The MCI Meinertzhagen Card Index represents the lifetime collection and study of netsuke by Frederick Meinertzhagen (1881-1962), one of the world’s foremost authorities on netsuke. Meinertzhagen realized the need for a single source that would provide the necessary information for netsuke collectors to fully appreciate their unique qualities. He indexed his entire collection, where it is currently on display at the British Museum library so that others might benefit from it. With the permission of the Museum, netsuke enthusiast George Lazarnick photographed the entire Index for publication, thereby creating a source that successfully presents this wealth 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 facsimile 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 insights by those who knew Meinertzhagen, providing a complete and detailed account of his life and work.