Types of netsuke
kataborinetsuke [形彫根付] or sculpture netsuke
This is the most common type of netsuke. They are compact three-dimensional figures carved in a round shape and are usually around three to eight centimetres high.
anaborinetsuke [穴彫根付] or hollowed-out netsuke
This is a subset of katabori which are carved out for a hollow centre. Clams are most commonly the motifs for this type of netsuke.
sashinetsuke [差根付] or stab netsuke
This is an elongated form of katabori, literally "stab" netsuke, similar in length to the sticks and gourds used as improvised netsuke before carved pieces were produced. They are about 15 cm long.
obi-hasami
This is another elongated netsuke with a curved top and bottom. It sits behind the obi with the curved ends visible above and below the obi.
mennetsuke [面根付] or mask netsuke
The largest category after katabori, they were often imitations of full-size noh masks and share characteristics in common with both katabori and manju or kagamibuta.
manjunetsuke [饅頭根付] or manju netsuke
These are thick, flat, round netsuke, with carving usually done in relief, sometimes made of two ivory halves. Shaped like a manju, a Japanese confection.
ryusanetsuke [柳左根付]
Shaped like a manju, this is carved like lace, so that light is transmitted through.
kagamibutanetsuke [鏡蓋根付] or mirror-lid netsuke
This is shaped like a manju, but with a metal disc serving as a lid to a shallow bowl, usually of ivory. The metal is often highly decorated with a wide variety of metallurgical techniques.
karakurinetsuke [からくり根付] or trick mechanism netsuke
This is any netsuke that has moving parts or hidden surprises.