A special exhibit featuring Netsuke opens to the public at the DAI
Something wonderful has arrived at the Dayton Art Institute. The art museum welcomed a new exhibit, “Netsuke and the Art of Little Wonders,” to its Asian Collection on Aug. 27. This exhibit is located in Gallery 117, a small room in the lower court of the institute, and features miniature figurines, the first of which were crafted in Japan during the 17th century, called Netsuke.
These little wonders are highly detailed and usually carved out of ivory or wood. They depict animals, scenes of everyday life in Japan and much more. Some are inlaid with designs made out of materials such as coral. The pieces displayed were loaned from the James F. Dicke Family Collection and gifted by Mrs. Virginia W. Kettering.
Since their original conception, Netsuke have transcended the boundaries of Japan and become appreciated worldwide. Susan Wright, an artist from England, has a piece on display at this exhibit called Woman With Basket. Made in the 20th century, it’s the most modern example of Netsuke at the exhibit.
The curator of Asian art at the institute, Peter Doebler, says people should visit the exhibit “if you want to wonder at something and be amazed.” Dayton Magazine explored the exhibit this weekend and found the careful craftsmanship that goes into making these things something to wonder at.
This exhibit is going to be open until February 12, 2023. The institute’s other current special exhibition, “Art for the Ages,” which showcases the art conservation process, is also available to see until September 11.
