To introduce these miniature sculptures to a wider audience and, at the same time, to tell some of the legends that inspired their creators, Adrienne Barbanson presents here a collection of superb photographs accompanied by a narrative text designed to enhance the reader's appreciation of this remarkable by relatively unfamiliar art.;Frontcover -- Copyright -- Dedication -- TABLE OF CONTENTS -- PREFACE -- AUTHOR'S NOTE -- NETSUKE AND JAPANESE LEGENDS -- The Diving Girl and the Jewel -- Ryu, the Dragon -- Hebi, the Snake -- The Legend of Dojo-ji -- Baku, the Dream-eater -- Kirin, the Unicorn -- Uma, the Horse -- The King of Hell and His Demons -- Daikoku, God of Wealth -- Kitsune, the Fox -- Oshidori, the Mandarin Duck -- Fukurokuju, God of Longevity -- Jiraiya and the Great Spiritof the Toad -- Usagi, the Hare -- Tengu, the Tree Imp -- Suzume, the Sparrow -- Saru, the Monkey -- The Masks of the Noh Drama.