Umimatsu netsuke

Today I started with a new project. A umimatsu netsuke in Iwami style. I want a centipede on a log and some leaves perhaps. See how it works out. Most difficult material to carve. I had this piece lying around for some years. It was part of a broken Japanese kizeruzutsu.

Start with very rouge shaping.

After an evening carving.

After several hours of carving. It’s hard work.

Centipede rouhg carving finished.

More detailing of the centipede.

Started carving a leaf on the back.

Folded leaf.

Now starts the elaborate process of sanding and polishing.

The finished netsuke. 7 cm long.