Length: 3.5 cm (1.3 in)
Height: 1.8 cm (0.9 in)
Width: 4 cm (1.5 in)

This finely carved wooden netsuke is modelled showing a mouse clinging to the top of a hazelnut. There is a signature on the base. This piece is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks or restoration.

Height: 3.3 cm (1.4 in)
Width: 3.5 cm (1.5 in)
Depth: 2.9 cm (1.2 in)

Fine Japanese wood netsuke of a seated reader calling; very high quality carving with detailed features picked out; this artist worked in exotic Chinese timbers; rare; early 19th century; signed; good condition

Single 19th century menuki (Japanese sword fitting) depicting tanegashima - a matchlock gun - and a powder horn. Rather unusual subject, great design and detailing (see finely incised scrolls on the butt of the gun), gilding, overall in great condition. Length 1.59 inches.

Japanese antique samurai kura horse saddle. Carved of wood and lacquered with a fan motif in gold makie lacquer on a nashiji ground with inlay shell design on the maewa (front arched plate) as well as the shizuwa (rear arched plate). The maewa and shizuwa are connected by two igi (contoured side bands) which are decorated with shell inlay on a black lacquer ground...

Simply beautiful...describes this Japanese lacquer tray table which would have been used for serving sake. From the Meiji period, the deep rich black roiro-nuri lacquer background sets the scene for the emaki-e gold paint depicting a landscape of trees, flowing water and hills.

pristine condition....8 inches high 9.5 inches wide and 9.5 inches deep

An Edo period Kogo incense case of pale earth tones decorated with geometric shapes and green copper glaze in the oribe style with a scrawling streak of kintsugi gold extending down two sides. Kintsugi is the art of repairing using lacquer and powdered gold. Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese art form of repairing broken pottery or ceramics using lacquer and powdered precious metals...

Antique Japanese Buddhist Temple lantern made of gilt copper with a wooden interior armature and iron handle. This six sided lantern is decorated all over with ornate pierced karakusa, scrolling arabesque filigree. Both top and bottom of the lantern have six trapezoidal friezes, each with a three dimensional medallion in it's center depicting alternating crests of blossoms and Buddhist symbols. The interior is lined with it's original paper...

19th century Japanese Asakusa school staghorn kiseruzutsu - tobacco pipe case - carved with a scholarly landscape with a temple among hills and rocks by a pine tree, and a village in the distance. Clever carving incorporating porous texture of its center as element of design, nicely chunky. Beautiful wear and patina, in great condition. Length 8 inches.

Very unusual 19th century mixed metal and wood netsuke of a boy quietly playing a reed flute while leaning against a side of a resting buffalo, 2 baskets next to him. The subject is ushidoji (also called bokudo) symbolizing the perfect peace of mind, and is considered to be one of the stages on the way to the Buddhahood. Excellent quality metalwork of shakudo (buffalo), solid silver (boy) and copper (baskets), perfectly captured mood of the scene...

Kurume kasuri futonji (bedding) with geometric pattern. Kurume kasuri was invented by Inoue Den around 1800, a woman lived in Kurume in Fukuoka prefecture in Kyushu. This futonji is made of hand-spun cotton and vegetable indigo dye. Weaving of Kurume kasuri changed from handloom to machine weaving around 1883, so it may be woven before 1883. In excellent condition Late 19th century. 130cm x 144cm

Meiji period, Japanese Kutani porcelain teapot and the sugar bowl with covers, finely hand painted in gold, red, black and green with beautiful various images of butterflies in foliate scrolls. Booth Pieces hand signed on the bottom by the artist in Japanese characters.
MEASUREMENTS: Height of the tea pot: 20,5cm (8in) Width: handle to spout: 21cm (8 ½ in) Height of sugar bowl: 14,5 cm (8in) Width: handle to handle 16cm (6 ¼ in)...

Exceptional bronze lantern with nengo dating on the bottom from Meiji Period 4 (C.1872). With the crest for gold `kin` on the panels and beautiful diaper vine patterns, this is a stunning piece of workmanship from the early Meiji period. Excellent condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Pair Japanese most stunning large earthenware Satsuma Vases , signed "Kinkosan" in gold, Ca...

19th century Japanese ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved out of a fruit pit as a mother monkey eating a fruit with 3 babies loitering in her arms while a teenager climbed on her back and is eating a smaller fruit on her head. Wonderfully captured mood of the scene, very nice carving with great level of detail, wonderful faces, pleasant mellow patina. Height 1 inch.

