Not so much a review as a piece of information. For anyone interested in producing very small scale carvings, of which Netsuke must be the most highly developed form, this book by Peter Benson covers all aspects of the art and will provide a very welcome and useful introduction.
The book includes chapters on such topics as planning; materials; tools and equipment; and avoiding and rectifying mistakes. It also deals in detail with techniques for tackling eyes, scales, feathers, etc., and provides guidance on nine netsuke projects to get you started.
Apart from wanting to have a go at these miniature carvings myself, my interest in the book was particularly stimulated by frustration! This was due to the fact that all my tools have been way too big—it has been rather like trying to write a letter with a 1” paint brush!
Peter’s tips on what tools can be bought, and advice on making your own from masonry nails and other suitable metal has been especially useful. It has already got me experimenting with softening, forging, grinding and hardening a couple of mini cutters or scrapers. Not knowing which they will be stems from uncertainty as to how they will turn out!
I bought my copy at this year’s AGM and I will try and remember to bring it to the next meeting for anyone who would like to see it.
John Pryke
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