Japanese Netsuke

by Julia Hutt, Edmund de Waal (Foreword)

The netsuke is a thing of a tiny utilitarian accessory to traditional Japanese dress that has become an art form in itself, prized by collectors from East to West. The V&A’s collection of netsuke is world-famous, and this stunning book draws on its many highlights to explore the origins of netsuke and to trace the sources of these designs in prints, paintings, and woodblock-printed books. It records the evolution of materials and techniques and the patterns of craftsmanship, and is illustrated with some of the very finest examples . A foreword by renowned ceramics artist Edmund de Waal, author of The Hare with Amber Eyes , sheds new light on the beauty and value of these miniature works of art.

Genres: Japan, Art, Nonfiction

112 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2012

Reviews

[E. G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Foreword, by Edmund de Waal

--Japanese Netsuke

Chronologies
Acknowledgements
Glossary
Select Bibliography
Index

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well detailed text about netsuke with a good amount of illustrations. Photos are good size and quality. Would have liked to have seen various angles and more focus on individual netsuke designs and their meaning.

[Peter Ellwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely introduction to the world of netsuke carving. The text is most informative, the illustrations (of pieces from the V&A collection) are beautiful.