Japanese Netsuke figures. Meaning and Meaning

Netsuke are small figures carved from wood or bone by the hands of Japanese or Chinese craftsmen. As a rule, these are figures of animals, fish, birds, people, deities or unusual creatures. Netsuke, first of all, amazes with its thought-out execution to the smallest detail - all the smallest details are executed at the highest level, made with love. Netsuke figurines reflect the culture, morals and customs of Japan and China of the 17th-19th centuries.

The word "netsuke" (ne-tsuke) is two hieroglyphs, the first of which means "root" and the second means "to attach." Thus, netsuke is a kind of keychain. Netsuke also served as a counterweight, with the help of which a pouch with tobacco or a bunch of keys was worn on the belt (obi). This was necessary because traditional Japanese clothing did not have pockets.

My acquaintance with netsuke (not real ones, of course) began several years ago, when these figures began to appear in stores in our city. Since then I began to buy them periodically. They are, of course, made not from real bone or wood, but from plaster, but the performance is still at the proper level. They are inexpensive and look very cool. In addition, netsuke are a good gift, since each of the figures has its own hidden meaning.

In this and subsequent articles I will talk about the various netsuke that I have in my collection, as well as those that I do not yet have. To do this, I will use the catalog, which contains a detailed description of netsuke figurines.

Netsuke meaning Chinese dragon

The Chinese dragon ("long") is the embodiment of peace-loving strength, kindness and wisdom. It is a symbol of life-giving waters. In ancient times, the Chinese believed that dragons lived in all rivers, lakes and seas, and also loved to soar in rain clouds. They could become small, like a silkworm, or they could become so huge that they covered the whole world with their shadow.

The dragon, whose paws have five claws with which it holds the pearl of wisdom, purity and beauty, is the symbol of the emperor, as well as his divine patron. The imperial seal always depicts a dragon soaring in the clouds, guarding the pearl.

The meaning of netsuke Hotei

Hotei (“canvas bag”) is a good-natured fat man, the god of happiness and prosperity. It helps in the fulfillment of cherished desires, and also predetermines the destinies of people. That is why there is the following belief: think about something good and at the same time rub Hotei on your stomach 300 times, and then your wish will come true.

The prototype of Hotei was the small fat monk Qi Qi. He lived at the end of the 10th century in China. Qi Qi traveled through the villages with a rosary and a large canvas bag. Where he appeared, luck, health and prosperity came to people.

It is also believed that Hotei was an emanation of the Buddha-Maitreya. In eastern countries, the coming of Buddha-Maitreya in the popular consciousness meant the advent of an era of well-being, prosperity and a cloudless life for all people.

Tengu (“heavenly dog”) is the protector of night travelers, the spirit of the roads. He is also a forest spirit who lives on Mount Kuramayama in Japan. It is believed that they do not really like to communicate with people, however, for some they make an exception. The heavenly dog is a fairy-tale creature that can transform.

There are two ways to depict Tengu: the bird-like "Karasu-Tengu" with a powerful beak (in the case when it is depicted hatching from an egg, it is called "Tengu-Notamago") and "Karasu-Tengu" - a humanoid version with a long nose.

According to legend, he teaches warriors fencing and martial arts. The famous hero Yoshitsune was raised in a temple on Mount Kuramayama. And he was taught martial arts by King Tengu - Sodzebo.

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NETSKE

Everything is conveyed accurately and expressively, with inimitable liveliness, spontaneity in the interpretation of nature, often with humor and imagination. From an artistic point of view, netsuke is an art that, based on the entire previous development of Japanese culture, has developed a unique plastic language. From the point of view of cultural history, netsuke plots act as an inexhaustible source for the study of morals, customs, religious and moral ideas - in a word, the life of Japan and China in the 17th - 19th centuries. Being utilitarian, everyday objects in their purpose, netsuke over time turned into genuine art.

The purpose of netsuke is revealed already in the name itself. The word "netsuke" - "ne-tsuke" is written in two hieroglyphs: the first means "root", the second - "attach". A netsuke is a keychain or counterweight with which a tobacco pouch, a set of keys or an inro (a box for medicines and perfumes) is worn on the obi (belt). The need for such a device is caused by the lack of pockets in Japanese traditional costume. Counterbalance key fobs were used over a wide area: in Japan, Hungary, China, the Far North and Ethiopia. In essence, netsuke appear where there is a suit without pockets, but with a belt.

