While collectors of kimono and hakama will certainly want to add a set of Japanese Netsuke to their collections, these small sculptures are works of fine art by themselves and have their own share of the marketplace. Since kimono have no pockets, the sagemono container evolved which is fastened to the obi by a cord. This cord is secured with a carved Netsuke.

While faithful reproductions that carry comparatively lower price tags are available, that doesn’t make them as desirable as Japanese Netsuke designed to actually be used. However, even pieces made in the modern age can demand high prices both in the West and in the nation of Japan.

This is perhaps ironic because they originally were considered to be utilitarian items that only later became works of art in the 17th century.

Some materials are more common than others. Hornbill ivory and umimatsu black coral tend to be unusual, and therefore more desirable among collectors. There are numerous other uncommon materials that drive up the price as well.

Regular ivory and boxwood are more common, but that doesn’t mean that the art styles of particular pieces won’t drive them up. There are some particularly uncommon themes, such as Kirishitan depictions of Christ that are unique in Japanese art and therefore sought after.

Some depictions of octopi are particularly interesting as well. Japanese Netsuke featuring octopi with nine tentacles aren’t unheard of, and many ones carved like an octopus have a scoop that resembles a mouth. One can also find depictions where the tentacles of the octopus are embracing the body of a beautiful female.