A fantastic ivory mask netsuke of an Oni (mischievous demon). The artist has boldly and intensely rendered the Oni's expression, with thick eyebrows, penetrating eyes, fangs, and flame-like furrows on his brow. Excellent Condition. Japan, Meiji Period. Length: 1.7"
A well-carved boxwood netsuke of a man polishing the floor. The piece demonstrates great action, as he hunches over with a concentrated expression, polishing with his brush. The boxwood is finely engraved to reveal his facial expression and details on his robes. The underside bears an engraved signature by the artist Masayuki. Excellent Condition. 19th century. Height: 1.6"
An amusing wood netsuke of a man scratching his own back using a long back-scratcher. The piece is deliberately carved in the stylized manner of Buddhist folk statuary. The man's expression reveals the great effort exerted to 'get' the exact spot on his lower back. Excellent Condition. 19th century. Height: 1.5"
A beautiful ivory mask depicting Jurojin, one of the 7 Gods of Good Fortune. Jurojin embodies wisdom and longevity. The artist has engraved his expression to appear wise and jovial, with his traditional elegant scholar's hat. His long beard is engraved and stained white, implying his great age. The tuft of the beard marvelously scrolls to its finish on the reverse of the netsuke. Excellent Condition. Japan, Meiji Period. Height: 1.8"
A whimsical ivory netsuke of a roaring tiger. The piece is elaborately engraved to show the tiger's fur, stripes, eyebrows, and facial expression. 19th century. Excellent Condition. Height: 1.4"
A whimsical ivory netsuke depicting a puppy on a sack of grain. The artist finely imparts the weight of the puppy atop the sack, the puppy appearing to balance and the sack tie engraved and folded under. Japan, Edo Period. Excellent Condition. Height: 1.7"
An unusual ceramic netsuke in the form of Daruma, the patriarch of Zen Buddhism. The earthenware has a lovely bold celadon crackle-glaze while the face bears a thin umber shade. The netsuke is nicely molded and Daruma has been given an intense open-lidded expression. Excellent Condition. 19th century. Height: 1.7"
A fine manju-form ivory netsuke depicting Daruma, the patriarch of Zen Buddhism. The netsuke bears a charming patina of age and is finely engraved to show Daruma, with a focused look of meditation and holding his worn fly-whisk. The reverse bears the engraved signature of the well-known artist Ikko above a ryu-i (scepter in the form of a stylized mushroom of immortality). Excellent condition. No repairs or restoration. Early 19th century. Width: 1.6"
An adorable ivory netsuke in the form of a seated Akita puppy. The well-worn piece is engraved and stained to reveal his fur and facial features, and the eyes are inlaid in umimatsu (black sea coral). Japan, Edo Period, early 19th century. Length: 1.6"
An ivory mask netsuke depicting a grinning man. The long engraved eyebrows and whiskers impart a festive and vibrant look to the figure. Perfect Condition. No Restoration. Early 20th century. Height: 1.3"
A well-carved ivory netsuke in the form of a sumo wrestler. He stands at attention, ready to commence the ceremony. The piece is finely engraved and stained to detail the thick ropes, paper ribbons, and fabric that constitute his elaborate costume. The netsuke is signed on the reverse by a 20th century artist. Perfect Condition. Height: 2.3"
This handsome Japanese Ivory Okimono is that of a talented craftsman carrying his assortment of drums, baskets and cricket cages to sell at the local marketplace. The attention to detail that the artist demonstrates in both the carving and etch work is quite amazing. The piece stands 5.25 in. and is in pristine condition. Unsigned. c. 1910