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 Asakusa school stag antler netsuke of a seated tanuki (badger) with its enormous belly, an inscribed sake bottle in one paw, an accounting book in the other. In Japanese folklore tanuki is a notorious trickster: it drums with his paws on its large belly (tanuki no hara tsuzumi), imitating the sounding of gongs in temples and inns, and leading tired travelers astray in the darkness. Judging by the book in its paw, this time tanuki acts as a sake vendor...

Imari ware soba choko (soba noodle dipping cup) from the mid-late Edo period (1600-1868.) Porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue painting of "takenoko" bamboo shoot pattern. H.5.5cm(2.17") x Dia.7.5cm(2.95"). A crack in the rim has been repaired using synthetic gold and lacquer. Soba choko were originally used for small morsels of food much like the mukozuke is used in today's Japanese place setting...

19th century boxwood netsuke of two scholar-hermits wearing simple robes and leaf capes and skirts, totally absorbed by the game of GO. Perfectly captured mood of quiet concentration. Very good assured carving, great faces, wonderful detailing of leaf capes, beautiful mellow patina. Signed SEIZAN in rectangular reserve on the bottom - the artist is listed on p. 928 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Height 1.22 inches.

19th Century Meiji Period Black and Gold Lacquer Box. Features a stunning design of wonderful lacquer techniques. Though large it is very delicate in its presentation of leaves, flowers and branches. 13.75w x 11d x 6h inches, 35w x 28d x 15h cm.

This charming round Japanese antique serving tray is 11 inches in diameter. A delicate gold leaf design is painted around the outside tray rim and extends down onto the 3 shapely legs. The top edge of the rim is gold and separates the outside black lacquer from the traditional red/orange lacquer interior of the the tray. The red, black and gold lacquer paints are somewhat dulled with age and exposure. An old type written label on the bottom of the tray dates the tray to 1830...

This is a fine early Japanese Satsuma vase. It was made before 1900 and is one of the better examples I have seen from this artist.. The enamel work and relief dragon are done very well. The vase is interesting and has a lot of character. It is very heavy and in very good condition. The only real flaw is a broken horn on the dragon which is a common occurrence with these pieces. This can be fixed fairly easily and I could arrange for this small repair for the buyer. Stands 9 1/2 inches tall.

19th century netsuke of a standing Chinese female Immortal holding a fan in one hand and a branch of the Fungus of Immortality in the other. Very nicely carved, great face, elaborate hair arrangement, polychrome decoration with expected wear, beautiful patina. Height 2 9/16 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.

This 19th century carved wood netsuke of an Otafuku (traditional female theater character) is 2 ¼” long, 1 ¾” wide and 1” thick. It was made by a well known wood netsuke carver Shuzan; his signature is on the back. Shuzan was the pupil of master netsuke carver Shugetsu. It is in excellent condition.

19th century boxwood netsuke of sitting Tanuki (badger) beating 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. Superbly carved, excellent depiction of its face, teeth and fur, great sense of volume. Eyes are double inlaid with bronze and shakudo...

19th century boxwood netsuke depicting the head of himono (gutted dried fish). Initially food taken along on a journey, dried fish came to symbolize good luck and health. Beautiful realistic carving (appears to be a head of salmon), wonderful sharp detailing, clever use of one eye as himotoshi. Superb patina on wood, in excellent condition, very pleasant to hold. Length 2.35 inches (60 mm).

This 19th Century, finely hand-carved Iwami Ebony Netsuke that shares similar carving and material characteristics as the Tree Stump attibuted to Jikan Ganbun depicts a Toad that also provides a functionality of an Ashtray. This toad is also remarkably similar to the toad that the Gamma Sennin (item 98 of Bonhams Iwami Catalog* – photo # 6) is sitting on...

An Oribe Ware plate with the impressed mark Rihei. 10" in diameter, the foot and base is carved. Decorated with a grove of pine trees, a village to the rear, a rock outcrop to the left, all painted in iron brown, accented with a splash of deep green glaze.

Condition: excellent. No chips, cracks or repairs.

19th century netsuke representing theatrical mask of Shojo. Shojo are mythical creatures living near the sea, and are particularly fond of sake. Made in saishiki technique - the wood is covered with gesso, which in turn is painted in bright colors. Some obvious losses to paint from wear. Great modeling, wonderful depiction of its face and hair. Inscribed or signed on the back bar, but impossible to read because of paint losses . Height 1 1/2 inches.

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. Length 1.3 inc...

