Originally used as decorations for men's belts Netsuke have formed the interest of collectors since the 19th century and soon turned into sought-after collector's items. Focuses of the design were legendary figures, religious characters as well as exotic animals.
The technical precision is unparalleled in its execution of the different materials: Ivory, horn, corals and many more. Famous artists such as Yoshimura Shûzan (1700 - 1773) or Ohara Mitsuhiro (1810 - 1878) affected this art form considerably with their masterpieces.