Exhibition of Netsuke, Contemporary Wood-Carved Craft

The Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation organized the "Exhibition of Netsuke: Contemporary Wood-Carved Craft" at the Japanese Embassy hall, Kathmandu from 18th to 31st January 2019. Ambassador Masamichi Saigo inaugurated the exhibition on the first day, where some 80 guests were participated and famous Nepali sculptor Mr. Gopal Kalapremi Shrestha reviewed on Netsuke as well as the similarities in Japanese and Nepali contemporary art.

“Netsuke”, are Japanese miniature-art pieces. Historically, they were used as a kind of toggle by gentlemen suspended their tobacco pouches, pipes, purses, writing implements, and other items of daily use on a silk cord passed behind their obi (sash). These hanging objects are called sagemono. These could also be considered fashionable jewelries and amulets for them.

The exhibits are one of the collections of Japan Foundation’s touring exhibitions. It focuses on contemporary netsuke, consisting of 65 masterpieces of 46 artists. Their work has a rich visual impact and reveals a strong interest in the process of carving. The exhibition allowed viewers to experience the freshness and variety of traditional and current Japanese miniature art and, provided an opportunity to renew and think about the fundamental appeal and meaning of miniature art. During the 14-days of exhibition, about 1800 art loving audiences visited the hall.