19th century Asakusa school staghorn netsuke of obihasami type inlaid with metal tama (Precious Gem) and dots. The hooks at the top and bottom of the piece go around the edges of obi - a sash holding a kimono. Excellent clever piece typical of Asakusa school, warm patina, darker porous areas as is usual with staghorn. Metal appears to be silver. Length 4.19 inches (106.5 mm).

19th century wooden netsuke carved as double theatrical masks of Okina and Okame. Nice pairing of characters, excellent quality carving, wonderful faces, great detailing, beautiful wear and rich lustrous patina. Height 1.5 inches.

Early 19th century lacquered wood netsuke of a turtle on a folded lotus leaf. Strong early carving with clever design, wood is lacquered in Negoro style - red lacquer over black, so as it wears the black and later wood start showing. Beautiful wear and patina. Length 1.7 inches.

19th century Asakusa school staghorn netsuke of two old broken roof tiles. Strong piece in Japanese taste typical of Asakusa school, beautiful dark staining, warm patina, darker porous areas as is usual with staghorn. Length 1.8 inches.

19th century Japanese ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in a form of a natural fruit pit skillfully carved with 2 scenes of scholars engaged in discussions, all among swirling clouds. Excellent carving in deep relief with precise undercutting and complete piercing of the body of the pit. Very nice mellow brown patina, in excellent condition. Height 1/2 inches.

19th century netsuke in kagamibuta (“mirror lid”) with cinnabar lacquer top carved with the character FUKU (fortune) among peony flowers. Essentially the netsuke is a wish for wealth. Very nice work, beautiful patina, compressed dust in crevices, nice old wooden bowl, with rotating peg that serves as himotoshi. Bowl diameter 1.72 inches.

19th century netsuke in kagamibuta (“mirror lid”) shape, the top carved with phoenix (the symbol of the Empress) in flight - a motif often seen on textiles. Excellent delicate work, great depiction of differentiated feathers, eye inlaid with dark horn. Beautiful patina, compressed dust in crevices, nice old wooden bowl, old silk cord. Bowl diameter 1.74 inches.

A Japanese boxwood netsuke depicting a blind man holding his giant scrotum. Homin signature engraved on seal. Meiji period 19th century Sizes: 3,6 x 3,5 x 3 cm. Condition report: Good condition

A Japanese boxwood netsuke depicting the mask of the demon Kobeshimi. Bridge on the reverse forming the himotoshi. Meiji period 19th century Sizes: 4,2 x 3,5 x 1,6 cm. Condition report: Good condition

Height: 3.7 cm (1.6 in)
Width: 2.5 cm (1 in)
Depth: 2.2 cm (0.8 in)

Japanese lacquered wooden netsuke of a seated boy; minor wear to the lacquer; good condition

Height: 3.4 cm (1.3 in)
Width: 4.2 cm (1.6 in)
Depth: 3 cm (1.2 in)

Japanese wooden netsuke of Daruma; very minor wear; good condition

Early 19th century marine (walrus tusk) netsuke of a standing oni, its foot on rockery, leaning on a huge war club and eating a rice cake, and a puppy at his feet looking wiistfully at the same cake. Wonderful strong early carving, wonderful face, excellent depiction of its muscular arms and legs. Grainy texture of walrus tusk core can be seen at the bottom and on the back of the carving. himotoshi is formed by natural openings in the carving. Height 2.47 inches.

Height: 3.5 cm (1.3 in)
Width: 3 cm (1.2 in)
Depth: 3.7 cm (1.6 in)

Fine wooden netsuke carved by Gyokkei; a stone lifter, masseur or a man attempting to lift his distended scrotum?; a tumour is also present on the back of his head; the poor fellow also has a wall-eye; signed on an inlaid tablet; good condition

Height: 3.4 cm (1.3 in)
Width: 2.1 cm (0.8 in)
Depth: 2.4 cm (0.9 in)

Finely carved deer antler netsuke of Hotei with, typically, his large bag draped over his shoulder; white metal has been inlaid into the top section of the piece, possibly silver; good condition

Height: 4.7 cm (1.9 in)
Width: 4 cm (1.6 in)
Depth: 4.4 cm (1.8 in)

Fine wooden netsuke of a man sitting with a turtle between his feet; he is busy tying up the animal; quality carving throughout; good condition

Width: 4 cm (2.6 in)
Height: 1.9 cm (0.6 in)

Japanese wooden manju netsuke of a phoenix, the backside carved into a woven chained effect; good condition

19th century Japanese tsuishu (cinnabar lacquer) netsuke carved on the front with 3 scholars under a pine tree watching a cock fight, and the back with a boy feeding a chick and a hen by a peony bush, all on carved diaper ground. Metal fitting with swinging loop for hanging, some wear to lacquer, beautiful patina. Diameter 1.84 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of Shishiguchi representing the spirit of shishi with characteristic tusks, most frequently used for the Noh play Shakkyo (The Stone Bridge). Crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, great patina. some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.21 inches.

