Antiques and Art: Netsuke miniatures at Chester Beatty 

Des O'Sullivan checks out the 12 animal figurines from the Japanese zodiac on display in Dublin

A c1820 ivory monkey netsuke in the style of Mitsuhide at Chester Beatty.

Animals from the Japanese zodiac in miniature made in the 18th and 19th century are on display at the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin until March 23. 

The 12 zodiac animals — rat, ox, tiger, hare (rabbit), dragon, snake, horse, goat (sheep), monkey, rooster, dog and boar (pig) — represent the 12-year cycles in Asia.

An ivory c1880 netsuke in the shape of an ox and a herd boy reading signed by Gyokkosai at Chester Beatty.

On display are tiny sculptures known as netsuke in the shape of these animals carved from materials such as wood, ivory or metal which tell the story of these animals. 

In the Edo period (1615-1868) men used netsuke as toggles to secure personal items like money pouches and smoking accessories which they hung from their sashes. 

Netsuke became fashion statements and inspired artists to express a wide variety of motifs. 

Originally derived from the ancient Chinese astrological calendar the display highlights how these stories were uniquely developed in Japan.