19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of an oni. 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 1.11 inches.

19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in a shape of standing Okame wearing a long robe and sporting a compass in the front. Possibly had a face in the opening above the compass, but I am not entirely sure. Nicely made, good patina, compass is functional. Height 0.7 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask, possibly that of Chu-Beshimi. 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 1.09 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of a bat with large ears and characteristic snout. 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 1.1 inches.

Mid-19th century wooden netsuke of a rat catcher trying to trap a rat on top of goban (Go board) with a box, but his charge escaping and climbing on the clothes of the man. Superb carving with great face, excellent rendition of his muscles. Beautiful patina, fantastic sheen to the surface, obvious wear. Signed MASAKATA on the bottom - the artist is listed on p. 706 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Strong piece, wonderful feel of age...

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 wooden netsuke carved as seated Tanuki (badger) with its mouth wide open, beating with his paws on his extended belly as on a drum. In Japanese folklore tanuki is a notorious trickster: he drums with his paws on his large belly (tanuki no hara tsuzumi), imitating the sounding of gongs in temples and inns, and leading tired travelers astray in the darkness...

Japanese ivory netsuke depicting the Buddha's Hand or Fingered cedar among the leaves, a scented ornamental citrus fruit, a very important symbol in Buddhism, in the shape of a hand, originating from China and Japan where it is grown for religious purposes. The surface of the netsuke precisely reproduces the natural texture of the fruit, which is not smooth but characterized by roughness and pores. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 5.2×2.3×2.5 cm. Stat...

Late 18th to early 19th century glass ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in ball shape with blue body and decoration of blue in white elongated reserves. Beautifully made, wonderful feel of age, very pleasant patina. Diameter 0.8 Inches.

Height: 4 cm (1.6 in)
Width: 5.8 cm (2.3 in)
Depth: 3.6 cm (1.4 in)

Excellent Japanese carved netsuke of Daikokuten pouring Fukurokuju sake; fine carving throughout showing superb detailing; natural material; a piece by the hard-to-find artist, Masayuki; good condition

Height: 3.4 cm (1.4 in)
Width: 3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Depth: 1.9 cm (0.8 in)

Quality Japanese carved netsuke of a dog resting on a bag; natural material; excellent patina; well- placed himatoshi; good condition

Late Meiji to early Taisho (1910s) Japanese boxwood okimono of a sleeping monk. The subject is a metaphor for a failure to reach enlightenment - instead of seeking and understanding the profound power of Buddha’s teaching the monk falls asleep. Nicely carved, wonderful tranquil face, pleasant patina. Signed YOSHIHISA on the bottom - for information on the artist see NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, p. 1232. Height 2 inches.

Late Meiji (1890s to 1910s) Japanese pink coral obidome (sash ornament) with carved decoration of a blooming rose. 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. Clever design, wonderful carving, very beautiful natural coral, nice finish and patina. Metal fixture with two loops on the back for an obi cord (marked 14K, but looks like nickel plated brass...

19th century marine material ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in ball shape carved in medium relief with a kneeling maid presenting a gift to a standing samurai armed with a sword, long bow and quiver with arrows, all under a pine tree and with a thatched roof hut and a woven fence on the background. The appearance of the samurai figure suggests that he's a Yabusame Archer...

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.

1920s chosen matsu (Korean pine wood) netsuke of a rooster. Perfectly captured essence of the creature, carved in characteristic Hida school style with clever use of wood colors and structure to add to the charm of the piece. Excellent sense of volume, eyes are inlaid with black horn, beautiful patina. Length 1.76 inches.

19th century bronze netsuke in a shape of a double gourd. Nicely made, very pleasant brown patina, swinging loop around its waist for hanging. Fixed brass stopper to its neck. Length 2.21 inches.

1920s good size chosen matsu (Korean pine wood) netsuke of himono (dried fish). Well captured essence of the object, carved in characteristic Hida school style with clever use of wood color and structure to add to the charm of the piece. Excellent sense of volume, beautiful patina. Length 4.9 inches.

