We look at an 18th-century carving by Masanao of Kyoto
This wooden netsuke of a monkey was sold at the recent Bonhams auction, Netsuke From American Collections in New York; it sold for $140,200 (£108,578). It was made in Japan during the Edo period (1615–1868) by a carver known as Masanao of Kyoto who was active during the 18th century. The monkey is shown seated with its feet clasped together, looking down as it scratches at a flea on its left knee. Its fur is incised with fine lines, which are now mostly worn smooth in a pleasing surface patina. The pupils of the monkey’s eyes are inlaid in dark horn. The piece is signed ‘Masanao’ in an oval reserve on the bottom.
Considered one of the greatest netsuke artists, Masanao was associated with the Kyoto school of carvers. In the Sōken Kishō, a list of netsuke masters published in 1781 by Inaba Tsūyrū, Masanao’s work is described as ‘skilful and deserving of high praise and recognition’. He is noted for his remarkable ability to capture animals in a variety of poses. Little is now known about his life and career, except that he lived in Kyoto.
Netsuke carving
Netsuke carving is a traditional Japanese art form that dates back to the Edo period (1603–1868). It originated as a practical solution to a simple problem: traditional Japanese clothing, like the kimono, did not have pockets. To carry small personal items such as medicine, tobacco, or seals, people used small containers called inro, which were suspended from a sash (obi) worn around the waist. These containers needed a toggle at the top to prevent them from slipping through the sash, and that toggle was the netsuke.
Over time, netsuke evolved from simple functional objects into finely crafted miniature sculptures. Artists, known as netsukeshi, carved them from a variety of materials including ivory, wood, boxwood, stag antler, and sometimes even metal or lacquer. Each netsuke was typically small enough to fit in the palm of a hand, yet rich in intricate detail.
The subject matter of netsuke carvings was vast and imaginative. Artists often drew on themes from Japanese folklore, mythology, religion, nature, and daily life. One might see gods and demons, comical figures, animals, or scenes from everyday activities—sometimes infused with subtle humor or symbolism. Because each piece was so small, the craftsmanship had to be extremely precise, often revealing the personality and skill of the carver.
The process of carving a netsuke began with selecting a suitable piece of material. The artist would then sketch or envision the design and begin roughing out the form using small chisels or knives. After shaping the basic figure, finer tools were used to carve detailed features like faces, clothing folds, or fur. Finally, the piece would be polished and drilled with one or two small holes (himotoshi), through which a cord could be passed to attach the netsuke to a pouch or container.
Though netsuke are no longer used in daily life, they have become highly collectible objects around the world. Museums in Japan and abroad preserve outstanding examples, and a dedicated group of contemporary artists continues the tradition, creating modern interpretations while honoring the craftsmanship of the past.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF BONHAMS