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.

19th century jade ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in simple ball shape. Beautiful off-white true nephrite jade, pleasant patina. Height 1/2 inches.

19th century boxwood netsuke of a baby boy crawling on his hands and knees, wearing a bib tied on his back. Excellent rendition of body and limbs showing baby fat, great face, hair knots are inlaid with dark horn. Very beautiful warm brown staining, pleasant patina, overall in excellent condition. Length 1 13/16 inches.

19th century marine material ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved as seated shishi with its mouth open and containing a loose ball, and its front paw on a large ball. Excellent carving - see its ferocious face and hairwork. Beautiful wear, wonderful warm patina, in excellent condition. Signed OSEI on the bottom - the artist is listed on p. 855 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Height 3/4 inches.

Antique carved wood netsuke; of a bearded figure holding money, of Meiji period. Size; Height of carving is 1.5 inches, no condition issues noted.

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.

Netsuke in fine-grained wood representing a toad. The sculpture is powerful, the animal is very well represented, the movements of the body and the volumes are perfect. The eyes are encrusted with a very beautiful blond horn striped with brown for the most beautiful effect. Signature of the artist below. I haven't researched the name, but I can do it on request. Edo period. Himotoshi 2 holes. Good condition, excellent patina. No restaure. Usual wear for a century-old wood. Length about 6cm.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of an oni. 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 1.13 inches.

19th century Japanese iron mae-kanagu (tobacco pouch clasp fitting) depicting a scene of a samurai procession performed by six rats in different attitudes. Iron is notoriously difficult to work with. Excellent design, funny topic, superb crisp detailing, gilding to the eyes. Length 2 1/8 inches.

19th century netsuke carved as a Chinese sage holding an oni mask in his hands, and a little boy seated by his feet. Wonderful carving, excellent faces, superb staining, graceful flow of their robes and delicately incised textile patterns. Wonderful warm yellow patina, very pleasant finish to the surface, old age lines. Signed NAOMITSU in irregular reserve on the back - the artist is listed on p. 822 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick...

This is a finely carved Japanese Netsuke depicting four Karakos, in their typical garb, forming a musical group and playing their instruments. Very charming piece. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 1.48 inches (3.8cm) wide, and 1.06 inches (2.7cm) tall.

Height: 3 cm (1.2 in)
Length: 4 cm (1.7 in)

Fine marine material netsuke of a grazing horse; fine hair work; inlaid horn eyes; some age lines present; good condition

19th century boxwood netsuke depicting theatrical mask of Ikkaku sennin (single horn Sage). The character was an Immortal, but ended up living on earth as he have not been able to resist temptations presented by females. Rare mask subject, wonderful pensive face, beautiful wear and patina, old paper label on the back. Recently deaccessioned from the Framingham History Center, Massachusetts, where it has been part of the collection since 1923. Height 1 5/8 inches.

This is a finely hand-carved 19th century Japanese Netsuke depicting a Karako wearing his typical Chinese robe, who is carrying his little brother on his shoulders. Younger karako's hair puffs inlaid with darn horn. Rich patina. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 0.82 inches (2.1cm) wide, and 1.72 inches (4.4cm). Netsuke is in excellent condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

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...

19th century Asakusa school staghorn netsuke in manju shape engraved with a falcon seated on a pine branch. Nicely made, clever use of natural texture and brown color of outside patches on an antler as parts of design. Porous center of the antler can be seen on the sides, very good patina. Diameter 1.4 inches.

19th century netsuke made out of a natural piece of stag antler inlaid with a silver chrysanthemum flower. Wonderful design in Japanese taste with understated elegance, beautiful texture to the material, great patina, in excellent condition. Length 1 1/5 inches.

The late 19th century carved wood netsuke of a mask (Daikoku) is 1 7/8” long, 1 ½” wide and 1” thick. It is in excellent condition.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of horned green skinned demon. 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 1.27 inches.