1. Netsuke Daikoku and Ebisu- happiness and luck, always going hand in hand. Two gods of happiness: Daikoku is depicted in a kariginu suit, wearing a tori-eboshi hat, with a hammer, a rat and a bag. It is believed that with each blow of the mallet the world's happiness, health and love. And the bag of heavenly rice that he carries over his shoulders symbolizes wealth and prosperity.

Ebisu is depicted with the magical fish Tai - symbol good luck and success. Daikoku and Ebisu depicted together symbolize the balance between material wealth and spiritual achievements, harmony and peace of mind.

2. Netsuke Daikoku- one of the seven gods of happiness god of wealth and prosperity. Sometimes he is worshiped as the patron of the hearth. In the netsuke he is depicted in a kariginu costume, wearing a tori-eboshi hat, with a mallet, a rat and a bag of magic rice - a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Rats are Daikoku's helpers and our friends. They gnaw holes in his bag, and magical rice falls from the sky to the ground right into our hands.

3. Netsuke Ebisu- God Happiness and luck. Depicted wearing a tall hat, holding a fishing rod, a staff, and often a Tai fish. The sacred Tai fish is considered a symbol of good luck and spiritual achievement. According to legend, it is very difficult to catch a carp with bare hands in clear heavenly water - it is also difficult to achieve peace of mind, harmony and enlightenment. Sometimes Ebisu acts as the patron saint of fishermen.

4. Netsuke Shoushin-one of the seven gods happiness, bringing health, healing from serious illnesses and longevity. Considered the patron of medicine. Depicted with a huge staff made from ginseng root and a magical peach of immortality in his hand. Often a gourd with clear crystal water is tied to the staff - a symbol of life and longevity.

5. Netsuke Zaoshen- Zao Wang - keeper of the home. Sometimes he is depicted with a round tablet in his hand, where the cherished dreams and wishes of all family members are written down. On December 24, Zaoshen goes to heaven to the sacred mountain Kun Lun and reports in the heavenly office to the ruler of the Celestial Empire, Yu-di, how he helps with household chores and protects the hearth, conveys all wishes, and they are sure to be fulfilled, and dreams come true. Zaoshen often has attributes symbolizing health: magic peach, bestower longevity, gourd with clean, clear water, representing long happy life, purity family relations and promising well-being for descendants. If a bag is depicted next to Zaoshen, then in addition to wishes for health and happiness, wishes for wealth and prosperity in the home are added. On special occasions, Zaoshen can bestow a magical vase with treasures that have the property of never ending. All other household deities are subordinate to Zaoshen - Chuangong and Chuanmu, who protect the bed, the goddess Zigu, who keeps the house clean and orderly, and the younger Mensheni, who guard the doors of the house from harm and drive away evil spirits.

6. Netsuke Hotei - "canvas bag"- one of the seven gods of happiness: god of communication, fun and prosperity. It is believed that it predetermines people's destinies and helps in the fulfillment of cherished desires. A belief is connected with this: if you rub the figurine of Hotei on your stomach three hundred times, thinking about something good, then your wish will definitely come true. The image of Hotei is associated with a specific character who lived in China at the end of the 10th century - a small fat monk named Qi Qi, who walked around the villages with a large canvas bag and rosary. Legend says that where he appeared, good luck, health and prosperity came to people. If someone asked what was in his bag, he would answer: "I have the whole world there". Once, when he was already an old man, sitting near a temple, Hotei said: “Eh, people, people, you didn’t recognize me. But I am the future Buddha-Maitreya.”. And, indeed, it is believed that Hotei is an emanation of Buddha-Maitreya. In the East, the coming of Buddha-Maitreya was understood as the ordering of the Universe, as the achievement of world harmony; in popular understanding, it meant the advent of an era of prosperity, well-being, contentment and carefree life for all people. It is no coincidence that Hotei was considered the embodiment happiness and carefree. In the 17th century, he was canonized in Japan and became one of the seven gods of happiness.

Netsuke are miniature carved figures that, first of all, amaze with their carefully thought-out execution. The term consists of two hieroglyphs, the first of which is translated as “root”, and the second - “to attach”.