19th century ichii (yew wood) netsuke of a resting wild boar, its head raised. Skillfully carved out of chosen matsu (Korean pine wood) in characteristic Hida school ittobori (one cut) style with clever use of wood texture to represent the creature’s fur and add to the charm of the piece. For similar examples see Bushell’s NETSUKE FAMILIAR AND UNFAMILIAR, p. 128. Excellent rendition of its alert posture, wonderful mellow patina. Length 1.96 inches.

Unusual late Meiji period (1890s -1912) wooden sashi netsuke in a form of a pillar, its top carved as a face of the Zen Patriarch Daruma wearing monk’s cape. Wonderful face with severe expression, carved out of chosen matsu (Korean pine wood) in ittobori (one cut) style characteristic of Hida school of netsuke carvers, eyes are inlaid with metal. Himotoshi (cord opening) goes through the bottom to the back of the netsuke. Beautiful patina, very pleasant to hold. Height 4.2 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.

Lacquered wood netsuke depicting the Kyōgen theater mask of a monkey (saru), very recurring in traditional Japanese theater. The mask is characterized by the typical physiognomy of the monkey, with large fixed eyes and an open mouth, of a lacquered red colour. The netsuke is signed Deme Saman 出目左滿. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 4 x 2.9 x 2.2cm. State of conservation: Very good

Ivory netsuke depicting a snail crawling on a bamboo shoot. The snail is carefully rendered highlighting its curvature of the shell. The underside is enhanced with spherical horn details and an excellent patina. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 7 x 3 x 3cm. State of conservation: Very good

Ivory manju netsuke depicting Chok'aro, a character from Japanese tradition, trying to catch a miniature horse that is running away from its gourd. This netsuke shows Chok'aro in a dynamic pose, his eyes intent on catching the fleeing horse...

A large size netsuke depicting Rakan made of boxwood depicted seated in a meditation position, with legs crossed and back straight. His hands firmly hold the hossu, a liturgical object, a symbol of his role as a monk. This netsuke is signed Ryukei 隆桂 on an ivory dowel, as is the tuft of hair. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 7 x 6 x 4cm. State of conservation: Very good

19th century netsuke of kagamituta (“mirror lid”) type with wooden bowl and buffalo horn top carved in sunken relief with a scene of running Thunder God Raiden beating his drum, thus creating thunder. Unusual kagamibuta material, wonderful design and detailing, dense dark wooden bowl with beautiful patina, brown silk cord. Some insect damage to the side of the top as can be seen on Enlargement 4, overall in great condition. Bowl diameter 1 3/4 inches, disc diameter 1 5/16 inches.

Late 18th to early 19th century boxwood netsuke of a shishi (Buddhist lion) seated with its front paw on a largehollow ball, its mouth open and upper teeth showing. Wonderful depiction of its ferocious face and curly mane and tail, beautiful wear to the surface, really nice feel of age to the piece. Height 1.32 inches.

Ivory manju netsuke depicting a giant cricket with long antennae next to an aubergine. Signed Mitsuo 光雄 under the base near the himotoshi holes. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 2cm. State of conservation: Very good

Rectangular rounded netsuke manju, made of ivory and depicting the mighty Shoki with horn eyes. Shoki is a Japanese mythological figure, also known as the demon hunter, who symbolizes protection from evil forces. Adding a touch of sophistication to the manju the sword, with which he fights demons, in mother of pearl and the details of Shoki's robes in tortoiseshell. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 3.7 x 4.5 x 1.5cm. State of conservation: Very good

Rare boxwood netsuke depicting two turtles. This netsuke beautifully captures the moment when the baby climbs onto the mother's shell, conveying a feeling of security and family bond. Signed Shunsui 春水 in an oval reserve under the base. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 2 x 3.5 x 3cm. State of conservation: Very good

Boxwood netsuke depicting a professional sneezer, imaginary character or Japanese folk hero known for his ability to induce sneezes, seated with a feather in his hand, the main implement of the professional sneezer. Signed Gyokkei 玉珪 on an ivory dowel. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 4 x 3.7 x 2.4cm. State of conservation: Very good

Boxwood netsuke depicting a woodcutter resting on a hollow and veined trunk with his ax resting at the end and the tobacco holder next to his hand. Excellent color and signature patina engraved on a rectangular piece. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 4.2 x 2.5 x 2 cm. State of conservation: Very good