Late 19th century netsuke of a peasant seated on a bundle of firewood smoking a pipe and helping to light the pipe of the other man with a rain hat. Old loss to the smoking parts of both pipes, Very good carving, great faces, multiple inlays to their clothes. Signed CHIKUZAN on inlaid lacquer plaque on the bottom - there is an artist who signed with these characters listed in NETSUKE by Neil Davey (p. 453, number 147), but I am not sure it is the one who carved this netsuke...

This is an Early 19th Century, Dear Horn Antler Netsuke in the form of a Recumbent Ox with a rope attached to its head that is laying on top of its body. Excellent detail and powerful compacted form on a material that is very difficult to carve. unsigned. Netsuke measures 1.75inches (4.5cm) wide, 1.16 inches (3.0cm) deep, and 0.79 inches (2.0cm) tall. Ox's right rear hoof has been repaired, but, its otherwise, in excellent condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

Height: 3.4 cm (1.3 in)
Width: 2.1 cm (0.8 in)
Depth: 2.4 cm (0.9 in)

Finely carved deer antler netsuke of Hotei with, typically, his large bag draped over his shoulder; white metal has been inlaid into the top section of the piece, possibly silver; good condition

19th century netsuke of Edo omiyage (gifts from Tokyo) including a straw bundle with clam shells, a pouch inscribed Kaminari Okoshi and containing sweetened puffed rice cookies from Asakusa, a necklace of so-called donguri (acorn) sweets, a toy whistle, a small shallow box, the back of the netsuke with a round box inscribed Omori Karashizuke Yamamoto (mustard marinated pickles from Yamamoto of Omori)...

19th century boxwood netsuke depicting seated Zen Buddhism Patriarch Daruma wearing characteristic cape and leaning with his back on a huge octopus tentacle, his head tilted slightly to one side, with hand to ear, and a look on his face that suggests he is hearing something unusual...

19th century Asakusa school staghorn netsuke of three auspicious objects - a fan, a coin and a magatama. Strong piece in Japanese taste typical of Asakusa school, beautiful dark staining, warm patina, darker porous areas as is usual with staghorn. Length 1.62 inches.

A Japanese boxwood netsuke depicting Shojo crouched in a typical posture, with his hand resting on his knee, while sleeping from the effects of too much sake, the kimono is finely carved with geometric motifs as well as the long hair on the back. Similar examples of the Nagoya carvers are illustrated in Meinertzhagen, MCI, p.844, Davey, MTH, p.189, no.570 and Lazarnick, NIA, p. .1063. Edo period 19th century Sizes: 3,3 x 2,7 x 2,6 cm. Condition report: Good condition

Unusual late 19th century Japanese fossilized pink coral ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in barrel shape with natural features in the material. Nicely made, large central hole, pleasant patina. Height 0.73 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask, appears to be of Nogaku type. 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 Wood Carved Netsuke Figure

It is 2.2 inches (5.7 cm) tall by 1.1 inches (2.8 cm) wide. It is 8.8 gram.

It has repairs at the foot, surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

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Height: 3.1 cm (1.2 in)
Length: 3.7 cm (1.7 in)
Depth: 2.4 cm (0.9 in)

Fine Japanese netsuke of a calligrapher; leaning back and looking pleased with his work, his legs extended under his worktable; stained natural material; minor age related wear; signed

19th century wooden kiseruzutsu - Japanese tobacco pipe holder carved in a shape of a stem Fungus of Immortality with 2 heads. Very nice carving, clever design, himotoshi is formed by natural opening between stems, pleasant wear and patina on the surface. Length 8 inches.

Height: 4.4 cm (1.8 in)
Width: 4 cm (1.6 in)
Depth: 2.5 cm (1.0 in)

Japanese marine material netsuke of a girl clasping cymbals; probably whale tooth; fine age cracks; stained scrim decoration; signed; good condition

19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in a shape of a pomegranate with leaves, part of its skin removed and revealing seeds inside. Good design, beautiful patina, in excellent condition. Height 11/16 inches. Wooden stand used for photography is not included.

