Cameo rings, pendants and so much more!

Russian hand-painted cameos

Netsuke

etsuke... (pronounced net-skeh) literally means "Root for Fastening". Netsuke's made a debut in the 17th Century in Japan. As Japanese men's kimonos had no pockets, men's belongings were carried around the waist in a pouch. The Netsuke secured the pouch.

Netsuke's were originally made from every day materials. As their popularity increased, however, Netsuke's soon became artistic sculptures.

Netsuke's were mainly used by gentlemen and were worn on the Obi (the sash of the kimono). Lady's kimonos also had no pockets but since they had larger sleeves they could keep their belongings safe.

Today, the art lives on and carvers, a few of whose modern works command high prices (US$10,000 to $100,000, or more), are in the UK, Europe, the USA, Japan and elsewhere.

Netsuke are priced by perfection of the ivory, stag, stone or other materials they are carved on, the intricacy of the carving itself, the details in the face, hands and feet, the depth of the carving and the uniqueness of the subject matter.

Good quality antique Netsuke's are hard to find - making them a great investment for anyone!