The Art of Netsuke Carving

Masatoshi is the last netsuke carver to belong to the great tradition of Japanese craftsmanship, belonging, that is, in all particulars but one – this book; for never before has a master carver described himself, his training and his approach to his work.

How does a carver choose his subjects? What influences his choice of materials? What tools does he use to carve with? How long does he spend polishing his work? Masatoshi shares his insights of a master carver, and more; he welcomes us into his realm of ghosts and goblins, owls and lizards, Kabuki heroes and Edo Period entertainers – all of them brought to life in the carver’s descriptions of his own netsuke and in the carvings themselves, each one illustrated in color.