Netsuke - A World in Miniature

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A netsuke is a finely carved miniature sculpture, which ranges from around two to ten centimeters in height. Netsuke were mainly made in Japan between the 1700s and 1800s.

There are many shapes of netsuke, from button shaped pieces to groups of figures, miniature masks and tiny animals.

Bolton’s collection is made up of 147 pieces of Japanese netsuke, inro and scent bottles. The collection was given to the museum in 1959, in a bequest from Miss Edith Taylor.

In this section you can find out about these fascinating objects.

  • You can view many of the netsuke in our collection if you use the collections search above. Alternatively follow this netsuke search link
  • All of the items shown in this section are on display in the Art Gallery at Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive

Diagram of how netsuke were wornAbout netsuke

What are netsuke, how were they worn and a glossary of terms


Manju style netsukeManju and Kagamibuta netsuke

Two types of button shaped netsuke

Netsuke fox - known as kitsune in Japanese folkloreFox netsuke

Japanese folklore atributes the fox, or kitsune, with cunning and magical powers


Netsuke boat carved from ivoryBoat netsuke

The seven characters on this tiny vessel are all significant characters from Japanese folklore.

Carved ivory netsuke ballIvory ball netsuke

A complex scene depicting creatures considered to be natural enemies in traditional folklore


Netsuke dog or shishiShishi netsuke

A Japanese lion dog netsuke to scare off demons

Carved wooden inro with monkeysInro

Traditional Japanese dress had no pockets so inro were used to carry valuable items.