japanese wood netsukes

Detailed Product Description

netsuke:

(1) Material: natural tagua nut
(2) Size: 1.8"(inch)
(3) Purely hand-carved by craftsman.
(4) More than 100 models for choosing.
(5) The MOQ is 20 PCS, and the models can be mixed.
(6) Very suitable for collections,antiques or promotional gifts.

 

 

What is Tagua Nut?

 

The palm tree Phytelephas aequatorialis, which bears the common names

tagua palm and nut palm,or tagua. This palm is found in the tropical

rainforests of South America, especially in Ecuador. It has a woody trunk

which can grow to 20 m in height and very long pinnate leaves.

 

The plants are dioecious, with the female individuals bearing large brown

conical fruits, each approximately the size of a grapefruit and covered in a

horned husk, containing usually four seeds. Immature seeds contain sweet

edible pulp. Mature seeds are harder than wood and are encased in a shell.

The endosperm is a white hemicellulose material that is so hard it can be

polished and carved. Indeed, the plant's genus name Phytelephas means

"elephant plant".

 

The edible immature seeds are often dispersed by rainforest rodents such as

agoutis. In some rural areas the trees are used to attract rodents, which are

then captured for their meat. The Tagua Nut is a natural material which

doesn't destroy the tree and helps protect the environment.

 

 

The Tagua Tree is a palm tree that?grows freely under some rare subtropical

climates. Its weight, colour & hardness is similar to that of elephant, thus It

is an ideal substitute. By purchasing this item you not only help to keep an

ancient craft alive, but also help to save the african elephant!!!