Description
Netsuke are small, refined sculptures from Japan that were originally used as functional objects. During the Edo period, people wore kimonos without pockets. Personal belongings were therefore kept in small boxes (inrō) and hung from the obi (belt) with a cord. The netsuke acted as a kind of fastening that held everything in place. Over the centuries, netsuke evolved from utilitarian objects into true works of art, often richly detailed and with symbolic meaning.
Mammoth ivory netsuke represent a unique combination of tradition, craftsmanship, and sustainability. They carry the history of Japanese art with them while simultaneously aligning with modern ethical standards. They are small in size but grand in meaning—miniatures embodying culture, story, and craftsmanship. Each netsuke tells a story and reflects Japanese values such as balance, wisdom, and observation of daily life.
Mammoth ivory may be legally sold in the Netherlands because it is fossilized, and has nothing to do with elephant ivory, which may not be sold according to the standards!
