Books about Netsuke from Amazon.com

Now Back in Print An elegant and insightful book. -- The Art Newspaper

Exquisite.

--Boston Globe

Joe Earle . . . has enlightened us with new facts associated with the subjects portrayed in netsuke and new insight into the background of this unique world . . . An excellent, well-written tome and a worthy addition to one’s library.

--International Netsuke Society Journal Netsuke--tiny sculptures used to secure pouches to the kimono--have long been an obsession for collectors in both East and West. They depict a variety of figures, both domestic and exotic, from marketplace tradesmen to otherworldly beings to perfectly rendered animals. This superbly illustrated, accessibly written volume examines netsuke in the context of Japanese life and details the origins of designs that have evolved through the centuries. It delves into the minds of the artists and explores the question of the objects’ use, both functional and symbolic. Featuring 300 netsuke from three world-renowned collections, this is the definitive work on these remarkably minute, endlessly intricate objects. Essay by Joe Earle. Paperback, 8.5 x 9.25 in. / 356 pgs / 500 color..
Price: $23.10 [Notify me when price goes down.]

Drawing on the Victoria and Albert Museum's fine collection, Japanese Netsuke examines these appealing, accessible, and often humorous works of art in the broadest possible context

In a text that is both comprehensive and entertaining, Julia Hutt traces the history of netsuke, showing how these highly collectible objects originated from belt hangings used by nomads along the Silk Road. The stunning color photographs reveal the full range of subjects portrayed-images of animals, birds, and sea creatures, portraits of dancers and demons, droll cameos of characters from everyday urban life, even a rare poetic evocation of landscape-and the high level of skill involved in their creation. The richness and diversity of the materials used, as well as the different sources of inspiration, are also discussed, providing an indispensable guide for collectors and all those interested in Japanese decorative arts..
Price: $34.20 [Notify me when price goes down.]

The Toledo Museum of Art has an outstanding collection of more than 250 netsuke Fifty examples are highlighted Chapter One relates the history of netsuke. Chapter Two illustrates the most popular types using additional examples in the collection. Chapter Three explores materials, some information about the carvers, and techniques. Selected bibliography. Index..
Price: $11.95 [Notify me when price goes down.]

This volume presents endless varieties of netsuke systematically categorized to serve as a principle guide for netsuke collectors..
Price: $39.06 [Notify me when price goes down.]

Netsuke, the carved toggles used to fasten a small container to a kimono sash, made from ivory, wood, porcelain,and more, are among the most popular Asian antiques Over 970 vivid images of netsuke are shown, representing Japanese life, customs, religion, professions, art, history, and legends. The netsukes are organized by subject, allowing readers to rapidly find those that interest them most. The succinct text introduces, defines, and describes the various types of netsukes and helps identify the subjects represented. Additionally, important evaluating tips are provided, along with a bibliography. This book is a must for anyone interested in Oriental art..
Price: $55.97 [Notify me when price goes down.]

Lavishly printed in full color, this exhibition catalogue features over 300 spectacular examples of netsuke carvers' art. Chapters elucidate the historical development and extraordinary breadth of netsuke production with examples from as early as the 17th century to contemporary works by living artists. Matthew Welch, Associate Curator of Asian Art at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and Sharen Chappell, former president of the International Netsuke Society, discuss iconography, technique and artistic style of each work. All netsuke were selected from the private collections of the International Netsuke Society members, and many have never been published or publicly exhibited..
Price: $24.10 [Notify me when price goes down.]

Amassed over more than thirty-five years, the Werdelmann Collection at the museum kunst palast D sseldorf is one of the most important netsuke collections in the world. It provides a unique survey of this Japanese art form created to adorn men's sashes, which was at its height between the late seventeenth and the early twentieth centuries. Comprising more than 1,000 objects, the Werdelmann Collection is remarkable for the inexhaustible diversity of motifs executed to the highest standards of the craft. The themes represented include alien beings and foreigners, Chinese and Buddhist figures, the various states and professions, scenes from everyday life, children, mythical creatures, flora and fauna and masks. Each piece is illustrated in brilliant colour illustrations and extensively described, incorporating the most recent netsuke research. An impressive publication, this book is bound to become a sought-after reference for collectors, connoisseurs and aficionados of netsuke. Text in English..
Price: $83.00 [Notify me when price goes down.]