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

Sought after high quality ivory netsuke depicting six ginkgo nuts with a beautiful ivory patina and luster. The six ginkgo nuts of this netsuke, famously strong and symbolic in Japanese culture, are strategically placed to form a natural hole in the center. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 5 x 3 x 2.5cm. State of conservation: Very good

Ivory netsuke depicting a quail crouching on millet, carved with attention to detail on its feathers and body. The eyes are in horn. This netsuke is signed under the base in an oval reserve and has a natural himotoshi. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 2.8 x 3.5 x 2.3cm. State of conservation: Very good

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

Stag horn netsuke depicting a Gama Sennin, a legendary figure of Japanese folklore, with a toad on his shoulder. Gama Sennin is represented in a pose with his left hand holding the hind leg of the toad, while the latter rests on his shoulders. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 5 x 2.3 x 2.2cm. State of conservation: Very good

A Japanese boxwood netsuke depicting Hotei 布袋, one of the Seven Gods of Good Luck, seated with his fan in his hands and a child embracing him. Hotei's face is plump, smiling, and conveys a sense of peace and tranquility. He is commonly referred to as the protector of children. Behind Hotei, there is a child, depicted with great sweetness, who embraces him. The carving lines are sharp and precise, creating an effect of three-dimensionality and depth...

Square-shaped ivory netsuke manju depicting various objects, among which some fans stand out. The sculpture depicts kitchen tools, work tools and everyday objects. This netsuke features a silver bronze hook in the center. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 1cm. State of conservation: Very good

Ivory netsuke in the form of a small school table with a book and hat resting on the desk. The netsuke is finely carved, showing great attention to detail. The sides of the table are decorated with engraved geometric patterns, adding a touch of sophistication. Himotoshi under the base, signed Hideshige 秀重. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 3.3 x 3 x 2cm. State of conservation: Very good

A Japanese large boxwood netsuke depicting a fascinating scene, represented with great detail, holding the bridle of his noble steed with his hands. Next to the sage, a child approaches, holding a scroll. The use of boxwood in the making of this netsuke with wise man on horseback gives a natural and warm touch to the work...

Rather unusual 19th century Asakusa school staghorn netsuke of a fly with spread wings on a folded leaf of a lotus plant with stem, root and 2 tiny bulbs by the bottom. For some reason flies are not common in netsuke. Superb design and excellent quality carving - see the elegant shape of the folded leaf with its veins and delicately incised wing patterns of the insect. Extraordinary warm patina, beautiful darker porous areas and patches of antler outer texture adding charm to the piece...

Late Meiji (1900s) good size netsuke of 3 mushrooms growing on a bamboo stump. Carved out of a section of bambooExcellent realistic carving, beautiful staining and patina. Wonderful sense of volume, very pleasant to hold. Height 3.42 inches.

Late Meiji (1900s) netsuke of a bamboo shoot. Excellent realistic carving capturing the essence of the object. Wonderful sense of volume, very pleasant to hold. Length 2.34 inches.

Late 19th century wooden netsuke of an awabi - an abalone shell with edible mollusk in it forming the bottom. Skillfully carved out of chosen matsu (Korean pine wood) inmodified ittobori (one cut) style characteristic of Hida school of netsuke carvers with clever use of wood grain as element of design. Wonderful piece in Japanese taste (both aesthetic and culinary), superb quality carving of hard shell and soft animal tissue, beautiful patina. Length 1.44 inches.

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 lovely model of boxwood group of chestnuts, one of which reveals the passage of a small worm, in carved bone. The natural chestnut color and wear to the wood provides a very naturalistic depiction. Wide himotoshi at the back. Beautiful natural patina. Nice finesse of sculpture. Probably former Carlo Monzino collection, n°191 sold at Sothebys London in 1995. Dimensions: 5 cm Edo period late 18th century

Netsuke - A mask carver, by Masayuki. The carver is holding his lasted creation, a chisel resting in his other hand. Evidently satisfied with his work, the carver twists his face into the same expression of that of this subject- a kyogen mask of the "liar" (usofuki) type, one eye closed and the lips pursed into a sideways whistle. Japan, Asakusa, Edo (1603-1868) 19th century.

