Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on October 2011

Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, herself an eminent scholar on the subject, will grace the opening of an exhibition devoted to the miniature sculptures known as netsuke. Designed as carrying cases attached to kimonos, netsuke took on highly artistic forms during the 18th century, and were crafted from ivory, ceramic and materials such as shell or coral. Going out of fashion with the introduction of European clothing, netsuke found a home at the Sagemonoya Gallery, Japan’s only showroom devoted to the lost art, which celebrates its 20th anniversary with a special exhibition and sale.

Sagemonoya Gallery, Oct 13-16 (listing).