Good size 18th century netsuke of a standing sennin (Chinese sage) in a long robe and a leaf cape, carrying on his shoulder a Chinese boy who plays a short trumpet. The netsuke is probably a joke on the subject of bokudo, which is typically depicted as a boy seated on the back of a buffalo and playing a flute - a theme of a perfect peace of mind, and one of the stages of a journey towards Buddhahood....

Netsuke - Nice model of the Shichifukujin Takarabune (The famous boat loaded with treasures of the 7 gods of happiness) in carved boxwood. Nice carving details of the whole composition. The 7 deities are all identifiable, the boat itself is ornate, the waves and a small Minogame turtle sculpted on the base. The cartridge signature has disappeared over time. Very nice natural patina. Height: 3.5cm. Japan Edo (1603-1868) 19th century.

Netsuke - A finely carved ivory netsuke of a cluster of various shells, some of them with an inner life reminiscent of the famous clam’s dream story. The himotoshi underneath is formed by one of the trumpet shells. Beautiful and glossy patina. LENGTH 4.4 cm. beautiful patina. Provenance: German private collection.

18th century netsuke of a wild boar sleeping on a bed of leaves. Classic early piece, excellent carving of the body bulk resting on a heap of elongated leaves with a maple leaf in front of it, old age lines. Very pleasant wear to the surface from more than 200 years of handling, beautiful yellow patina (especially on the bottom from wear against the silk of kimono), of characteristic 18th century triangular section...

Height: 8.6 cm (3.6 in)
Width: 2.8 cm (1.1 in)

Old wooden netsuke of a Sennin with a toad on his shoulder; excellent patina with deep himatoshi; good condition

18th century good size netsuke of a grazing horse with its head lowered to the left and its tail swishing around at the back. The eyes are inlaid with black horn, differently sized and deep himotoshi in accordance with the habit of the time. Great face, wonderful depiction of its mane, stands on its own on a flat surface. Beautiful sheen from wear, honey colored patina on the back. Netsuke of characteristic 18th century triangular section, old age line along the spine of the creature...

18th century netsuke of an emaciated Gama sennin wearing old monk’s robe with his ribs visible sitting on rockery as his constant companion - a toad - affectionately puts its paws on the man’s knees. Somehow netsuke manages to convey the relationship between two characters...

NETSUKE – Old man and his dog. Good and rare model of an old man, figure of chinese sage, standing and leaning to the right,, his hand on his beard and smiling wearing a beautiful large patterned robe. A dog is sitting at his feet. In the Behrens catalogue by Henri Joly, a similar exemple is represented as Wei Peh-Yang, from the Han dynasty. Also the same subject in the old collection Carlo Monzino. Beautiful patina, finely carved. Japan Edo (1603-1868) 18th century. CIC n°FR2207514904-K

18th century netsuke of a cat resting on a large abalone shell. It is uncommon to see cats in netsuke. Finely carved, great expression on its face, beautiful flow to the bumps on abalone, superb wear to the surface, warm yellow patina (darker on the bottom where netsuke was touching the silk of kimono). Differently sized himotoshi typical for 18th century netsuke, with larger one being able to accommodate a knot. Old age lines, overall in great condition. Excellent early piece...

18th century netsuke of sennin (Chinese sage) standing with one foot raised, clad in tiger skin skirt and holding in his hands tassels that support a large woven straw hat on his back. Strong early piece with superb smiling face, beautiful flow to the lines of his skirt. Wonderful wear to the surface from more than 200 years of handling, beautiful yellow patina turning light honey color on the back from wear against the silk of kimono, old age lines...

Length: 3.3 cm (1.4 in)
Height: 2.5 cm (1 in)
Depth: 2 cm (0.8 in)

Quality netsuke of a puppy chewing on an octopus tentacle; natural material; stained fur a little faded over time; some age lines; late 18th century; signed in an oval cartouche

18th century boxwood netsuke of minogame (turtle with dragon head and bushy tail, usually associated with longevity) sitting on water lily leaf. Strong early carving, great detailing of the turtle, its carapace, tail and head. Length 2.1 inches.

18th century decent size wooden netsuke of standing sennin (Chinese sage) wearing a robe and a leaf cape robe and stroking his long beard. Very strong early carving, wonderfully captured facial expression, beautiful flowing lines of the robe, superb sense of volume. Does not stand of flat surface, large differently sized himotoshi in accordance with the habit of the time, superb patina. Excellent netsuke. Height 3.55 inches (90 mm).

18th Century Japanese Wood Tall Netsuke: Gama Sennin

18th Century, excellently hand-carved Boxwood Netsuke depicting a standing Gama, wearing the typical mugwort cape with wide sleeves, and a rope tied at his waist, holding a staff with his right hand, and carrying a three-legged toad (that possesses magical powers) on top of his left shoulder. Very interesting himotoshi that starts in the back of the Sennin and exits on the left side of his body (see photo #8)...

18th century netsuke of seated Jurojin (one of the 7 Gods of Good Fortune, usually associated with longevity) leaning on one hand. Wonderful early carving of characteristic triangular section, smiling benevolent face, great fat earrings, beautifully etched textile patterns, some black and red highlights. Expert light staining, superb patina. Height 1 1/8 inches.

A good and well-detailed stag horn model of a pierced and hollowed-out Ryusa Manju applied with solid a gold copper shishi on a background with a geometric shippo pattern. Single round himotoshi of an hanabashi-motif on the reverse. Asakusa carver.

A small bag made of deer skin with shibori (tie-dye) pattern. The brown color is dyed with the technique called "fusube-gawa". The deer skin is smoked with burning rice straws and gets brown color. Fusube-gawa is used for armors or wallets in Edo period. It has silk cords and lining. In excellent condition. Late 19th to early 20th century. 15cm x 18cm

This early 20th century carved ivory netsuke is 1 1/2" high, 1 7/8" wide and 1 1/4" thick. It depicts a sage sitting in front a desk looking at a scroll picture. Two bird faced servants stand next to the table looking at the picture as well. It is signed “Gyokubun” and is in excellent condition.