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Netsuke: Japanese Art in Miniature

 

23 February - 30 May 2010

The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/



¡ÈThe chrysanthemum boy"ivory, writing magic words onto leaves which he cast into a stream, the outside of the netsuke being egg shaped and covered in chrysanthemums
This spring, a special display at The Fitzwilliam Museum gives a glimpse into the world of netsuke: an intricate form of Japanese miniature sculpture.

Netsuke (pronounced 'net-skei') originated in the 17th century Japan, where these elaborately carved items functioned as 'toggles' for the silk cords upon which men strung their pipe holders, purses or writing implements. What began as simple pieces of wood and shell quickly evolved into ornate miniature sculptures in a huge variety of shapes and styles. Carved from ivory, wood or stag antler, and frequently incorporating lacquer, pottery, plastic and bronze, netsuke drew upon subjects as diverse as daily life, religion, mythology, animals and even vegetables.

Netsuke: Japanese Art in Miniature at the Fitzwilliam presents over 250 of the finest examples from the Fitzwilliam Museum¡Çs sizeable netsuke collection of, including many early and rare examples of the art form. From objects depicting realistic human and animals forms to carvings depicting scenes from Japanese legend, these netsuke exhibit not only tremendous craftsmanship, but often also a captivating sense of humour.

In one example made from stained ivory, a hinged container carved to resemble chrysanthemum flowers opens to reveal the mythological figure of Kikujido seated inside, writing a magic inscription for long life upon their leaves. Another is carved in the shape of a seated monkey bowing its head as if saddened or reflective; in another, an aggrieved-looking tortoise finds itself clambered upon by four baby reptiles.

Netsuke, ivory, carved and stained. A monkey resting with eyes inlaid in a translucent brown amber. Inscribed, signed Masatasugu. Japanese, mid 19th century (c.1840)

Netsuke, wood an ivory. A group of tortoises; two ivory and two small wood climbing on one large wood. Signed illegibly. Japanese. Mid 19th century

The Fitzwilliam Museum houses the University of Cambridge¡Çs art collection, and contains superb holdings of art from Japan. As well as over 500 examples of netsuke, the Museum holds 500 tsuba (sword fittings), fans, inry lacquer boxes, more than 300 pieces of studio pottery and some 250 pieces of blue and white Kakiemon and Imari porcelain. This fine collection has been enriched over the years through loan and bequest, as well as the generosity of collectors.



The majority of the netsuke on display were bequeathed to the Fitzwilliam in 2008 by Dr. Roy Hull, whose personal passion for collecting these miniature sculptures has greatly enriched the Museum¡Çs holdings.

The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge

 

 
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