19th century staghorn netsuke of a bat resting on an old roof tile. The tile face has raised characters reading TODAI-JI - it is one of the Seven Great Temples located in Nara, and is the headquarters of the Kegon school of Buddhism. Typical stag antler texture to the material, superb quality stippling and staining perfectly imitating the rough texture of a ceramic tile, extraordinary rich patina...

19th Century Japanese Boxwood Carved Netsuke of a Naked Man Holding Rock

It is 1.2 inches (3.2 cm) tall and wide. It is 8.2 gram.

It has a small chip at the toe, missing signature cartouche at the bottom, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Some of the photos were taken under the sun.

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell...

A Japanese boxwood netsuke depicting a Shishi in a defense posture with jaws wide open and carved with an excellent finish and craftsmanship in the smallest details, accompanied by a blond color and an extraordinary patina and luster. Kara-shishi 唐獅子 (Chinese lion) resembling a lion. It is typically placed to the left of the shrine or temple door. Edo period XIX century Sizes: 3,5 x 3,7 x 2,3 cm. Condition report: Good condition

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of a distressed man. Excellent intense face, crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, great patina, some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.13 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of a hollow cheeked demon. Excellent intense face, crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, great patina, some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.22 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of a green skinned demon. Excellent intense face, crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, great patina, some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.12 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of demon Hannya. Excellent intense face, crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, great patina, some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.14 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of a demon sticking out its tongue. Excellent intense face, crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, great patina, some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.23 inches.

19th century marine (walrus tusk) Asakusa school netsuke carved as a group of four Fungus of Immortality. Wonderful realistic carving, beautiful staining, superb patina, very pleasant to handle. Length 1.62 inches.

19th century Asakusa school staghorn netsuke of obihasami type carved with a couple of bamboo stals. The hooks at the top and bottom of the piece go around the edges of obi - a sash holding a kimono. Simple clever piece typical of Asakusa school, warm patina, darker porous areas as is usual with staghorn. Length 4.14 inches.

19th century kagamibuta (“mirror lid”) netsuke with copper top engraved with Daruma screaming and waving his hands. Excellent design, wonderful use of katakiribori - carving technique recreating brush strokes used in sumi ink drawings - see finely chiseled lines of his robe. Nice wooden bowl, metal fitting around himotoshi. Disc diameter 1.19 inches, bowl diameter 1.79 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing an unusual theatrical mask of KO-BESHIMI used for roles of some harmless demons or gods who exert their powers for good. Crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, great patina. some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.13 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing an unusual theatrical mask of O-Beshimi which was used in folk plays by an important figure with “negative” character. Crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, great patina. some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.14 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing an unusual theatrical mask of a one-horned oni. Crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, great patina. some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.25 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of Beshimi. Crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, great patina. some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.08 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of an oni. Crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, great patina. some wear to the surface.. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.13 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of Usofuki with characteristically pursed lips. Crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, great patina. some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.18 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of Demon Hannya. Excellent intense face, crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, great patina. some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.22 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of Shikami - a demon whose overriding purpose is to do evil to man. Crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, great patina. some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.18 inches.

Four finely carved wooden (maybe sandalwood) masks with lacquering and most with glass bead eyes. Showing different types of theatre masks as Hannya, Oni etc. Condition: minor rim frits, the Hannya mask with few lacquer losses. Dimension: c. 5.1 cm long x c. 3.5 cm wide.

A Japanese large ivory netsuke with excellent color and patina depicting a foreigner with trumpet and child on his shoulder. He has a long beard and curly hair with a necklace with horn pendants in the shape of a chrysanthemum on his back next to the engraved signature Washūjin Kōsen 和州人 光仙, under two large himotoshi. Edo period 18th century Sizes: 10,6 x 3 x 2 cm. Condition report: Good condition

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of Bato. Crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, great patina. some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.15 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of Usofuki with characteristically pursed lips. Crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, great patina. some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.06 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of Chu-Beshimi. Crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, great patina. some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.1 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of an oni. Crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, great patina. some wear to the surface.. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.1 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of Demon Hannya. Excellent intense face, crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, great patina. some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.19 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of BUAKU used for demonic roles such as Kaminari, Emma-O or any nameless demon or scary devil. Uncommon image, excellent intense face, great patina. Crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.05 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of Namanari. The mask is mostly used in the play The Cursed Metal Head-Ring for the role of the wife who is crazed with jealousy beyond any possibility of redemption. Uncommon image, excellent ferocious face, long lower jaw resulting in wide open mouth, great patina. Crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, some wear to the surface...

