
Terms of the Trade: Netsuke
Netsuke is both the singular and collective term given to the intricate miniature sculptures and wood carvings that became hugely popular in Japan, and later in Europe and North America, from the 17th century onwards.
A clue to the origins of these beautiful sculptures is contained in the etymology of the word netsuke, which is formed the characters ne 根, meaning root, and tsuke 付, which means attached. Put simply, netsuke originated as a simple device for securing belongings to the belt.