

There are worse addictions, I've had most of them. I'm trying to teach myself to carve in a valiant effort to become a net producer of carvings, or at least break even.

 

[Prince_Alarming101 37]

My latest acquisition, mug for scale

 

[opr1945162 48]

cool.

 

[Prince_Alarming101 37]

I need help

 

[Hyoho]

Here's mine. Found it under the floor of a Japanese house that was over 100 years old.

 

[Prince_Alarming101 37]

Here's mine. Found it under the floor of a Japanese house that was over 100 years old.

Cool!

 

[Stuarto112]

I need help

Looks like a turtle. Does it represent something?

 

[Prince_Alarming101 37]

Looks like a turtle. Does it represent something?

It's a frog in a rocking chair cuddling a goose and smoking a pipe, for some reason. I do love it.

 

[Wing Woo Gar98 1]

I need help

I know Baku are a common subject for netsuke. Placed near children’s beds, they are the devourer of nightmares. When children awaken from a nightmare they ask “Baku come eat my dream”. There is an admonishment that children not ask to often as the Baku can also consume motivation and good dreams if the nightmare is not satisfactory.