History of the appearance of figures

This art appeared around the 16th-17th centuries, but gained mass popularity in the 19th century - at this time changes occurred in the interpretation of the images of figurines. The military government of Japan adopted a policy of preserving the created structure of society: several laws were passed against luxury. There is a strict distinction between classes. This is reflected in literally everything: lifestyle, the number of floors in the house, the material from which clothes are made.

In such conditions, the townspeople did not have many opportunities to decorate their costumes: netsuke were one of the ways to demonstrate their own taste. Using them you can study the peculiarities of the life of the Japanese, their clothing and the natural features of the country. Initially, netsuke served only as key rings for attaching keys and other things - national Japanese clothing did not have pockets.

Later, people discovered that the figurines were endowed with magical powers. They bring love, freedom and happiness. So netsuke became real talismans for people, the popularity of which is only growing every day. They are purchased as souvenirs - for themselves and as gifts for friends.

Gradually, entire schools of netsuke carvers arose; each of them had their own style and favorite themes. For example, the Hida school made figures in the Ittobori style. Only one knife was used for the job; small parts were not carefully processed.

The history of the development of this amazing type of Japanese art is widely reflected in museum collections around the world. An Association has even been created, which includes both netsuke-making specialists and ordinary people who are interested in Japanese culture. At community congresses, experience is exchanged and new technologies for netsuke manufacturing are mastered.

REFERENCE! The largest collection of netsuke was collected by the American Robert Kinsei.

Netsuke meaning

Each figure has its own meaning: some are needed for wealth, others help attract love. Without knowledge about the symbolism of netsuke, it is impossible to choose the right talisman for yourself.

Hippos are most often depicted in pairs; they press tightly against each other. The figure not only helps to find love, but also to save old relationships.
Bishamonten is a symbol of attracting money. He is one of the seven gods of luck.
The bull promises happiness and prosperity.
Benzaiten embodies the feminine. The owner of the treasured figurine will find happiness and stability on the personal front.
Gasisu. The figurine represents an old man holding a writing board in his hands. It records a person’s desires; the old man helps in their implementation.
Guanyin - a woman with a sacred book, rope or jug protects from troubles; patronizes pregnant women and young mothers.
Jurojin is an old man of science and longevity. It prolongs a person’s life and improves his memory.
The dragon has powerful protection: it protects the owner from witchcraft and dark forces.
The snake is the embodiment of beauty and wisdom. The figurine helps to learn a lesson from any situation and not repeat past mistakes.
Goldfish is needed to attract jewelry and money.
Lao Tzu. The figurine makes it possible to understand what the meaning of life is.
Kappa is the embodiment of a Japanese merman.
Carps are depicted in pairs. They help a married couple regain faded feelings.
The whale is a symbol of compassion and strength. This netsuke should be taken on sea voyages.
Confucius is a real Chinese sage living in the 6th century BC. His image is the embodiment of education and wisdom. Often a figurine is presented to students to make the process of mastering new knowledge easier.
The ship will provide the right guidance in all endeavors.
Sage Darun helps a person become wise and courageous.
The monkey resists evil forces.
Halo - a figurine is necessary for building a successful career.
The pyramid attracts joy.
A crawling baby with a sparrow on his back. The interpretation of netsuke is happiness and approval of higher powers.
Fish Tai - sacred heavenly carp. It helps to improve the relationship between teacher and student.
Sivanmu is the queen of the sky, driving away bad luck.
The elephant is a sign of strength and wisdom. This figurine is good to have in the bedroom for a family that cannot have children.
With a couple of dogs, the owner gains reliable protection at home: the home will bypass various misfortunes.
Elder Daikoku protects the family hearth and protects against quarrels and conflicts with household members. Most often, the old man is depicted with a bag of rice, which he holds in his hands. With him the house becomes a full cup.
The three-legged toad holds a coin in its mouth and attracts money.
Fukurokuju - God of wisdom. A person needs it in order to realize his purpose.
Futen is the God of the wind. He is portrayed as a happy little man with a bag over his shoulders. It is customary to take the figurine with you on a trip - then the owner will definitely return back and will not encounter any dangers on his way.
Hotei is represented as a fat man with an eternal smile. If you stroke his belly, your most cherished wish will come true.
A person listening to a shell is the embodiment of support for people of creative professions.
The turtle is a sign of wisdom and longevity.
Shoushin - God of health. Usually depicted with ginseng. The figurine strengthens a person’s natural strengths; helps you recover faster and get back on your feet. Also, the owner of this talisman increases life expectancy.
Ebisu. The sign embodies a man with a golden carp. It should bring good luck.

