The history of Netsuke – the toggles associated with the Japanese kimono – stretches back for nearly half a millennium. Early examples served a purely functional purpose, but over time they evolved into miniature works of art, often with spiritual connotations. This illustrated compendium demonstrates the affinity between Netsuke and Japan’s ancient Haiku and Waka poetry tradition, analysing the art forms side by side and noting their shared characteristics of simplicity, restraint and master craftsmanship.