19th century netsuke of a puppy wearing a collar with bell, and playing with a bamboo twig with leaves. Superb carving to the last detail - see its double inlaid eyes and raised whiskers. Fantastic sense of its chubby body, clever use of a lighter colored ivory layer as a spot on the puppy’s coat, beautiful patina on excellent quality material...

19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in a shape of a hut with thatched roof, signed HAKUSHO on the back. Good design, very nice wear, overall in great condition. Height 9/16 inches.

A Boxwood Mask Netsuke. As two masks of Okame and Daruma. Japan 19thC. Height: 3.5 cm. Condition: excellent

19th century Japanese bronze mae-kanagu (tobacco pouch clasp fitting) in a form of two sumo wrestler dolls and a fan used by the judge in sumo matches and decorated with sun, moon and a constellation. Elegant design, great crisp detailing, gilded and silvered highlights. Length 1 9/16 inches.

19th century netsuke of half of a mokugye - a Buddhist gong in a shape of a fish with its head touching its tail, and a curled lotus leaf with a stem resting on the gong. Unusual combination of Buddhist symbols, great carving of fins and scales, leaf texture, eyes of the fish are inlaid with black horn. Expertly stained, beautiful warm patina with wonderful wear. Excellent netsuke. Length 1 3/16 inches.

19th century porcelain netsuke of a street entertiner - an acrobat / contortionist - performing on a low stand. Very well made, nice face, pleasant patina. Four feet of the stand are old kintsugi (gold lacquer) repairs. 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...

19th century wooden netsuke carved as a theatrical mask of Okame with characteristic chubby cheeks. Great facial expression with a slight smile, excellent finish, beautiful wear and patina. Signed IKKO on the back bar - this remarkable artist is discussed on p. 512 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Height 1 13/16 inches.

Excellent 19th century netsuke of a dragon and a tiger about to engage in a fight on a rocky outcrop under swirling clouds. Very nice pairing of two most powerful Zodiac beast, carved with supreme confidence and precision, wonderful detailing of their faces, scales, stripes and cloud textures. Eyes are inlaid with metal, beautiful wear and patina. Signed KAGETOSHI on inlaid mother of pearl rectangular reserve on the bottom - this excellent carver is discussed on p...

19th century marine netsuke of mother and son. Nicely carved piece with wonderful smiling faces, black and red ink highlights. Texture on the walrus tusk core can be seen on the back of the carving. Old age line, very pleasant patina. Height 1 13/16 inches.

19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in a shape of a gourd with leaf. Good design, green staining, natural imperfections in staghorn, overall in very good condition. Height 11/16 inches.

19th century netsuke of a chubby seated puppy with one front paw on an abalone shell. Wonderful depiction of its fat body, playful face, great hairwork, eyes are inlaid with dark horn. Old age lines, himotoshi is formed by its left hind leg, beautiful patina turning honey color on the back where netsuke was touching silk of the kimono. Signed KYOGYOKU (alternative reading id Gyotama) on the bottom. Height 1 inch.

A finely carved female mask netsuke, showing Otafuku or Okame. Unsigned. Provenance: a gentleman's collection, Geneva - Switzerland. Condition: fine. Dimension: 4.8 cm x 4.1 cm.

19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved as a head of an octopus with thoroughly useless scarf tied around its forehead (usually those scarves are used by workmen to keep the sweat out of their eyes). Great humorous design, wonderful face, natural imperfections in staghorn, compressed dust on the surface, in great condition, signed HAKUSHO on the back. Height 11/16 inches. Wooden stand used for photography is not included.

19th century wooden netsuke of two frogs frolicking on differently sized peony buds with stems. Wonderfull quality carving (see finely incised petals texture) carved, very beautiful warm patina. Signed GYOKUSEKI on the bottom - there is Gyokuseki listed on p. 428 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, but this is much better quality carving than his usual work, probably a different carver with the same name. Length 2 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of Beshimi. 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 1.01 inches.