Figures and their colors may differ from those shown in the photo above.

The art of creating netsuke figurines reached its peak in Japan, and the craft originated in China. The Chinese called these things Zhui Tzu. When they appeared in Japan they began to be called Chinese carvings. Initially, the figurines were simple and inexpressive; they served as key chains hung on the belt of a kimono. Keys, pouches and other miniature things necessary for the owner were attached to them.

In the 17th century, netsuke making became a special art. Craftsmen made figurines from various materials, including very expensive ones. These were animal horns, semiprecious and precious stones, wood, and ivory. At the same time, the symbolism of the material also mattered. Ivory, for example, promised the owner health and well-being. The subjects and characters depicted in the figures were varied. The fashion for netsuke has embraced everyone, from peasants to the rich. For everyone there was material to suit their pocket and a subject or drawing to their liking.

Most of them are dedicated to the 7 gods of happiness - shitifukujin. The gift of such a figurine was equated to a wish for what a certain celestial being symbolized. So, 7 gods:

Travel lovers are most often given a figurine of Futen. They promise the owner good luck and protect him from troubles along the way.
Hotei is one of the most revered gods in Japan. It represents happiness, pleasure, sociability. And the most important thing is that he fulfills wishes. If you stroke his belly 300 times, keeping your wish in mind, it will come true.
Daikoku is a god depicted with a bag of rice. Brings happiness, prosperity, prosperity, preserves the family hearth.
Sivanmu protects from misfortunes, grief, and failures.
Daruma personifies masculine qualities, willpower and spirit
God Shoushin is always depicted with 2 items - a peach and a ginseng. Peach symbolizes health, and ginseng symbolizes longevity.
Bishamon is a god who helps warriors in their good deeds.

Netsuke depicting people, gods and animals are called katabori. There is also a type of netsuke called kagamibuta - this is a small round container in the form of a box with a mirror inside.

And the last type of figurines is manju. They have the shape of a flat cake and are decorated with various patterns and ornaments.

Netsuke reflects the Japanese idea of beauty - simplicity and grace. The figurines absorbed the most beautiful and picturesque moments of Japanese life and ideas about the world.

The traditional culture of Japan began its formation in ancient times. It was then that such amazing forms of art arose as Haniwa, Jomon, and Dotaku. But netsuke sculpture can be classified as the youngest type of traditional art, which grew out of the everyday traditions of the Japanese people. In the article we will talk about the history of this art and reveal the meaning of the figurines.

What is netsuke? Meaning

This is usually the name given to small figurines carved from stone and ivory and carrying important ritual significance. Most often, netsuke serve as a talisman. Their original meaning was quite functional - they served as a counterweight for wallets, keys and other necessary little things to be worn over the kimono belt.

Later they began to be used as amulets and talismans. And in the 19th century, art reached such a high level that the figurines became a subject of special interest among collectors and art connoisseurs. From this moment on, netsuke figurines become a desirable, exquisite and expensive gift. In addition, these small, streamlined figurines can be used instead of rosaries for calming purposes, as well as for interior decoration. However, people unfamiliar with Japanese culture often confuse netsuke figurines with another type of traditional Japanese art - the mobile sculpture okimono. These figurines are very similar to netsuke, but do not have any magical powers.

Materials for figures

Traditionally, ivory was used to create small masterpieces, as well as deer, buffalo and rhinoceros horns, bear and tiger fangs, walrus bone, various types of wood and their roots, and petrified wood. Later they began to make figurines from porcelain, bright coral, jade in delicate shades, turtle shells and even glass.

The wood for netsuke was never painted, but only polished. For production, soft woods that were easy to process were traditionally taken: cypress, sandalwood, pine, walnut, camellia and others.

