Netsuke. Japanese Miniature Sculptures from Private Collection. Moscow, 2016.

The temporary exhibition entitled Netsuke. Japanese Miniature Sculptures from Private Collections [22 July – 16 October 2016], organised by the State Hermitage with support from the CIS Chapter of the International Netsuke Society, features over one hundred and eighty items kindly lent by Moscow and St Petersburg collectors.

The art of miniature sculptures, or netsuke, is a unique phenomenon in the cultural history of Japan, which emerged and became widespread in the Edo period (1603–1868).From purely utilitarian objects which served to attach the small necessities to a belt, netsuke evolved into real works of art which adorned the dress of the Samurai and wealthy citizens in the 18th century and conquered the hearts of European collectors in the second half of the 19th century.