Decortype › Objets & Miniatures › Carved & Collected Miniatures

Netsuke & inrō

Japan tradition · 5 examples · indicative market tier: $500–5k (accessible antique & fine living craft)

A netsuke (根付; [netsɯ̥ke]) is a miniature sculpture, originating in 17th century Japan. Initially a simply-carved button fastener on the cords of an inrō box, netsuke later developed into ornately sculpted objects of craftsmanship. Wikipedia →

Types & examples

Inro (Case) with Squirrels in Grapevines
Inro (Case) with Squirrels in Grapevines, 1700–1868
Cleveland Museum of Art
Inro (Case) with Mice and Beans
Inro (Case) with Mice and Beans, late 1800s
Cleveland Museum of Art
Inro (Case) with Egrets and Willows
Inro (Case) with Egrets and Willows, 1700s
Cleveland Museum of Art
Inro
Inro, early 1800s
Cleveland Museum of Art
Inro
Inro, c. 1785
Cleveland Museum of Art

Where to buy

1stDibsHigh-end antiques & design marketplaceBrowse listings → LiveAuctioneersAggregated live auctions worldwideBrowse listings → InvaluableAuction-house listings & price archiveBrowse listings → Christie'sMajor-auction results & upcoming salesBrowse listings → EtsyLiving artisans & vintage dealersBrowse listings → eBayBroad secondary market — vet sellers carefullyBrowse listings →

Each link opens a live, image-rich search for this craft on that marketplace. Listings rotate constantly; authenticate significant pieces independently — attribution quality varies widely outside museum collections.