Authentic Japanese Sandalwood Foo Dog Carved Netsuke Figurines

Authentic Japanese Sandalwood Netsuke Foo Dog Carvings 

Netsuke are miniature sculptures that were invented in 17th century Japan to serve a practical function. Traditional Japanese garment—robes called kosode and kimono---had no pockets, however men who wore them needed a place to store their personal belongings such as pipes, tobacco, money, seals, or medicines.
Their solution was to place such objects in containers hung by cords from the robes' sash. The containers may be a pouch or a small woven basket, but the most popular were beautifully crafted boxes which were held shut by an ojime, which were sliding beads on cords. Whatever the form of the container, the fastener that secured the cord at the top of the sash was a carved, button-like toggle called a netsuke.
Netsuke, like the inro and ojime, evolved over time from being strictly utilitarian into objects of great artistic merit and an expression of extraordinary craftsmanship. Such objects have a long history reflecting the important aspects of Japanese folklore and life. Netsuke production was most popular during the Edo period in Japan, around 1615-1868. Today, the art lives on. They are collected and proudly displayed worldwide, with really scarce pieces fetching amazingly high prices.

 

These beautifully detailed Netsuke type carved Foo dogs measure about 7cm tall. The sandalwood has a slight green tinge that the images do not show very well. Bear in mind that the images are enlarged to show detail. Amazing detail for such small pieces! Please note that these are not functional netsuke with holes for cords. 

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