Length: 6cm (2.3 in)
Height: 2.3 cm (0.8 in)
Depth: 1.5 cm (0.6 in)

Japanese netsuke of a dry salmon head; carved from some form of horn; remnants of colour in the eyes; interesting himatoshi location; 19th century; condition

Delicately crafted carved wood netsuke figure, late19th century, Meiji period; of a antique lacquered melon-form nut or seed. Size: Height of this fine carving is 2 inches. Condition Report: Good condition with no imperfection, de-accessioned from Los Angeles County Museum in the 60's

Late 19th century wooden netsuke of Daruma (the founder of Zen Buddhism) enveloped in his monastic robe. The subject represents Daruma coming back from deep trance in which he sat meditating without moving for 9 years. Skillfully carved out of chosen matsu (Korean pine wood), the face is done in ittobori (one cut) style characteristic of Hida school of netsuke carvers with clever use of wood grain as element of design...

19th century wooden netsuke of a millstone dresser working on a millstone. Excellent carving with wonderful lifelike pensive face, beautiful wear and patina. Signed KISUI on the bottom - for information on the artist see NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, p. 624. Height 1 7/16 inches.

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...

Early 19th century staghorn netsuke of a a group of seashells, including a clam, an abalone and a turrid. Good design utilizing natural properties of the material, nicely carved, superb wear and patina from 200 years of use. Length 1.59 inches.

This early 20th century ivory mask is 1 ¾ inches long and 1 ¼ inches wide. It is signed ¡°Ichimoto¡± and is in good condition.

19th century netsuke of a dog seated on a base, one of its front paws raised, and the bottom of the base carved as a stylized seal with 4 characters. Superbly carved, excellent depiction of its face, limbs and bumpy spine, perfectly executed keyfret design around the base, beautiful staining typical for the artist, wonderful wear and patina...

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.

Humorous blue and white porcelain netsuke depicting a recumbent Chinese boy with movable biscuit porcelain tongue. The base unglazed and with two himotoshi. Condition: fine, only two short firing cracks. Dimension: 7.7 cm x 3.5 cm wide.

Early 19th century decent size staghorn netsuke of a man wearing a robe decorated with design of numerous scarecrows and gently inclining his head towards his son that he carries on his back. Perfectly captured moment, excellent strong early carving, superb facial expression, wonderful depiction of scarecrows on his robe...

19th Century, nicely hand-carved Ebony Netsuke depicting Ama, the Diving and Fisher Girl, standing with a basket on her back, accepting the advances of the amorous Octopus that is enveloping her legs with its tentacles and placing one of them in her private parts. The netsuke is unsigned. It measures 0.75 inches (1.9cm) wide, and 2.68 inches (6.8cm) tall. It is in excellent conditon, as may be seen in the posted photos.

18th century netsuke of a dog with its front paws on a large ball, all on a flat base. Strong early piece, wonderful face, beautiful wear and patina, a lot of compressed dust in crevices, of characteristic 18th century triangular section, old age lines. Height 1 7/16 inches.

19th century boxwood netsuke of a standing blind masseur leaning on his staff and with both of his feet on one geta (clog sandal) while he is pulling out a large rock lodged in the base of his other geta. Rather unusual subject, the character easily recognizable by a habitual bump on his head and oversized blind eye inlaid with horn. Perfectly captured mood of the scene, great detailing of his face and clothing, rich warm patina with beautiful staining, in excellent condition...

Late 18th to early 19th century staghorn netsuke of a rat lounging on a large abalone shell, and a small snail shell that attached itself to the larger one. Clever design utilizing natural texture of the material, nicely carved, eyes are inlaid with black horn, beautiful wear and patina from 200 years of handling. Length 2 1/8 inches.

This is a finely carved Mid 19th Century Japanese Netsuke depicting two seated Karakos who are back to back to each other; one playing the Flute, and the other wearing a Shishimai mask. Wonderful rich patina. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 1.23 inches (3.1cm) and 1.25 inches (3.2cm). Netsuke is in excellent condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

Height: 2.7 cm (1.1.in)
Length: 3.6 cm (1.4 in)
Depth: 1.4 cm (0.9 in)

Japanese porcelain netsuke of Hotei by Hirado with the stamp signature of Masakazu; circa early 19th century; good condition

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...

