This is a excellently carved Japanese Netsuke depicting a group of 10 rats gathered on top of turtle. Outstanding symmetry and detailed piece; very life-like. Signed on an oval reserve, Akihisa, a carver that worked in the 19th century in Japan. Netsuke measures 1.65 inches (4.2cm) wide, and 0.96 inches (2.4cm) tall.

Antique Japanese chop case made of boxwood and carved with a beautiful lady. The Inside of the box is still coated with powdered orange-red seal ink, at the base of the box is a semi circular bead made of amber, the top of the box is closed with a bead of bone and a smaller one of coral, the toggle is the shell of a cone snail, the sea creature hunts with a venomous barb. Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Size of the box: 3" High

This is an Early 19th century Netsuke depicting a Shishi trying to climb over a huge smooth ball, with a fierce look, and menacing teeth. The mane of long and pointed hair strands, the bushy tail held straight up, and engraved sunbursts suggesting hair tufts. Variably patinated, in some areas darker than others. Silky smooth to the touch...

This is a finely carved Japanese netsuke depicting Fukurokuju, one of the Seven Gods of Fortune, the God of Wealth and Longevity, holding a turtle on his left hand and a staff on his right hand. A turtle, in Japanese culture, symbolizes longevity and happiness. Behind Fukurokuju there is a Karako holding a Buddhist Cintamani or wish-fulfilling Jewel. Signed Masatoshi on the bottom of the netsuke...

This is a 19th Century finely carved Japanese Netsuke depicting a Rat curiously standing upon a pair of fish, and ferns that are attached to a branch. Beautiful form and meticulous detail. Excellent hairwork on the mouse, and intricacies of the fern. Stained for effect. Very creative use of the objects to outline the large uneven himotoshi. Signed on a leaf, right next to the cord holes. Netsuke measures 1.85 inches (4.7cm) wide, and 1.05 inches (2.6cm) tall...

This is finely carved Japanese netsuke depicting a Herb Boy standing right next to his OX. Both figures rest upon a platform where the himotoshi is found. Very nice form and mellow patina. Signed Meizan. Netsuke measures 11.28 inches (3.3cm), and 1.08 inches (2.8cm) tall. Note: A reference to the carver Meizan and his signature may be found on page 754 of George Lazarnick's 'Netsuke and Inro Artists and How to Read their Signatures.

This is a superbly carved 19th Century Japanese Netsuke, depicting a seated Young Gama Sennin, wearing mugwort leave clothes, happily playing with a large toad that he is holding with a rope. He has by his side a rice straw basket filled with mugwort leaves. Wonderful expression, excellent form and detail, all throughout. Signed Gyokuyosai, the teacher of Osaki Kokusai. The holding of animals with a rope by young boys is a particular characteristic of Gyokuyosai carvings...

This is an Early 19th Century, excellently hand-carved Japanese Netsuke depicting Tengu, the legendary winged creature that has both human and bird-like characteristics. He appears in its typical form emerging from an egg with its wings spread over it. Very creative used of the natural material colors in the design of the clouds. Very rich patina. Signed Toyomasa in the format he used when he used the go Shonshoan...

This is an Early 19th Century, beautifully carved Group of Gourds. Outstanding form, polish and patina. Silk-smooth tactile qualities. Natural himotoshi. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 1.40 inches ((3.6cm) in diameter.

This is a Late 18th Century, most likely Osaka School, excellently carved netsuke of a resting stag, head turned back, eyes inlaid in black horn, with a dapple cloth, and good hair work. Unsigned. It measures 2.05 inches (5.2cm) wide, and 0.83 inches (2.1cm) tall.

This is Late 19th Century, wondefully carved Four-case Lacquered Inro carved to a cinnabar background depicting figural scenes on both sides. It comes with a beautiful lacquered Manju Netsuke that show in a rainbow fashion its various layers of red and green lacquer...

This is a 19th Century, Dear Horn Antler Netsuke in the form of a Seated Monkey that is holding its young on its lap with both hands in a protective manner, with a tender look on its face. Impressive chimney himotoshi, common of Edo period netsuke, that starts in the back of the monkey and continues to a large opening on the bottom of it. Wonderful. rich patina. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 1.02 inches (2.5cm) in diameter, and 1.47 inches (3.7cm) tall...

Exceptional 19th century Japanese Tobacco Box (Tabako-Bon) in rectangular form made with wood and brass (burner inserts), and completed in black and gold lacquer. It is decorated with undulating leave vines and flowers. It has rounded square wooden Karakusa charcoal burners with brass inserts (with remaining tobacco ashes) that are also elegantly decorated with gold vines and flowers. A rectangular wooden handle is attached to the middle of the box...

19th Century, excellently hand-carved in rare Kurogaki (Black Persimmon) Wood Netsuke depicting a realistic chunk of Driftwood that shows well rendered areas of partially turned bark and a large opening in the middle that may have been dug up by the elements. This piece is attributed to the Iwami School, because it presents all the characteristics of netsuke made by carvers of the region in Japan (See partial illustration - photo #6 - of the book 'Iwami Netsuke from the R...

Finely carved Japanese, 19th century, netsuke depicting Daikoku, one of the seven Gods of Fortune, the god of wealth, shown as an entertainer, playing the flute, while a karako appears right beside him while performing an acrobatic act. Signed Tomochika. Excellent details, form and expressions on this piece, with a wonderful patina. Netsuke measures 0.98 inches (2.5cm) wide, 0.70 inches (1.8cm) deep, and 1.55 inches (3.9cm) tall. It is in excellent condition, as shown in the posted photos.

This is a Meiji Period nicely carved netsuke depicting a Seated Hotei, one of the Seven Gods of Fortune, the God of Contentment and Happiness, holding a fan on his right hand, and a gourd on his left hand. Very nice rounded functional form with a mellow patina. Signed Gyokuzan. Netsuke measures 1.82 inches (4.6cm) wide, 1.28 inches (3.2cm) deep, and 1.17 inches (3.0cm) tall. Netsuke is in excellent condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

This is an unusually large 19th Century, Finely Hand-Carved Wood Tonkotsu decorated with excellently finished high relief carvings of a Daruma Doll, a Toy Riding Horse, a Japanese Tai Fish laying on top of a rectangular base, a Sea Turtle and a Chrysanthemum flower, amid a detailed background of cross-lined squares. A wooden Manju with a Chrysanthemum motif, decorated with exquisite Ukibori carving, is attached, as well as a metal and natural seed beads. The Tonkotsu has a cylindrical shaped w...

This is a finely hand carved, Mid-19th Century, Mixed Materials Netsuke depicting an Entertainer who is kneeling while in the middle of a theatrical performance. He is wearing an Okame mask with red-painted lips. He is also sporting a pouch that is being held around his waist by a manju netsuke. Excellent details on both the actors expression's and clothing. Wonderful, rich patina. Signed Issen on the bottom of the piece. This excellent miniature sculpture measures 0.88 inches (2.3c...