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Netsukes

Sold for $10,065 at Westside Antiques Mall

Photos and article by Karen McKenzie

Of Westside Antiques Mall

 

Since Dr. Bogdanowicz’s Art & Antiques Collection was installed at Westside Antiques Mall, sales of Netsukes have been vigorous.

Having experience with the values of Netsukes, their origin and place in history has been essential in selling these inch sized ivory carvings. Netsuke collectors have come from Milwaukee, Chicago, Madison and Boston to purchase these Japanese works of art. Now with the advent of our website, we hope to reach even more collectors through out the nation.

Pictured are some of the Netsukes that have recently sold. The prices ranged from $500 to $1,900.

 

We are often asked, “Just what is a netsuke?” and, “Why are they so much money?” The answers lie in the history of the Samurai. Netsuke (pronounced net-soo-ke, or when stated properly in two syllables, net-ski), are part of the accoutrements of the Samurai wardrobe. Since kimonos, and clothing of the 18^th, 19^th and early 20^th century did not have pockets; items had to be carried in a synched bag, or box. The compartment was pulled tight or closed by synching the cord. The item at the end, like a toggle, was a small piece of ivory that one could pull the cord tight with. It would have two holes carved into it so the cord could be strung through. They were at least an inch in size so that when the cord was strung under an obi (or belt if you will), the netsuke prevented the “wallet” from slipping out and falling on the ground.

 

These small pouches or wallets in themselves are collected also. The laquerware version of this is called an Inro (pronounced In-row). It is a small box that is held together with cord, and one pulls it tight by pulling on the netsuke. A small round piece of ivory between the Inro and the netsuke to keep the cord lined up properly is the Ojime (pronounced O-jeem-eh). (See photos of “Inro Open” and “Inro Closed.”)

 

Netsuke can be made of Ivory or rosewood. It is not necessarily true that Ivory is always more expensive than wood. Some wood netsuke are very expensive because of the age (18^th century) or the maker is highly collectible. High quality Netsuke are usually signed (see examples of different signatures). Signature styles vary with each century and the grade of artist. Some are signed in an incised rectangular section that is stained red to highlight the signature. Some are scored directly on the object’s base. Artist’s names can be researched and cross-referenced. The carver Tomokazu, from the early 1800’s is very desirable. A wood netsuke of his was valued at $9,000 to $10,000 in 2003. (1) Another netsuke maker from the early 19^th century, Haramitsu, had a netsuke valued at $5,000 to $6,000 in 2003. (2) Sotheby’s London auction estimate for a netsuke by Issen (late 19^th century) was $2,500 to $3,000 in 2006. (3) Age, signature, and the artist matters in valuations.

 

Other variables that add value are the subject matter. People who appreciate the scary faces of the demon characters collect Oni, for example. Some netsuke have moving parts, and naturally take more workmanship and skill (see the photo of Lotus pod netsuke). The Lotus pod netsuke, when turned upside down, the seedpods protrude out of the pod. This netsuke is priced at $1,900. Some people collect animals (see photo of a “Crane with Egg” and “The Fat Bear.”) (4)

 

The art of Netsuke carving has remained even though the production has diminished with the advent of western style dress in Japan. In addition, the harvesting of Ivory has diminished. These have combined to reduce the production and hence availability. With these facts in mind, collectors have been excited about procuring items that are no longer made. One must be careful of reproductions. Careful study and buying from an established collection or dealer is a good idea. Westside Antiques currently has one of the largest, if not the largest concentration of netsuke, tsubas, and samurai sword fittings available for sale in the United States.

 

The fact that Netsukes are popular across several categories ads to their value. They are appreciated as works of art, as Ivory carvings, as Japanese Collectibles, and finally as the parts of a Samurai’s wardrobe. Values have increased markedly in the past 20 years. A 19^th century wood netsuke in 1988 was $450. In 2006 it appreciated to $2,500. They are a pleasure to look at, play with and are excellent investments.

 

References

• Miller’s Price Guide (2003) DK Publishing, New York, p.172-3
• Ibid.
• Sotheby’s Auctions, Bond Street, London (2006)
• Westside Antiques Mall, current inventory (2008)
• The Art of Netsuke Carving (1992) Weatherhill, Inc. Trumbill, CT.