Manufacturing technology

Typically, the size of the figures varies from 2 to 10 cm. Nowadays, netsuke is made from bone, wood, even metal. Sometimes certain types of semi-precious stones and minerals are used. The figures are cut out so that they do not have sharp corners, since all lines must be smooth. The main condition for making netsuke is drilling himotoshi - a hole for the lace. Some craftsmen make most of the figures from plaster.

Making netsuke from gypsum takes place in five stages:

Mold preparation;

Casting a blank;

Processing to the desired shape, image;

Coloring;

Varnish coating.

In other cases, only the technique of carving wood, stone or bone is used.

Types of images, their symbolism

Image	Attribute	What symbolizes
Sage Darum	scroll with hieroglyphs	fortitude, courage, fortitude
Elder Daikoku	bag of magic rice, hammer	wealth, patron of the hearth
Ebisu	magic carp	luck, hard work, peace of mind, enlightenment. Patron of fishermen
Hotei	big belly, smile, depicted sitting	happiness, fun, communication, fulfillment of desires, compassion and good nature
Samurai	warrior in clothes and attributes of a samurai	fortitude, perseverance, courage
Queen of Heaven Sivanmu	fan	drives away bad luck
Human	listening to the conch shell	creativity support
Jurojin	an old man with a staff and a scroll of wisdom, a turtle, a deer or a crane	good luck, longevity
Fukurokuju	old man with an elongated head and a staff	longevity, wise deeds. Extends life
Benzaiten (Benten)	girl with a national musical instrument	luck, wisdom, art, love and thirst for knowledge, mutual love and successful marriage
Bishamonten (Tamonten)	mighty warrior with a spear, in full samurai armor	wealth, prosperity, justice. Protector, patron of doctors, lawyers, military, attracts money
Sivanmu	elderly woman with fan	happy love, financial well-being
Guanyin	woman with holy book, jug or rope	protects from troubles, patroness of pregnant women and women in labor
Kubera	Pushpaka's magical flying chariot	harmony between spiritual and material, success and happiness
Dongfanshuo	bag of gold and silver	balance, harmony in the relationship between a man and a woman. Patron of jewelers
Kanzan and Jittoku	monks (no items)	creating a strong and happy family
Gosisa	writes down fate	good dreams and dreams will come true
Yamabushi	blowing into the sink	wisdom, fortitude, spiritual development
Gamma-Senninin	with a toad	wizard, healer, prosperity, wealth
Ship	passengers - the seven gods of happiness	successful voyage (undertakings), financial well-being
Chinese coin	with a square hole in the center, sometimes a mouse rolls it	having money, no debt

Classification of figures by type

It is believed that this art appeared at the turn of the 16th-17th centuries, and became most popular in the 19th century. During this period, the forms of use of netsuke and their symbolic interpretation changed.

Type of figurine	Image
Katabori	Depiction of people, animals, groups of people or animals
Anabori	Depiction of people, animals, groups of people or animals - story lines
Sasi	Image in the form of a bar with a hole for a hook
Manju	Round shape. Can be made from halves. The image is made in the form of an engraving with blackening. Images of Noo masks can be used
Obi-hasami	Image in the form of a bar with a thickening protrusion for a hook
Masks	Small copy of Noo mask
Itaraku	Weaved in the form of boxes resembling a pumpkin in shape
Ryusa (a type of manju)	Of two halves (top and bottom). The top one is made in the form of openwork carving. There is emptiness between them. Circle shape.
Kagamibuta	Made of two parts, round in shape. The top one is in the form of a metal lid with carved images made using a variety of techniques
With a secret	with moving parts or secret

Worldview

Using netsuke figures, you can study the peculiarities of the life of the Japanese, their way of life, clothing, military items, natural features of the country, and others. Since a whole group of figurines is dedicated to ancient Japanese deities, you can get acquainted with the beliefs of the Japanese from them.

By studying the images presented in netsuke and turning to national myths and legends, you can learn a lot of interesting things about what people thought about the structure of the world, about their faith, gods, nature, features of life, and main activities.

Ancient Shinto deities

In addition to the special veneration of the spirits of ancestors, who are saints for the Japanese, images of the main deities worshiped by the ancient Japanese of the pre-Buddhist period came from Shintoism (an ancient religion) into the netsuke culture. Among such images we meet one of the main goddesses of Shintoism - the Sun Goddess Amaterasu. It symbolizes feminine beauty, harmony, purity and wisdom.