19th century boxwood netsuke depicting theatrical mask of Ikkaku sennin (single horn Sage). The character was an Immortal, but ended up living on earth as he have not been able to resist temptations presented by females. Rare mask subject, wonderful pensive face, beautiful wear and patina, old paper label on the back. Recently deaccessioned from the Framingham History Center, Massachusetts, where it has been part of the collection since 1923. Height 1 5/8 inches.

19th century boxwood netsuke of Fukurokuju with his characteristic elongated head wearing a long sleeved robe and holding a fan in his hand. He is one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, his name consisting of Japanese words fuku (happiness), roku (wealth) and ju (longevity). Great face, wonderful flow to the lines of his robe, beautiful patina. Signed SHUZAN for Nagamachi Shuzan in irregular reserve on the back - this very distinct artist is listed on p...

Length: 4.2 cm (1.7 in)
Height: 2.1 cm (0.8 in)
Depth: 3 cm (1.2 in)

Quality Japanese wooden netsuke of a group of three chestnuts; naturalistically modelled with two grubs present, one is articulated; one himatoshi is lined with natural material; good condition

19th century boxwood netsuke depicting the head of himono (gutted dried fish). Initially food taken along on a journey, dried fish came to symbolize good luck and health. Beautiful realistic carving (appears to be a head of salmon), wonderful sharp detailing, clever use of one eye as himotoshi. Superb patina on wood, in excellent condition, very pleasant to hold. Length 2.35 inches (60 mm).

Early 19th century suigaraake (ashtray) netsuke with round silvered bronze body, cloisonne outside and a swinging loop for hanging. Excellent early work in terms of Japanese cloisonne, functional netsuke shape, design of flowers among scrolling vines, matte finish, beautiful wear and patina, original pitting typical for the period, some filled areas along the rim as can be seen on photos. Diameter 1 1 5/8 inches.

A Japanese ivory seal netsuke carved in the shape of Siniu, sitting with his legs bent on an oval sigil base, smiling while holding his head up and turned back. Edo period late 18th century Sizes: 5.6 x 3 x 2.8 cm Condition report: Good condition

A Japanese Boxwood netsuke depicting a Dutchman with a child on his shoulder and a trumpet. Excellent blond patina on the front in contrast to the darker part on the back. Large holes in the image on the side. Edo period late XVIII century Sizes: 8 x 3 x 2.5 cm. Condition report: Good condition

19th century wooden netsuke of a water buffalo resting peacefully with its head raised and its legs gracefully tucked beneath. Superbly modeled capturing the essence of the creature, fantastic depiction of its bulk, great patina, in excellent condition. Signed ICHIBOKU TO (carved by Ichiboku) on the bottom - the artist is listed in NETSUKE by Neil Davey (p. 470, number 748). Length 1 5/8 inches.

Late 19th century boxwood netsuke of Daikoku standing on 3 rice bales, a mallet in one hand, a bag slung over his shoulder. Daikoku is one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, that of Wealth, rice bales being the representation of it. Nice piece, wonderful smiling face, good detailing, pleasant patina. The part of the bag protruding from his left hand is reattached. Height 1 9/16 inches.

19th century buffalo horn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in a shape of a ginkgo leaf with stem. Elegant design in Japanese taste, clever use of light and dark colored horn, nice patina. Length 11/16 inches.

19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in a shape of a decaying skull. Wonderful carving, beautiful patina on the surface, in excellent condition. Length 5/8 inches.

19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved as a head of an octopus with thoroughly useless scarf tied around its forehead (usually those scarves are used by workmen to keep the sweat out of their eyes). Great humorous design, wonderful face, natural imperfections in staghorn, compressed dust on the surface, in great condition, signed HAKUSHO on the back. Height 11/16 inches. Wooden stand used for photography is not included.

19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in a shape of a man’s face, his mouth open in an incredibly wide yawn. Good design, nice patina on the surface, natural imperfections in staghorn, in excellent condition. Height 11/16 inches. Wooden stand used for photography is not included.

19th century ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in drum shape body made out of dark hardwood and staghorn, and a functioning compass on top. Very pleasant patina, in excellent condition. Diameter 5/8 inches. Wooden stand used for photography is not included.