The Art of Netsuke at its Best

Japanese (as well as Chinese) Myths and legends provided carvers of netsuke with many subjects for their miniature sculptures.

Thumbnail for A deer being shot by an arrow through its jaw.

A deer being shot by an arrow through its jaw.

MAR.O.144-1912

Thumbnail for A monkey resting

A monkey resting

MAR.O.145-1912

Thumbnail for Ono no Tofu wearing ceremonial garments

Ono no Tofu wearing ceremonial garments

O.264-2008

Thumbnail for A seated dog with its head bent over a round ball

A seated dog with its head bent over a round ball

O.71-2008

Thumbnail for A barrel-shaped container made of chyrsanthemum

A barrel-shaped container made of chyrsanthemum

O.10-1917.jpg

Thumbnail for A wolf or dog eating the leg of a deer

A wolf or dog eating the leg of a deer

MAR.O.114-1912

Thumbnail for A group fo tortoises climbing over each other

A group fo tortoises climbing over each other

MAR.O.137-1912

Thumbnail for Two rabbits eating loquats

Two rabbits eating loquats

MAR.O.139-1912

Thumbnail for Seiobo, queen-mother of the West, and an attendant

Seiobo, queen-mother of the West, and an attendant

O.30-1951

Thumbnail for A bugaku dancer reclining

A bugaku dancer reclining

MAR.O.115-1912

Thumbnail for A wasp eating a pear

A wasp eating a pear

MAR.O.141-1912