The sophisticated designs produced by the Japanese for even simple items in daily use are admired throughout the world. 
Available from department stores in Japan and antique shops around the world, these little collectables are to be treasured. Museums in the main cities like Tokyo are a good palce to see old examples too.
Netsuke
Netsuke are very collectable. Pronounced nets'kee, these are a form of toggles used for suspending various kinds of containers known as sagemono (literally 'hanging thing') from the sash of a kimono. Kimonos have no pockets and all articles for personal use were tucked into sleeves or suspended from the sash.Netsuke are thought to have originated in the 16th century and were made of a piece of wood or bone of sufficient size to prevent the hanging items from slipping through the sash. In the 18th century netsuke became an art form and were carved from wood, ivory, lacquer, porcelain, metal and other materials. Ranging in size from about 3cm to as much as 12cm, they were made to represent legendary animals, ghosts and demons, everyday scenes and people. In fact the list of subject matter was as long as the imagination of the carver and as broad as the number of legends on which he could draw.