Also in the pantheon of deities for plots is the wind god Futen. He is usually depicted without legs, with a bag and a drum with sticks behind his back, and a serene smile on his face. With its help, you will have good luck and assistance along the way, and will protect your life and health.

There is also an image of another god of the wind - Raiden. He, unlike Futen, is depicted with not one, but 12 reels. And since Raiden is additionally the god of thunder and lightning, he is often depicted with horns and claws.

Found among the images of netsuke and Shoushin - the god of longevity. The peaches he holds are plucked from a magical tree. And since the spread of Taoism, the peach tree began to be perceived as a symbol of immortality. Therefore, peach was often chosen as the wood for netsuke. Sometimes in Shousin's hands you can see ginseng - a plant of longevity and health. And God himself is revered as the patron of medicine, an assistant in finding happiness.

One of the most popular images in netsuke is Okame - the goddess of happiness. She was an excellent performer of ritual dances. One day she (according to one of the myths told in the Kojiki) called Amaterasu herself from the grotto when she locked herself in it from the world. It is cheerful laughter that has since served as an action with the help of which one can call to oneself and appease Amaterasu. The goddess Okame is considered the patroness of great happiness, love, as well as theatrical art.

Nature and art

What is netsuke? This is an amazing source for getting to know the nature and life of Japan. Among the images traditional for Japanese netsuke, one can often find images of animals. They have a sacred meaning and also reflect the natural features of Japan.

One of the most popular animal images was the Okame turtle, which symbolized wisdom, longevity, protection from diseases, and promotion of health. One could find entire pyramids of turtles (usually three). The traditional Chinese image of a dragon was considered protection from witchcraft and evil spirits. The monkey was also a protection against evil spirits. She also provided assistance in acting. This group of animals also included a pair of netsuke depicting dogs. They were a talisman against evil forces and misfortunes.

The eagle helps ensure success in career growth. Happiness, prosperity and good luck - bull. Financial well-being is a goldfish with coins in its mouth.

The third group of animals was responsible for love, happiness and family well-being. Thus, a paired figurine of hippos symbolized the finding of love, the return of old feelings between spouses. The elephant provided strength, wisdom, and good luck in bearing and giving birth to a child. He was a talisman against childlessness.

The fourth group includes the whale, which is considered the personification of happiness, goodness, strength, shows compassion, and helps in sea voyages.

An evolving art form

Now almost everyone knows what netsuke is. In Japan, to this day there is a tradition of giving these figurines for good luck and good fortune. Thus, at the beginning of the year it is customary to give netsuke with the image of the seven gods of happiness. For 12 months they provide exceptional prosperity, prosperity, happiness and good luck.

Due to the popularity of such figurines not only in Japan, but also in other countries of the world, an affordable type of netsuke is being developed, made from inexpensive materials and using new technologies. We have already mentioned above about plaster figures. They are also made from clay.

The art of netsuke in museums around the world

The history of the development of this amazing type of Japanese art is widely reflected in museum collections around the world. There is a Museum of the History of Religion in St. Petersburg. You can see a similar collection here. There is a similar exhibition in the Hermitage. She not only demonstrates a huge unique collection, but also explains, using specific examples, what netsuke is. The exhibition is very popular.

An interesting exhibition was presented in 2003 in Ukraine - “Netsuke is timeless”. It took place in Kyiv. Its organizers were the Ukrainian Society "Netsuke" and the Bogdan and Varvara Khanenko Museum of Art. The exhibition featured unique exhibits not only from Ukraine, but also from museums in Great Britain and Switzerland.

And in November 2010, an exhibition of the netsuke of our contemporaries was held at the Museum of the East in Moscow. The exhibition includes works by contemporary masters from Russia, the CIS countries, Japan and European countries.

Instead of a conclusion

The art of netsuke does not become less popular and interesting over time. In modern society, an Association has even been created, which includes not only specialists in making these little figurines, but also ordinary people who are fascinated by the world of Japanese culture. At community conventions held once a year, you can listen to fascinating lectures on the history and prospects for the development of netsuke culture. At such events, experience is exchanged in mastering new technologies for making figurines, and acquaintance with the few schools of amazing art that have survived in Japan.