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Netsuke - Beaded Throughout History by
Netsuke is basically miniature sculptures which have now become a collectable item. Netsuke was a carved piece on the cord of the (sagemono) or a hanging compartment, that was kept tight by the cord bead or 'ojime', placed between the 'inro' and the netsuke. The inro hanged from the kimono sash (obi) and the netsuke was placed below the sash, holding the Sagemono in its place.
Collectors prefer the different styles of netsuke specially the decorative mask netsuke which were miniature replicas of the masks worn in the popular plays of Noh and Kyogen.
Japanese are known for their delicate carving. Netsuke is basically miniature sculptures which have now become a collectable item. Netsuke was a carved piece on the cord of the (sagemono) or a hanging compartment, that was kept tight by the cord bead or 'ojime', placed between the 'inro' and the netsuke. The inro hanged from the kimono sash (obi) and the netsuke was placed below the sash, holding the Sagemono in its place.
They used to have a practical purpose of being a toggle which helped secure things that were hanged from the kimono. In the beginning, the netsuke was made of wood, but later on more expensive materials came into being and you can find old netsuke crafted out of amber, bone, antlers, ivory both elephant and marine with exotic precious stone inlays and carvings. Netsuke was in vogue from the 17th to the early part of the 19th century but after the Meiji Restoration, it gradually disappeared after Western clothes came into focus.
There are four types of netsuke basically: Katabori (common and compact), Manju (flat resembling a button), Sashi (long and thin) and Kagamibuta (lid and bowl). Collectors prefer the different styles of netsuke specially the decorative mask netsuke which were miniature replicas of the masks worn in the popular plays of Noh and Kyogen. Another popular choice is the carved human figure (katabori) and Kagamibuta, comprising of a set of netsuke which have a metal lid and bowl, handcrafted from ivory. A special name 'Netsukeshi' was given to the carvers of netsuke, whose background was a sculptor and an artist.
Although the popularity of collecting netsuke has gained popularity over the past few years, fakes are often sold to those who do not have a keen eye to spot the difference. In case, you plan to buy an original netsuke, it is best to consult someone who has been in the field of art collection or is an authority on the subject. There are many sites that sell classic reproductions of these also which may not be valued on their antiquity but are prized due to their craftsmanship.
Many artists still carry the knowledge of crafting netsuke that had been passed generation to generation, but sell them as modern version as a curio. You can search online and get many good deals on intricate sculpted netsuke that might hold your attention due to the sheer beauty of the carving.
Anita Satin Choudhary writes for Ivory and Art Gallery. Browse the gallery for unique collection of artifacts ranging from ivory netsuke to japanese netsuke.
Article Source: http://www.earticlesonline.com/Article/Netsuke---Beaded-Throughout-History/279972
Is it worth it to hire an auctioneer?
I have a couple thousand $ of vintage japanese kimonos/obis, as well as several antiques and collectibles. I can't have a garage sale (I live in an apartment), and ebay is so flooded with kimonos...they sell for a fraction of what they are worth.
Is it worth it to deal with an auction house? What have your experiences been?
Thank you.
If you want to get "what they are worth" then you need to get your items appraised by someone with a background in the type of items you have. Until you do that it's only your opinion as to what they are worth and that may not align with the current market value, which may differ by region of the country/world.
Using an auction company that is familiar with the type of items you have will definitely improve your chances of getting what their market value is. The auction company should target an audience that is more likely to buy the types of things you want to sell better than a random buyer coming onto your garage sale.
I have not sold anything through an auction house, but have been to auctions that were good and bad experiences for the sellers. You need to call several auction companies in your area and interview them to learn about their experience with goods like yours and determine what fees and commission they charge.
In some areas you might do well to talk to a consignment clothing boutique about selling the kimonos and a consignment antique dealer about your furniture. It may take a bit longer than holding an auction, but you may get a better return. Again it depends on the experience of the auction company and your area. The consignment shop will probably take 30-50% while the auctioneer may only take 5%, but if the auctioneer doesn't sell it or has to let it go real cheap then you may not do as well as through the consignment shop.