This a rather rare subject Netsuke made during the 19th century, in Japan, that depicts a rat that is gnawing at a large radish, on top of a straw rice scoop. The rat and radish are made from Sentokudo, a bronze alloy, that has acquired a dark patina with the passage of time. The ring at the bottom of the rice scoop serves as himotoshi. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 1.46 inches (3.7cm) wide, 1.68 inches (4.2cm) long, and 0.25 inches (6mm) thick. It is in excellent preserved condition.

19th Century, excellently 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. Outstanding hair work, a distinguishing characteristic of this netsuke master. Wonderful natural himotoshi that is formed by the bending tail of the Tanuki over its right hind leg. Signed Masanao, Yamada, of Ise province, on a polished oval reserve, on the bottom of the piece. Accordin...

Rare Japanese gyosho bako or peddler's chest, constructed with Kiri (paulownia) wood in original dark brown/black lacquer finish. The tall, narrow box is two sections stacked held in place by iron latches on the sides. Each drawer front has square pulls and floral lock plates with brass accent hardware. The top drawer of the bottommost section has a secret hidden compartment for storing precious treasures. Unusual finish in wonderful original condition.

Edo period (1603-1868)

This is a 19th century, finely hand carved Japanese Netsuke, round, one-part domed, in slightly sunken relief, depicting a bust portrait of Daruma with big hossu. Beautiful golden-yellow patina on the reverse. Signed Shinsai. Netsuke measures 1.65 inches (4.2cm) in diameter, and 0.56 inches (1.4cm) thick. It is in excellent condition, as sown in the posted photos.

Bizen ware hexogonal vase with engravings of orchids on the side of the vase. The patina and color of the vase is very similar to those seen from the late Edo and early Meiji period. Interestingly, during this period elaborate decorations and moulding were created which was popular during this time. However, the vase does not contain the elaborate decorations and resembles more of tokoname wares emulating the Chinese yixing potteries. Age: Late Edo or early Meiji Period. Size: Height: 7.25" Diam...

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. Signed SUKENOBU on the back bar...

Japanese Bronze Shrine or Temple Bell with attached long rope, 19th century, 5" high, 4 1/2" wide for Bell only, pellet is inside and ring nicely, in original old condition.

Height: 3.7 cm (1.6 in)
Width: 2.5 cm (1 in)
Depth: 2.2 cm (0.8 in)

Japanese lacquered wooden netsuke of a seated boy; minor wear to the lacquer; good condition

A kozuka is a handle of a by-knife that is part of a sword mounting. It is kept in a slot on the reverse of a katana scabbard, often with a matching kōgai (hairdressing tool). Kozuka was used as a craft knife rather than a weapon. This kozuka shows two topless figures and a octopus. It made of bronze and copper-gold alloy (shakudo). Size: 3.75 inches (9.5cm)

Width: 6 cm (2.4 in)
Height: 2.8 cm (1.2 in)

Fine Japanese Satsuma lidded box by Hozan; extremely fine polychrome and gilt work to both the exterior and interior; the top features a number of Samurai meeting under a pine tree; the internal base shows women and children collecting clams on the water’s edge with the lid interior showing another seaside scene; all boat sails are done in raised enamel and all feature Hozan’s fine signature; both rims are executed with intricate d...

This is thick hemp Noren of the Meiji period. As for this, words are dyed with black dye. The words are written as Mensa. Probably I think this to be an item of the business to sell noodles. This has several places of thin stains, but does not stand out. The state is good. Size 135cm x 122cm (48 53.1 "x")

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of BUAKU used for demonic roles such as Kaminari, Emma-O or any nameless demon or scary devil. 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 1.05 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.

Antique Japanese bajo jingasa, lacquered military hat for a high-ranking horseman. Carved of wood with an upturned front rim and rounded dome. Decorated all over with intricate shell inlay in black lacquer. The underside is lacquered red with four hooks for chords. On custom metal stand.
The samurai class in feudal Japan, as well as their retainers and footsoldiers (ashigaru ) used several types of jingasa made from iron, copper, wood, paper, bamboo, or leather and usually treated wit...

This is a early Nippon collectors dream, beautiful and profusely decorated with a background of rolling mountains and trees, displaying an early morning sunrise. Enlarged birds and lakeside bulrushes are elegantly sculpted in high relief detail, the handles and mouth rim as well as the bulrushes are dotted with jewel-like turquoise beads, colors of chocolate, salmon pink, orange, and yellow dazzle the eyes. This is a very old and unmarked Nippon ware, as every collector knows that all such speci...

