When looking at a netsuke most people are taken by the amazing detail and the interesting subject matter however netsuke has an inherent beauty and that comes from the abstract form that is the foundation of good netsuke design. It is especially apparent in netsuke that stand out above others. This inherent abstract form comes about from the functionality of netsuke and it’s need to be compact. It may be as simple as a ball or an egg shape or a more complex form but is determines that the detail of the design don’t protrude. This is also one of the restraints that make netsuke unique and differentiates them from simply miniature sculpture.

Image: Dragon Egg by Leigh Sloggett