Early 19th century boxwood netsuke of seated Thunder God Raiden, his drums that he uses to create thunder behind his back. Wonderful face with a touch of madness, excellent detailing, beautiful patina. There is an old restoration to a section of his scarf under the left arm - see left photo on Enlargement 5. Height 1.5 inches.

19th century wooden netsuke of a theatrical mask of O-Beshimi skillfully carved in characteristic ittobori (one cut) style typical for the Hida school. Pupils are inlaid in brass, golden paing highlights, excellent rendition of facial expression, wonderful mellow patina. Signed RYOSEI (alternative reading is Ryusho) on the back. Height 2 inches.

19th century wooden netsuke of standing Saigyo Hoshi with his attributes of a large hat and a staff as he looks upward toward the summit of Mount Fuji. Saigyo Hoshi was a member of the Fujiwara clan, a poet and a priest, as well as a military advisor to the Shogun Yoritomo. Netsuke is beautifully carved out of kurogaki (black persimmon wood) with excellent face and wonderful flow to the lines of the robe. Wear consistent with age, beautiful characteristic sheen to the surface it the wood...

Ryusa Manju type ivory netsuke with openwork decoration and in the center a shishi, a Japanese mythological creature representing a lion or a lion dog, looking backwards. The frame around the Shishi features an accurate karakusa 唐草 decoration, a motif of stylized branches and leaves of Chinese origin. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 4.5 x 4.5 x 1.5cm. State of conservation: Very good

This Meiji period Japanese netsuke is hand carved and represents a mask of Okame aka Ko-omote the young girl of the Noh theater. Material appears to be ivory.

18th century netsuke of a standing Dutchman wearing a wig, supporting a Chinese boy on his back with his left hand and holding a tasseled trumpet in his right, a shallow ruff at his neck. Superb quality carving - see the smiling face of the Dutchman with jutting chin and small mouth, his upper teeth showing, wonderful rhythm to the curls of the wig. Well balanced - stands on its own on flat surface...

Ivory netsuke depicting a monk intent on decisively cutting an Oni horn using a large knife. The act itself suggests a struggle between good and evil. Shōkusai signature with engraving under the base. Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 4.5 x 2.9 x 1.9 cm. Conservation status: Excellent condition

Height: 4.4 cm (1.8 in)
Width: 4.4 cm (1.8 in)
Depth: 2.9 cm (1.2 in)

Japanese carved netsuke of two near-blind peasants, one with a head tumour; guiding their way with a lantern, they struggle, each grasping the ties of a sandal; natural material; age cracks; signed Jugyoku

Late Meiji - early Taisho (1900-1920) wooden Japanese okimono of an actor wearing a voluminous robe and holding a scroll on one hand. Skillfully carved out of chosen matsu (Korean pine wood) in ittobori (one cut) style characteristic of Hida school of netsuke carvers with clever use of wood grain as element of design - in this case almost forming deliberate patterns on the robe. Wonderfully captured facial expression, very nice patina...

19th century finely hand-carved Japanese boxwood netsuke depicting Three Monkeys that are squatting on top of Daikoku's Hammer. Very fine detail and harmonius form characterizes this superb miniature carving. Signed Koryu on an irregular red tablet inlaid of the barrel-like mallet. It measures 1.15 inches (2.9cm) wide, 1.94 inches (4.9cm) long, and 1.20 inches (3.1cm) tall...

A container for gun powder used by samurai. It is in shape of hyotan, but made of wood and painted with urushi. The netsuke in the shape of mokugyo (temple block) with delicate carving. 19th century. In good condition. H:14cm Diameter:8cm

An ivory netsuke depicting a mouse with horned eyes and head turned backwards, crouching on an overturned candle while the wax flows. Origin: Japan Period: Edo late 18th century Dimensions: 3.4 x 5 x 2 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Height: 3.6 cm (1.6 in)
Width: 3.1 cm ( 1.3 in)
Depth: 2.9 cm (1.1 in)

Fine Japanese wooden netsuke of a crouched boy holding a ripe persimmon; signed to the base; good condition

19th century smallish (probably made for a child) mask netsuke of Okame. Wonderful chubby face with a wide smile, black ink highlights, very nice wear and patina. Signed on the back - the signature appears to read ROSUI. Height 1.19 inches.

Two(2) Japanese Bronze Fukurokuju, Ca. 1900 Meiji, one of the Seven Lucky God, representing "Longevity" and "Wisdom", 3/4" high, 5/8" wide, typical details of holding precious object with both hands in front with very long head, the condition is good.

18th century netsuke of a standing Mongolian archer, a bow in his hands and a quiver with arrows behind his back. Very strong early sculpture, boldly carved, wonderful smiling face, excellent depiction of his military coat. Perfectly balanced - stands on its own on flat surface, netsuke of typical 18th century triangular section. Extraordinary rich patina, deep differently sized himotoshi. Superb netsuke. Height 3 3/4 inches (95 mm).

19th century Japanese silver and Satsuma obidome (sash ornament) with various blooming flowers with stems and leaves. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Excellent quality painting, numerous color and gold enamels, in excellent condition, metal fitting on the back for an obi cord. Back is stamped with a single character GIN (silver). Diameter 1.48 inches.

This early 20th century carved coral netsuke of an Oni (devil) mask is 1 ½” long, 1” wide and ½” thick. It depicts a very nicely carved and impressive Daikijin. One horn has been repaired. Aside from that, it is in great condition.

Height: 5.6 cm (2.2 in)
Width: 5 cm (2 in)

Japanese antler netsuke of Hotei resting on a barrel with rats, one rat is mobile; circa 1900

This is an Early 19th century excellently hand-carved Netsuke depicting a standing Scholar who is holding a scepter on his right hand. By his side, there is a Karako who is looking up to the scholar and holding a Jar. Intricate detail and rich patina. Signed Genyosai (Minkoku) on an oval reserve on the scholar's back. Netsuke measures 0,76 inches (2.0cm) wide, and 1.90 inches (4.8cm) tall.

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.

A Japanese large and unusual boxwood netsuke depicting a child playing the drum with his hands, held still with his feet. He wears a Shishi mask with articulated jaw that opens and shows the child’s face. It was worn during the famous shishimai festival 獅子舞 (lion dance), a sacred animal in Japanese mythology. It symbolizes courage and strength; also called Karashishi, it is a lucky symbol and auspicious wealth. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 4,3 x 3,8 ...

Ivory netsuke of a craftsman making a bucket.

Signature below, the first unidentified character : ?光.

Japan – Late Edo period (1603-1868) ou Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th century – ?光
Width: 1.2 in (3.8 cm) – depth: 1.2 in (3.7 cm) – height: 1.2 in (3.8 cm)

This a Kioto School Netsuke, carved in Late 18th century, that depicts a seated and laughing Hotei. His robe falling open to reveal a large belly. The robe with incised leave branches. Hotei's hand and feet unsually large. Large, faithful time-period chimney himotoshi. Wonderful two-tone patina. Netsuke measures 1.55 inches (3.9cm) wide, and 1.45 inches (3.7cm) tall. It has some age hairlines, common to netsuke this old, but, it is solid, and otherwise, in excellent condition.

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.

Height: 7.3 cm (2.9 in)
Width: 4.4 cm (1.7 in)

18th century Japanese netsuke of a grazing horse; natural material; fine old patina; good condition

19th century netsuke of a Manchurian crane in flight. Wonderfully caught image, compact design, superb rendition of his leathery legs, excellent head with double inlaid horn eyes. Excellent depiction of its feathers, beautiful patina. Signed MASATOSHI on the bottom - for discussion of Isshinsai Masatoshi see NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, p. 735. Length 1 3/4 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.

Century Japanese Ebony Wood Netsuke: Tanuki Badger, Signed Minko with Kakikan

19th Century, finely hand-carved boxwood netsuke depicting a seated Tanuki, or Japanese Badger (raccoon dog) raising his right paw in order to beat his belly, or distended scrotum as it if were a drum. Pupils made in bronze and inlaid with black horn...

Edo Period, finely hand-carved boxwood netsuke depicting a Wolf, or Mountain Dog, Yamainu, with his paw raised and placed on top of a Minogame (Turtle). Excellent detail and ferocious expression have been carved on this popular netsuke subject by Tomomasa. Double inlaid eyes. Wonderfully preserved for more than 150 years. Rich patina. It measures 0.92 inches (2.3cm) wide, 1.64 inches (4.2cm) long, and 1.41 inhes (3.6cm) tall. It is in excellent preserved condition, as may be seen in ...

