How do I know if my netsuke is valuable?

Signs of a Fake, Forgery, or Reproduction:

1. Netsuke without the patina indicating years of handling.
2. Cord holes with sharp, unworn edges indicate a modern piece.
3. Cracks in ivory running at an angle to the natural grain are manmade.
4. Parts carved after a natural crack formed indicate modern carving on old ivory.

Can I sell netsuke?

CH wants to know if she can sell these Netsuke, and the problem is that they are indeed ivory, and not to be sold! The answer, CH is a resounding NO! Selling ivory is a federal offense in the US, since 2016. Ivory is illegal to sell, and it’s an offense to send it across State lines for the purposes of a sale.

Why do netsuke have holes?

These hanging objects are called Sagemono. To prevent them from falling, they are attached to a stopper called Netsuke firmly positioned on top of the sash. To be a Netsuke, the carving must have one or two holes (Himotoshi) to allow attachment to the Sagemono.

How was a netsuke worn?

A sliding bead (ojime) was strung on the cord between the netsuke and the sagemono to allow the opening and closing of the sagemono. The entire ensemble was then worn, at the waist, and functioned as a sort of removable external pocket. Many netsuke are believed to have been talismans.

Where can I buy a Japanese netsuke figurine?

Many netsuke forgeries are sold outside Japan, usually in Hong Kong, and in the internet. They are usually sold cheap from 99 pence. Most of these counterfeits are actually resin and collectors are made to believe they are made of amber or boxwood.

How much does it cost to join the netsuke Society?

Beginners and collectors of all levels of experience and expertise are welcomed to join this group of art collectors and lovers for membership of $125/year, and to fully enjoy the benefits it has to offer. Share your collecting passion with interested people around the globe!

When did netsuke go out of use in Japan?

Still, as Japanese fashion became more influenced by the West, netsuke disappeared from everyday use. Westerners took up the collector’s mantle. ‘In the Meiji period, right after Japan opened to the West in 1854, Americans and Europeans discovered netsuke and immediately started collecting them,’ Goodall says.

What was the purpose of the netsuke art?

Netsuke could even be subversive — erotic in nature, or used as social satire. Their designs often mirrored broader trends in Japanese art. ‘With the advent of the 19th century, netsuke tended to feature objects that one would see in daily life,’ Goodall says.