Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What is the difference between a netsuke and a Okimono?
1 Answer

A netsuke is a small object, commonly made of carved ivory or wood, but also sometimes various other materials, including ceramic, bone, horn, coral, or even metals. Netsuke served both a decorative and functional purpose. Netsuke always have two holes, and were used as a cord fastener attached to an inro.
An okimono is simply a decorative sculpture or object, meant for display and to be admired. Okimono can be made of almost any material, and are usually much larger than netsuke.

Lotus GalleryMarch 17, 2021
Shop for Japanese Carved on 1stDibs
Japanese Carved and Lacquered Wood Shogun, Edo Period, 19th Century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
An unusual Japanese carved wood, lacquer, and gilt decorated portrait sculpture of a shogun, Edo
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Carved Cinnabar Lacquer Inro, Meiji Period, late 19th c, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A good Japanese carved cinnabar three case inro with mixed metal ojime, Meiji period, late 19th
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Lacquer
Materials
Silver, Copper
Pair Japanese Carved and Lacquered Inari Foxes, Showa Era, Dated 1951, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A delightful and mischievous pair of Japanese carved and lacquered wood Inari foxes, kitsune, dated
Category
Vintage 1950s Japanese Showa Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Elm
Japanese Lacquered Wood Sho Kannon, Momoyama/Edo Period, 17th Century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A tall and impressive Japanese carved and black lacquered figure of Sho Kannon Bosatsu, Momoyama or
Category
Antique Mid-17th Century Japanese Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Metal
Japanese Standing Gilt Buddha, Amida Nyorai, Edo Period, 18th century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
An exquisite Japanese carved hinoki and gilt lacquered standing figure of Amida Nyorai, Amitabha
Category
Antique 18th Century Japanese Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Rock Crystal
Japanese Abstract Expressionist Carved Wood Sculpture by Takao Kimura
By Takao Kimura
Located in Austin, TX
A powerful abstract expressionist caved elm wood sculpture by Japanese artist Takao Kimura, circa
Category
Vintage 1970s Japanese Expressionist Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Elm
Shop More furniture from Lotus Gallery on 1stDibs
Vintage Japanese Celadon Glazed Shishi Lion Censer, Taisho/Showa, c 1930, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A delightful vintage Japanese celadon glazed incense burner, koro, in teh form of a standing foo lion, shishi, or foo dog, Taisho to Showa Era, circa 1930, Japan.
The charming shish...
Category
Vintage 1930s Japanese Showa Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Vintage Japanese Kakiemon Style Porcelain Oil Jar, Showa Era, circa 1960's
Located in Austin, TX
A charming and elegant vintage Japanese Kakiemon style oil jar or vase, Showa Era, circa 1960's or earlier, Japan.
The oil pot of standard form, with a squat comprised globular body...
Category
Vintage 1960s Japanese Showa Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Japanese Art Deco Jungin Silver Sake Bottle and Cups, circa 1930's
Located in Austin, TX
A fun and elegant vintage Japanese Art Deco hammered and brushed silver sake set, comprised of a tokkuri bottle and two stemmed cups, all marked "jungin" for 95% silver, Showa Era, c...
Category
Vintage 1930s Japanese Art Deco Metalwork
Materials
Silver, Bronze
Japanese Kutani Sake Bottle, Tokkuri, Yoshidaya Style, Edo Period, early 19th c
By Yoshidaya
Located in Austin, TX
A bold and dramatic Japanese Kutani porcelain square tokkuri (bottle for sake), decorated in the Yoshidaya style, and attributed to the Yoshidaya Kiln (1824 - 1831).
The striking sa...
Category
Antique 1820s Japanese Edo Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Large Satsuma Chin Jukan Parasol Form Bowl, Meiji Period, circa 1890, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
An unusual and very attractive large Satsuma parasol shaped bowl signed Chin Jukan and attributed to Chin Jukan XII (1835 - 1906), Meiji Period, circa 1890, Japan.
The bowl of whims...
Category
Antique 1890s Japanese Meiji Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Japanese Jugin Fine Silver Studded Hobnail Teapot, Meiji Period, c 1900, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A large and fine Japanese pure silver (99%) "hobnail" tetsubin style teapot, late Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan.
The beautifully executed teapot of kettle form, featuring a stunni...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
Chinese Cobalt Blue Gilt Decorated Dragon Vase, Late Qing Dynasty, c. 1900
Located in Austin, TX
An lovely Chinese cobalt glazed and gilt decorated porcelain pear shaped vase, yuhuchunping, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China.
The elegant vase of typical yuhuchunping (pear sha...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Chinese Qing Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain