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...

19th century ichii (yew wood) netsuke of a resting wild boar, its feet tucked beneath it, head raised. Netsuke is skillfully carved by the master of the Hida school in characteristic ittobori (one cut) style with clever use of wood texture to represent the creature’s fur and add to charm of the piece. For similar examples see Bushell’s NETSUKE FAMILIAR AND UNFAMILIAR, p. 128. Excellent rendition of facial expression, wonderful mellow patina...

Early 19th century boxwood netsuke of a seated puppy with its spotted coat, its head and front of the body slightly turned to the left. Excellent quality carving perfectly capturing the essence of the creature, wonderful incised fur with beautifully defined spots, eyes are inlaid with metal. Beautiful wear consistent with age, superb patina, himotoshi formed by its right paws. Length 1 7/16 inches.

19th century Japanese netsuke of Chokwaro sennin reading an open scroll as he rides his magic horse coming out of the double gourd. According to a Japanese legend Chokwaro sennin (Chinese sage) could summon the magic horse out of his gourd to be transported wherever he wanted.. Beautiful carving, great faces, nicely rendered mane of the animal. Expert light staining, wonderful warm patina, very pleasant finish to the surface. Signed NAOMITSU on the bottom - the artist is listed on p...

19th century netsuke carved as a cluster of eight theatrical masks, those of Okina, Hannya, Hyottoko, Bishamon, Oni, Ikkaku Sennin, Okame and O-Tobide. Excellent faces, very pleasant feel to the surface, compressed dust in crevices. Signed ISSAI on a plaque on the back that serves as himotoshi - for information on this rare artist see p. 517 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Excellent detailed carving, wonderful work by the master carver...

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.

19th century kagamibuta (“mirror lid”) netsuke with multimetal top and wooden bowl. The top is inlaid with an actor wearing a mask and holding an open fan in his hand seated next to an assembly of stacked shallow boxes. Superb quality work with silver and gold inlays, excellent depiction of different designs on his robe and boxes, in great condition. The box is made of shakudo (an alloy of copper and gold) with its characteristic black patina resembling lacquer)...

Japanese Netsuke, Dutchman carrying Ham, carved out of Stag Antler, Ca. 18th C to 19th C. Edo period, 2 3/8" high, 3/4" wide, Dutchman wearing cute round Hat and carrying Ham holding with Bone, the condition is good, I do not see any damages, two(2) holes in the lower backside for cord go through, bottom is hollow, shows old nice patina.

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

A Japanese boxwood netsuke depicting the mask of the demon Kobeshimi. Bridge on the reverse forming the himotoshi. Meiji period 19th century Sizes: 4,2 x 3,5 x 1,6 cm. Condition report: Good condition

Height: 2.4 cm (1 in)
Width: 4.2 cm (1.6 in)

This antler horn nestuke, carved from the antler base, represents a clam shell resting on a decorated circular base. The underside has been carved to show a temple scene located near the sea. This piece is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks or restoration.

Decent size 19th century netsuke carved as a theatrical mask of Buaku and used for demonic roles such as Kaminari, Emma-O or any nameless demon or scary devil. Wood with Negoro lacquer, beautifully carved and lacquered, excellently conveyed facial expression, nice patina. Signed SUKETOSHI TO (carved by Suketoshi) on the back - for information on the artist see NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, p. 1051. Height 2 7/16 inches (62 mm).

Length: 4.1 cm (1.7 in)
Width: 3.6 cm (1.5 in)
Depth: 1.5 cm (0.6 in)

Fine Japanese netsuke of multiple seals; natural material; includes a lotus pod seal and five other calligraphic seals; good condition

Early 19th century netsuke of a buffalo on a base, its head turned back. Unusual and wonderful stylization of the creature - see its upturned snout and raised ears and horns. Beautifully carved, excellent staining, superb wear and patina, old age lines. Height 1 5/16 inches

Early 19th C. Japanese Iwami School Netsuke: Sennin This is a finely hand-carved netsuke in Ebony wood of a standing Sennin striking his beard with his right hand. Netsuke was carved by an unknown artist from the Iwami Province sometime during the Early 19th century. The carving exhibits the carving characteristics of another netsuke in this store (Photo #8), with similar robe and natural himotoshi (under the left wide sleeve of the Sennin's robe). Netsuke is unsigned...

This is an Early 19th Century Netsuke depicting a Monkey sitting astride on a bamboo tree while hungrily eating one of its branches. Large uneven himotoshi, common of netsuke made during the Edo period of Japan. Netsuke measures 1.28 inches (3.2cm) wide, and 2.55 inches (6.5cm) tall. It is in excellent condition as shown in the posted photos.

Early 19th Century Japanese Wood Netsuke: ACROBAT

This is a finely hand carved, Early 19th Century Wood Netsuke depicting an Acrobat, who is wearing a fundoshi and sports an Eboshi hat on his head, demonstrating his contortionist skills by placing his left leg over the back of his head.

Very nice carving with great, glossy patina. Unsigned. It measures 1.60 inches (4.0cm) wide, and 1.58 inches (4.0cm) tall. It is in excellent condition, as shown in the posted photos...

A carved female mask netsuke showing Okame. Unsigned. Back partially covered with black lacquer. Provenance: a gentleman's collection, Geneva - Switzerland. Condition: few tiny rim chips. Dimension: 4.1 cm x 3.6 cm.