NETSUKE 根付 - RESEARCH

GENERAL INFORMATION
 "The International Netsuke Society is devoted to the study and collection of netsuke and related sagemono art forms."

http://www.netsuke.org/
See the FAQ and GLOSSARY

"Netsuke are miniature sculptures that were invented in 17th century Japan to serve a practical function."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netsuke

WHAT IS IVORY?

"Ivory is the teeth of animals. "True" ivory comes from elephants and mammoth; however, the term is generally applied to the tusks of other mammals, and some synthetics" [and even some some plants]
http://www.uniclectica.com/conserva/ivory1.html

"Elephant Ivory and Mammoth Ivory share a unique grain pattern known as Schreger Lines."

http://www.asianartmall.com/schreger-lines.htm