Mid- 19th century netsuke depicting Kokusempu Riki (Li Kui in Chinese) - one of the Suikoden heroes - holding a huge axe. Loosely based on historical events, the Chinese book called Shui-Hu-Chuan (Suikoden in Japanese, The Water Margin in English) it tells the story of a group of 108 rebels living at the edge of Liangshan Marsh who helped to protect the poor and oppressed. Kokusempu Riki (Li Kui in Chinese) was a priest, who was expelled from the Hakuryojin Temple. Excellent carving, wonderful f...

Boxwood netsuke depicting a Karashishi with his mouth wide open, accompanied by a perforated ball, protected with his front paws, a symbol indicating a male shishi, representative of the Yang principle and male energy. Signed Minkoku. Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 3.3 x 3.5 x 2.7 cm. Conservation status: Excellent condition

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

Fine example of the work of 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

Early 19th century bronze netsuke in a form of a temple bell of Miidera. For the legend of Benkei carrying the bell of Miidera see H. Joly LEGEND IN JAPANESE ART, p. 82. Pleasant piece in Japanese taste with nice casting, beautiful wear and patina. Very good piece for collection of various netsuke materials or for scholar’s desk. Height 1 1/8 inches.

1800's, excellently hand-carved Japanese mix-materials netsuke depicting Okame performing the Japanese custom of Mamemaki (bean scattering) during Setsubun (the day before the beginning of Spring) to cleanse away all the evil (demons) of the former year, and drive away disease-bringing evil spirits for the year to come. In the scene depicted by the netsuke, Okame is covering her face while grinning when she sees the Oni's (demons) trying to hide from the beans that she is throwing and that are ...

A Japanese boxwood netsuke depicting the poet Ono No Komachi. Excellent fineness of the details of the carving to simulate the grain of the wood on her trunk where she is sitting leaning on her cane with her long hair partially covered by her hat, next to a bamboo container. Signature engraved within Keisai reserve. Meiji period 19th century Sizes: 2,9 x 4 x 2,2 cm. Condition report: Good condition

18th century netsuke of a dog sitting on a tied bag. Strong early piece with nice patina, of characteristic 18th century triangular section, differently sized himotoshi consistent with age, wear to its muzzle, old age lines. Height 1 7/8 inches.

19th century netsuke of carved as a group of eels, elongated nuts and chestnuts, three of which contain deeply carved village scenes. Excellent carving with deep undercutting, eyes inlaid with brown horn, wonderful mellow patina. Signed GYOKUHO on the back of the eel that forms natural himotoshi - the artist is very well known for that kind of work and is discussed on p. 424 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Length 1 9/16 inches.

Antique Japanese boxwood netsuke carving of a deer, laying very flat to the ground with his antlers tucked against his back.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Size: 2.25" L x 1.25" W x .5" H

A scarce and nicely formed bronze netsuke. The sculptural group depicts festival musicians playing a Taiko drum and Shinobue flute - the drum player with mask pulled back. Nicely detailed, down to the fingers and expressions of the musicians. The himotoshi is formed by the extended arm of one figure supporting the figure atop the Taiko. Edo period, 19th century. Good condition with rich, natural patina. Height, 1 5/8 inches

19th century Japanese Asakusa school staghorn kiseruzutsu - tobacco pipe case - of elegant simple shape with medium relief carving of a jar containg an ikebana arrangement with lotus leaf and 2 different flowers, channel for hanging carved under the upper flower. Excellent carving and etching, beautiful wear and patina, clever use of outer texture of the antler as element of design, in great condition. Length 8 inches.

18th century wooden netsuke of sumitori - a woven basket holding charcoal during tea ceremony - containing sumi (charcoal), and with haboki (feather brush for ashes) and hibashi (fire tongues) on top. The wood is kurogaki (black persimmon). Excellent strong early carving elegant in its simplicity, clever design in Japanese taste, beautiful patina. Signed SANSHA on the bottom - this rare artist is listed on page 913 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. T...