Forms of Netsuke

Forms of Netsuke

kataborinetsuke (形彫根付) or "sculpture netsuke" - this is the most familiar style, a compact three-dimensional figure carved in the round, usually around one to three inches high
- anaborinetsuke (穴彫根付) or "hollowed netsuke" - subset of katabori which is hollowed-out and carved within; the most common are scenes in clams
- sashinetsuke (差根付) - this is an elongated form of katabori, literally "stab" netsuke, similar in length to the sticks and gourds used as improvised netsuke before carved pieces were produced, about six inches long
- obi-hasami - another elongated netsuke with curved top and bottom. It sits behind the obi with the curved ends visible above and below the obi.

mennetsuke (面根付) or "mask netsuke" - the largest category after katabori, these were often imitations of full size noh masks, and share characteristics in common with both katabori and manju/kagamibuta

manjunetsuke (饅頭根付) or "manju netsuke"- a thick, flat, round type of netsuke, with carving usually done in relief, sometimes made of two ivory halves. Shaped like a manju.

ryusanetsuke (柳左根付）- shaped like a manju, but carved like lace, so that light shines completely through

kagamibutanetsuke (鏡蓋根付) or "mirror lid netsuke" - shaped like a manju, but with a metal disc serving as lid to a shallow bowl, usually of ivory. The metal is often highly decorated with a wide variety of metallurgical techniques.

karakurinetsuke (からくり根付) or "trick/mechanism netsuke" - any netsuke that does something, ones with moving parts or hidden surprises

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