NETSUKE

Netsuke are traditional Japanese sculptural toggles from which various objects (sagemono) were suspended from the Japanese sash (obi). Netsuke developed into a sculptural art form which continues today. Contemporary netsuke often stretch the constraints of functionality and are perhaps appreciated more as intimate sculpture.

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Frog on Leaf
The leaf is carved from Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus Ledifolius) , a very hard wood native to the arid mountain regions of Eastern Oregon and California. The frog is 18k gold with a tin alloy spotted overlay.
Length 75mm - 3"

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Earl Grey Time
The hollowed fungus is carved from Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus Ledifolius). The frog enjoying a tea break is Sterling silver with copper and gold plating. Not visible is an enameled tea bowl on a copper table.
Height 45mm - 1.8"

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Moth on Leaf Netsuke/Pin
Carved Ebony, silver, copper, 18k gold
70mm x 40mm - 2.75" x 1.5"

Tonkotsu are a type of sagemono (hanging object) that would be suspended from the netsuke in the traditional Japanese wardrobe. Tonkotsu were tobacco containers. I chose the form not as a functional object, but for it's elegant simplicity. Also included in the ensemble below are a netsuke and ojime (sliding bead to hold the lid shut).

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The tonkotsu body is carved from Wenge wood (milettia laurentii) with a shakudo (alloy of gold and copper) spider and inlayed web in 24k gold. Ebony lid. The netsuke is carved Mammoth ivory with a snail in patinated silver. The ojime is silver with a gold spider.
Height is 75mm(including ojime) - 3"

BEST VIEWED WITH EXPLORER AT 800 x 600 RESOLUTION