A Japanese Arita deep dish, early 19th century. The dish is decorated with Ho-o birds and branches of flowering paulownia. The back with clouds and bats and a single spur mark. The Dutch refer to this palette of red and gold on white porcelain as ‘Milk & Blood’.

There is the remains of a collectors mark on the back

Approximately 20 cm diameter. Perfect condition.

Please study the photographs.

For new customers resident in China sadly I have to state that...

A small antique Japanese Lacquer box with a scene of river, pampas and clouds. The interior has dense nashiji lacquer (fine gold flecks). Used to store incense.

Date: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 4"long X 2.5" wide X 1" tall

Menuki is a kind of metal fitting of the Japanese sword, which was initially put into the hole of the handle. The meaning of menuki varies depending on the design, but they often symbolize strength, power, and courage. Some menuki also have more specific meanings, such as those that depict animals like tigers or dragons. These designs represent wisdom and protection, respectively. These menukis are made of bronze, copper, and copper-gold alloy (shakudo). Size: The longest one is 1.6 inches (4...

An unprecedented 19th century ceramic sculpture of a tumble of Shishi lions in a playful fight covered in unusual green-blue glaze. The Banko mark is impressed into the white clay of the base. It is very unusual to find large sculptures or works in Banko ware. This is 30 × 25 x 26.5 cm (12 x 10 x 10-1/2 inches) and in excellent condition. It comes in a box titled Okimono Banko-yaki Gyoku (Jade?) Shishi, with an inscription inside stating it was named a famous piece of the Shrine in July of 192...

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.

19th Century Japanese Mother of Pearl Inlay Lacquer Tray with Rooster & Nanban Style Flowers

It is 2.1 inches (5.4 cm) tall by 16.65 inches (42.5 cm) long by 11.25 inches (28.7 cm) wide. It is 1.8 Lb.

It has hairline cracks, small chips at the back, missing mother of pearls, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy with it for any reason,...

1900's Japanese Gosu Satsuma Puppy Okimono Marked

It is 3.46 inches (8.8 cm) tall by 4.01 inches (10.4 cm) wide. It is 0.6 Lb.

It has rubbing golds, stains, surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy with it for any reason, return it for a 100% refund of the amount you originally paid. All you need to do is return the item to us within 10 days ...

Plums blossom red on the dark surface of this traditionally shaped Mizusashi bearing the rare Ubagamochi Stamp impressed into the clay of the base. It is 18 cm diameter, 15 cm tall, and comes in an old custom made collectors kiri-wood box labeled Ubagamochi Mimitsuki Mizusashi. It retains the original ceramic lid, as well as two lacquered lids, one a tsukuibuta lid in austere black, the other redish brown outside, gold within, featuring a raised image of a dragon flying through billowing cloud...

The size of Bowl: 8 3/4" Dia x 4"High. Japanese Ko Imari Porcelain Deep Bowl. The bowl has very good enamel works surface as well as on the backside. Surface has the design of Eagle with Pine tree, clouds and bamboo grass. Inside rim area with blue underglaze and chrysanthemum design. Outside has a lots of enamel work with Peony flower and clouds. Very good works of blue underglaze design around foot rim. The condition of bowl is excellent, no chip, no crack and no hairline. Some wear on the gol...

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.

19th century boxwood netsuke of a turtle with its young perched on its back. Very good carving, beautiful rhythm to the plastrons of their carapaces, wonderful depiction of leathery skin texture, excellent wear and patina. Length 1 11/16 inches.

Japanese Lacquered Ceramic No Mask Okame Netsuke, Ca. 1900, Meiji period, 1 5/8" high, 1 1/4" wide, 3/4" deep, smiling slender eyes with dimples on both fat cheeks, beautiful face with red small tiny lips. Nicely aged with old patina, no damages.

19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved as geta (a wooden sandal) with gold, red and black lacquer decoration of flowers and leaves. Very nice carving, excellent detailing, pleasant patina. Length 11/16 inches.

Antique Japanese makie lacquer suzuri bako (writing box) and matching large stationary box signed with bold signatures on the bottom reading: 光琳　青々Kо̄rin Seisei, an artist name used by Ogata Kōrin (1658 – 1716).
Both boxes have domed lids and are decorated entirely in gold lacquer with highly raised designs of flowers and silver pine branches. The flowers are further embellished with inlaid shell. Inside the boxes are motifs of swirling water.
The larger box was u...

Antique Japanese Bizen ware figure of Tanuki, he is dressed as a monk, a jar for drinking hangs from one arm, in the other hand he holds his ledger book. Very charming expression and lovely detail.

Meiji Period 1868 - 1912

Size: 9 1/2" high