Netsuke – Nice model representing a fox, in Japanese Kitsune, in carved wood, represented seated, wearing a long coat, disguised as a priest, leaning on a base on which rests an open book. Nice model with a beautiful natural patina. Himotoshi in the back. Dimensions: 4 x 3.7 cm. Japan Edo (1603-1868) late 18th century.

Netsuke – Good size model of a toad with a rather strong expression, crouched down, about to jump, its legs folded under its belly. His eyes are encrusted with brown horn. Nice natural patina of the wood. Japan Edo (1603-1868) 18th century.

19th century boxwood netsuke of the Zen Patriarch Daruma sitting in meditative pose enveloped in his monastic robe with cape. Great carving, fantastic face, beautiful flow to the lines of his robe, superb staining and patina. Differently sized himotoshi lined with light and black buffalo horn. Signed SHUMIN on the bottom for Hara Shumin - this excellent artist is listed on p. 995 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Wonderful sculpture...

19th century lacquered wood netsuke of a standing boy wearing in shishi head piece and beating a drum with strikers. Wood is lacquered in Negoro style - red lacquer over black, so as it wears the black and later wood start showing. Very well carved, excellent detailing - see the ferocious mask, old loss to the tip of the left ear, beautiful patina. Does not stand on its own, but hangs well. Height 2 inches.

Late Meiji to early Taisho (1910s)) netsuke of himono (dried fish, this one appears to be salmon) on top of a woven bamboo basket. Well captured essence of the objects, beautifully realistic desiccated texture of the fish. Cursively signed on the bottom - possibly reads KAWAYUKI. Excellent sense of volume, wonderful patina. Length 2.3 inches.

Late 18th to early 19th century glass ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in ball shape with multicolored streaks. Beautifully made, wonderful feel of age, very pleasant patina. Diameter 0.75 Inches.

Netsuké representing a squirrel, perhaps a dormouse. The little animal is carved from a boar's tooth...

19th century lacquered netsuke of an actor in a role of Kiyohime beginning her transformation into a demon, a bell striker in her hand. Kiyohime was a daughter of an innkeeper whose advances on a monk were not reciprocated, so her love turned into wrath, and she trapped him under a temple bell, turned into a demonic dragon and melted the bell killing the monk. Fantastic quality of facial expression, exquisite lacquer work on her robe, fine hair texture, beautiful flow to the lines of her left sl...

19th century netsuke of four monkeys trying to contain three huge fogs that they caught and put in a tied bundle of lotus leaves. Very unusual (possibly unique) subject, beautifully carved, excellent faces of both types of creatures, eyes of the frogs are inlaid with light brown horn, wonderful hairwork, great patina. Signed cursively on the bottom - it appears to read ROSEI, but I am not entirely sure. Length 1.59 inches.

A Japanese dark patina boxwood netsuke depicting an articulated lotus flower. The lotus is a symbol of purity and rebirth, as the flower emerges immaculate from the mud of the lakes. The choice to make the flower articulated, with some pistils free to move, adds a refined detail that further increases the veracity of this small sculpture. The top stem of the articulated lotus flower forms the himotoshi creating a natural and harmonious transition for the netsuke string. Origin: Japan ...

A Japanese boxwood netsuke depicting a scene from Japanese mythology of a warrior called Nitta No Shiro riding a wild boar. Nitta No shiro holds firmly in his hand a tanto, a traditional Japanese sword, with a sure and determined grip. The tanto itself is made with great attention to detail, with a sharp blade. This netsuke from the Edo period (1603-1868) tells a story dating back to the 12th century of the warrior Nitta No Shiro defending the Shogun of Japan Minamao No Yoritomo from the a...

19th century lacquered wood netsuke of standing Jurojin (one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, that of longevity and wisdom) with a length of cloth in his hands supporting two scrolls. The netsuke is essentially a wish for long life and learning. Excellently carved, superb detailing, extraordinary quality lacquering. Wonderful face with a slight smile, finely done cloud patterns on his robe. Beautiful patina, in superb condition. Height 2 inches.