Looking Beyond the Block: Zodiac Animal Netsuke
Lunar New Year zodiacs are captured in an intricately carved netsuke.
Carved ivory, signed, Toyosai, Japan, 19th century, 2 3/4 in. l, $4,160.
Images courtesy of Eldred’s.
In 2026, the Lunar New Year begins on February 17. It is commonly called the Chinese New Year, although many countries across East and Southeast Asia celebrate it. Each year is associated with one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. 2026 is the Year of the Horse.
Japan observed the Lunar New Year until 1873, when the Gregorian calendar was officially adopted. Despite the calendar change, the twelve zodiac animals have remained important in Japanese culture. This ivory netsuke dates to the late 19th century and may have been made before the switch to the Gregorian calendar. It shows the zodiac animals clustered together, a design that has been carved by several artists. This one is signed by Toyosai. The age and signature, along with the highly skilled carving, brought its price to an impressive $4,160 at the Netsuke at Auction sale held by Eldred’s on October 2, 2025, in Hanover, Massachusetts.
Netsuke are used as toggles to fasten the rigid, tiered containers known as inro that were worn suspended from the obi, or kimono sash. The earliest examples, dating to the 1600s, were simple wooden beads. Artisans developed more complex forms in many shapes and styles, made from materials such as ceramic, nutshells, ivory, and stone.
Today, collectors prize carved netsuke made from ivory, wood, horn, or lacquer. Favorites take the form of Japanese cultural figures, including animals, mythological creatures, and human figures, and show dynamic poses and intricate details on a breathtakingly small scale, whether they are stylized or realistic. At 2 3/4 inches long, this zodiac netsuke is on the larger side.
Price includes 28% buyer’s premium.
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