19th century wooden netsuke representing a theatrical mask of a shojo. Shojo are mythical creatures living near the sea, and are particularly fond of sake. Wonderful smiling face with benevolent expression of slight inebriation, finely carved, beautiful patina. Signed SUKETOSHI on the back bar - for information on the artist see NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, p. 1051. Height 1 3/4 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 of Benkei as yamabushi (a wandering priest) emerging out of a huge horagai (a war trumpet made out of a shell) and blowing into a smaller one, and holding a shakujo (Buddhist priest rattle) in his hand. The tokin (scull cap) on his head is the sign of the yamabushi, and horagai - (a trumpet shell - Charonia Tritonis) were often fitted with a mouthpiece on the thin end, and used as war trumpets...

Whimsical antique Japanese netsuke of two octopi in embrace, carved in beautiful cherry amber with lots of little details. The Japanese would wear small stacked containers called inro from their belts or sash. Inro boxes were held together by a long cord running down its sides that looped at the top, held together by a netsuke bead and an ojime bead. The cord would run through the two holes featured on this netsuke. 19th century Size: 1.5" tall x 1.5" wide

19th century white bronze ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) of compressed ball shape with cast and pierced geometric and scrolling designs. Nice crisp work, full liner to the central hole, pleasant feel of age, beautiful patina. Diameter 3/4 inches.

Length: 4.5 cm (1.7 in)
Height: 3.6 cm (1.5 in)
Depth: 3 cm (1.2 in)

Japanese carved netsuke of a mare and foal; nicely carved overall; signed Gyokuzan; good condition

18th to early 19th century wooden netsuke of two standing Chinese scholars with a huge ball between them. Wood is lacquered in Negoro style - red lacquer over black, so as it wears the black and then wood starts showing, thus adding yet another color to the piece. Some remnants of gold lacquer in recessed areas as well. Very smart use of lacquering technique, beautiful wear to the surface, really nice feel of age to the piece. Height 1 1/2 inches.

19th century boxwood netsuke of seated Gama sennin (Chinese sage) with his usual companion - three-legged magic frog - climbing onto his head. Beautiful carving with wonderful expressive face and beautiful flow of the robe with nice cloud patterns, differently sized himotoshi, very well carved leaf cape and skirt. Wonderful wear, excellent patina. Height 1 5/8 inches.

19th century netsuke in button form carved out of the coronet part of a deer antler. Strong early piece, nicely chunky, beautiful staining, warm patina, natural blemishes as is usual with staghorn, which make it so attractive. Wonderful tactile object. Average diameter 2.15 inches.

19th century netsuke carved as a theatrical mask of a SHOJO - mythical creatures living near the sea who are particularly fond of sake. Wonderful quality carving on ichii (Japanese yew wood) with clever use of wood texture to add to the charm of the piece, that being typical for the Hida school of netsuke carvers. Very nice tranquil face, beautiful staining and patina, old losses by its left eyebrow and on the right upper side on the back as can be seen on photos...

19th century 2-toned ichii (yew wood) netsuke of a seated chubby puppy. Netsuke is skillfully carved in characteristic Hida school ittobori (one cut) style with clever use of wood color and structure to add to the charm of the piece. Wonderful face with surprised expression, eyes are inlaid with black horn, wonderful mellow patina. Signed SUKENORI on the bottom - for information on the artist see NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, p. 1048...

1800's, finely hand-carved Japanese mix-materials netsuke depicting an Entertainer or Dancer, who is standing on one leg, in the middle of a theatrical performance. He is wearing an Usobuki mask and a dancer's robe. Excellent detail and patination; he grimaces as he attempts to lift the large stone. Signed Hozan on his Obi, near the ribbon that ties it on his back. Netsuke measures 1.04 inches (2.6cm) wide, and 1.56 inches (4.0cm) tall...

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.

Height: 5.3 cm (2.1 in)
Width: 2.4 cm (0.9 in)
Depth: 2.1 cm (0.7 in)

Quality Japanese wooden netsuke of a standing Sennin holding a peach; lovely patina; wear to left ear; good condition

19th century wooden netsuke of a turtle with its head and limbs hidden inside the carapace. Elegant strong carving, wonderful rhythm to the sections of the carapace, beautiful depiction of the creature. Central plastron on the back is removable and has a hole at the lower tip that serves as himotoshi. Wonderful patina, very pleasant to handle. Length 1.6 inches.

19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in a shape of a gourd with leaf. Good design, green staining, natural imperfections in staghorn, overall in very good condition. Height 11/16 inches.

Early to mid- 19th century netsuke representing nio (one of the Buddhist Guardian Kings) sitting on a huge old straw sandal and mending it with a rope. Excellent carving, beautifully stained, wonderful wear and patina. Signed TOMOCHIKA in oval reserve on the bottom - the artist is Tomochika the First as discussed on p. 1148 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Height 1.2 inches.

19th century wooden netsuke representing a theater mask of a man with round bulging eyes and rather insane grin. Probably the mask is that of Kentoku. Crisp detailing, wonderfully captured madness. Height 1 3/4 inches.