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MCI - The Meinertzhagen Card Index on Netsuke in the Archives of the British Museum

Part A and B (2 volumes)

Meinertzhagen, Frederick; Lazarnick, George (ed.)

SCARCE REFERENCE BOOK ON NETSUKE.

Since netsuke made their first appearance in Europe over 100 years ago, they have slowly but steadily been established among an enthusiastic circle of collectors as serious objects of art. These small sculptures range in size from 3 to 15 cm and display astonishing detail. Since the seventeenth century, they have served as a medium for artistic expression that comes as near to perfection as anything human hands could create. This publication represents the lifetime collection and study of netsuke by Frederick Meinertzhagen, one of the world's foremost authorities on netsuke. Meinertzhagen realized the need for a single source that would provide the necessary information for collectors to appreciate fully their unique qualities, but was unable to find a publisher willing to take on such an enormous task. Eventually, he indexed his entire collection; it is currently on display at the British Museum library, so that others might benefit from it. With the permission of the Museum, netsuke enthusiasm George Lazarnick photographed the entire Index for publication, thereby creating a source that successfully presents this wealthy of information to all serious collectors and dealers of netsuke. The Index consists of two volumes with over 5,000 entries that provide detailed information on individual netsuke. Perhaps the most exciting and helpful aspects of the Index are the marvelously accurate drawings of netsuke done by Meinertzhagen. The cards provide a hand drawn facsmile of the artist's signature, accurately recording the carver's original calligraphy and his kakihan. Historical backgrounds, critical commentaries, notes on various artists, and methods of collecting are included by Meinertzhagen on the cards, along with illustrations of some 100 unsigned netsuke. The book also includes photographs, correspondence, and personal insigns by those who knew Meinertzhagen, providing a complete detail of his life and work. This publication will serve as an authoritative and comprehensive reference guide for all serious collectors of netsuke and related arts. Distinguished collector Raymond Bushell notes, "George Lazarnick, with his great knowledge of netsuke and his professionalism in photography, makes the best of the Meinertzhagen Card Index available to collectors in the form in which (Meinertzhagen) wanted it. The book is a practical undertaking and a great service to collectors."

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