Kame Turtle Netsuke - Wood - Tsuda Suketomo - Japan - Heisei period (1989-present)

Kame Turtle Netsuke 亀（かめ）根付（ねつけ）｜Tsuda Suketomo 津田亮友（つだすけとも）

This turtle netsuke is a refined example of Ichii Itto-bori, a traditional Japanese woodcarving technique from the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture.
Among works of Ichii Itto-bori, this piece stands out for its careful selection of material and the high level of carving, offering a strong presence despite its small size that fits comfortably in the palm of the hand.

Ichii Itto-bori is carved exclusively with chisels from ichii (Japanese yew), the official tree of Gifu Prefecture, and finished without any coloring, allowing the natural grain and tone of the wood to be fully appreciated.
The ichii wood used for this work is extremely rare, traditionally aged between 400 and 500 years. Japanese yew naturally consists of two distinct layers: the reddish inner heartwood (akami) and the pale outer sapwood (shirata).
In this netsuke, the natural contrast of these layers is beautifully expressed across the turtle’s shell, creating depth and dignity that cannot be achieved through artificial coloring.

The name “Ichii” originates approximately 800 years ago, when a ceremonial scepter made from this wood was presented during an imperial enthronement ceremony and was awarded the highest rank, “Shoichii,” in recognition of its exceptional quality.
The material itself carries historical prestige, which is one of the defining characteristics of Ichii Itto-bori.

Since ancient times in Japan, turtles have symbolized longevity, prosperity, and good fortune, famously expressed in the saying “Kame wa mannen” (the turtle lives ten thousand years).
Combined with the practical form of a netsuke, this auspicious motif makes the piece suitable both for appreciation and as a meaningful addition to a collection.

The artist, Tsuda Suketomo, is the sixth-generation head of the Tsuda family, a distinguished lineage of Ichii Itto-bori masters.
His ability to respect tradition while skillfully responding to the natural character of the wood is especially evident in this finely balanced small-scale work.

The netsuke comes with its original signed and sealed wooden storage box and is preserved in excellent condition.
It is a well-finished and highly recommendable piece, even for those acquiring Ichii Itto-bori for the first time.

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Artist Profile
Tsuda Suketomo was born into the prestigious Tsuda family, renowned for generations of Ichii Itto-bori masters.
After graduating from high school at the age of 18, he entered the world of traditional crafts under the guidance of his father, Tsuda Ryosada.
He later became the sixth-generation head of the Tsuda family and continues to preserve and pass on traditional craftsmanship while also mentoring younger artisans.

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Accessories
Original wooden storage box with artist’s signature and seal.

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Dimensions & Weight
Netsuke size
Height 3.5 cm
Width 5.5 cm
Depth 2.3 cm

Box size
Height 5.5 cm
Width 7.0 cm
Depth 5.5 cm

Weight
6.7 g

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Technique & Condition
Material
Wood (Ichii, Japanese yew)

Technique
Wood carving

Period
1990–2000

Condition
Excellent condition with no notable damage.

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Shipping
Shipping via Japan Post EMS from Japan.
Items are securely packed to ensure safe international delivery.

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