When he was 15, Komada began to specialize in netsuke. These days, he works in a studio filled with more than 700 tools — he has 300 carving knives alone — many of which he made by hand.

History: It’s not everyday that you long to hold a pouch of baby rats. But when they are Japanese netsuke, the urge to wrap your fingers around these ivory carvings may be irresistible.