Netsuke

Here a picture of another woodcarving hobby of mine. It is more of a winter thing, or when the inspiration hits me.

A very short history: Back in Feudal Japan you where not allowed to show your wealth or status openly (not a bad idea if your ask me). Anyway, kimono where all the rage in fashion and had no pockets. So a small purse like item was hung from the wearer's belt (called sagemono or inro). The Netsuke keep it from slipping off the belt (obi). The decorative bead at the end was to close the inro and the it is called an ojime. My take on the cord that attached all of this is an ancient Japanese braiding technique called kumihimo. They consist of braided silk using 16 - 32 strands (you can do more!). Enough history.

Needless to say I use very small tools to carve these items and they take a long time to complete. Each one is about 1 1/2" high.