This is a finely carved 19th Century Japanese Netsuke, depicting a traveling Gama Sennin, dressed in his traditional mugwort cape, with a walking stick in his hand, who has taken a break by resting on a porous rock. His traveling companion, the faithful three-legged toad, is trying to climb to his lap. Happy expression on the Sennin’s face. Very nice hairwork; very fine detail on the cape and surrounding areas. Unsigned...

Finely carving of a charming Pigeon resting on its characteristic true-to-form bird feet, just as shown in the book 'NETSUKE 100 Miniature Masterpieces from Japan', by Noriko Tsuchiya, that displays netsuke pieces from the The British Museum in London. Fine cohesive composition partly stained to enhance its form. Eyes inlaid with dark horn. The signature of MITSUHIRO 光廣 is intricately carved under the pigeon feet, as shown in the book's picture.

19th century ebony netsuke of a crouching rat with its young climbing on mother’s back. Wonderfully captured interaction, superb detailed carving, very beautiful patina, in excellent condition. Length 2.51 inches.

Height: 3.3 cm (1.4 in)
Width: 3.5 cm (1.5 in)
Depth: 2.7 cm (1.1 in)

Japanese carved shishi dog seal block; inlaid eyes; natural material; minor wear; good condition

19th century netsuke of Hotei wading through a swirling water as he carries a boy in a woven straw high rain hat on his back. The subject is a wonderful mitate (humorous reference) to Ikkaku Sennin crossing a stream with the Lady of Benares. Nicely carved, wonderful smiling faces, beautifully rendered robe lines and incised textile patterns, wear consistent with age, great patina. Signed TOMOYUKI on the bottom - the artist is listed on p. 1167 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGN...

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.

This is a finely carved boxwood netsuke depicting the Skeleton of the Buddhist Priest Danka beating on a Mokugyo, or Buddhist Temple Drum. Very nice detail and wonderful symmetry all throughout, rich patina. It sports a chimney himotoshi that begins on the bottom of the mokugyo, and continues around the spine of the skeleton. This is an unsigned and larger version of this popular Japanese legend. Netsuke measures 1.28 inches (3.3cm) wide, 1.45 inches (3.6cm) long, and 1.75 inches (4.5cm) t...

Width: 3.9 cm (1.5 in)
Height: 3.8 cm (1.4 in)
Depth: 1.4 cm (0.6 in)

This wooden manju netsuke is modelled to represent a Japanese gong. Decorated with a spider and web, this piece is signed and is in excellent condition. There are no chips, cracks or restoration.

This is a mid-19th century netsuke possibly made by Ishikawa Rensai. an Asakusa School carver, that paints a comical portrayal of a Fu L:ion in a reclining pose with its right paw resting on a Mokugyo. Attributed to the Asakusa carver because of the close likeness of the subjects' characteristics and theme. A very similar piece was sold at the Mang Netsuke Collection Sale, conducted on 07 December 2012, at Falls Church, VA, by Quinn's Auction Galleries, Lot 180, for $2,600, plus premium (25%)...

Unusually sculptural 19th century good size netsuke of 2 shishi fighting over a hollow pierced ball. Extraordinary carving with superb detailing and volume - see their faces, powerful paws and muscular limbs, tufts of hair and long bushy tails. Expert staining, beautiful patina, very pleasant to the touch. Equally exceptional when viewed from the back. Formerly in the collection of Scott Meredith - see Barry Davies 1995 catalog 100 SELECTED PIECES FROM THE NETSUKE COLLECTION OF SCOTT MEREDITH, #...

Height: 3.9 cm (1.6 in)
Width: 3.2 cm (1.3 in)
Depth: 1.8 cm (0.7 in)

A humorous netsuke showing a fox emerging from a demon's mouth; the demon has, what looks to be, glass eyes; deep himatoshi; lovely old patina