Antique Japanese lacquer tebako (accessories box), made of lacquered wood with dense gold nishiji and a gold maki-e lacquer design of flowers, possibly clematis, on a vine. The rim is made of pewter and the interior is lacquered with a spars nishiji on a black lacquer ground. Comes with kiri wood tomobako.

Age: Tokogawa Era, early 18th century

Dimensions: 2" high x 2 7/8" wide x 2 7/8" wide

Rectangular kobako in gold lacquer fundame. The cover represents in hiramaki-e a Japanese castle, surrounded by majestic pines. The decoration extends on the edges of the lid and on the sides of the box. The interior and bottom are in nashi-ji lacquer.

Japanese castles (shiro) are constructions mainly made of stone and wood. They are perched on stone headlands. Their appearance coincided with the beginning of Japanese feudalism...

19th Century, nicely Hand-Carved stag antler Netsuke depicting a standing Karako who is carrying a large Treasure Sack over his shoulder. He also holding a fan on his left hand. Netsuke has a mellow patina and feels very smooth in the hand. Netsuke has a hollow bottom, characteristic of netsuke made from stag antler This netsuke is unsigned. It measures 0.85 inches (2.2cm) in diameter, and 2.0 inches (2.5cm) tall...

This is a 19th century Japanese Netsuke, in a somewhat rare depicting of Shoki, the "Demon Queller", a mythical being, the hero of a Chinese legend of the T'ang Dynasdy, who became the ghostly protector of the Emperor Meiko, who is carrying, actually dragging, a very large bag 'Full of Oni's". A stern and very serious expression on Shoki's face. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 1.95 inches (5.0) wide, 0.78 inches (2.0) deep, and 0.85 (2.2cm) tall. It is in excellent condition.

This is an excellently executed mid-19th Century Netsuke depicting a Copper Dragon over the Dojoji Bell, made from Bronze. This dragon is the converted Kiyohime, the daughter of an innkeeper who turned this way after being rejected by the pilgrim Inchin. Wonderful detail and composition, which is rare for a metal netsuke, have been used in the creation of this piece, which has been preserved in an outstanding manner...

This very well carved late 19th century ivory netsuke is 1 ¼” high, 2 ¼” wide and 2“ thick. It depicts an old samurai’s metal helmet decorated with shi-shi (lion) head on top. The helmet is situated on an opened paper fan. There are a dozen mice with inlaid eyes on the helmet playing and chasing each other. It seems that symbols of war and peace, the helmet and the fan, are brought together and put in their place by nibbling mice. The workmanship is just superb...

Boxwood Netsuke of Two Monkeys on a Giant Bell scrubbing with a brush and rinsing. Well carved details to hands and feet. Meiji Period (mid 1850's). Length 1.75 inches.

This early 19th century lacquered wood depicts a boy performing a Shi Shi dance. It is 2 inches tall. It is signed ¡°Nisai.¡± Some color is worn off; but it is in good condition.

Finely carved Japanese, 19th century, netsuke depicting Daikoku, one of the seven Gods of Fortune, the god of wealth, shown as an entertainer, playing the flute, while a karako appears right beside him while performing an acrobatic act. Signed Tomochika. Excellent details, form and expressions on this piece, with a wonderful patina. Netsuke measures 0.98 inches (2.5cm) wide, 0.70 inches (1.8cm) deep, and 1.55 inches (3.9cm) tall. It is in excellent condition, as shown in the posted photos.

Wooden netsuke of the demon Oni hiding in a foot warmer (anka) in order to protect himself from the bean seeds that are thrown at him. The beans are represented by two inlaid stones. His right arm stands out, a part of his head is visible through a small hole in the foot warmer.

The Setsubun festival came from China it is introduced in Japan around the 8th century. Its celebrates the arrival of spring...

19th Century, Japanese nicely hand-carved boxwood Netsuke depicting a character of a Japanese folk tale 'The story of the old man who made withered trees blossom': Hanasaca Jiisan. Here, Hanasaca is shown in one of the scenes of the folk tale where he is chopping down a tree to make a mortar. Hanasaca's dog who appeared to him in a dream is showing him the location of the tree...

19th Century, excellently hand-carved in rare Kurogaki (Black Persimmon) Wood Netsuke depicting a realistic chunk of Driftwood that shows well rendered areas of partially turned bark and a large opening in the middle that may have been dug up by the elements. This piece is attributed to the Iwami School, because it presents all the characteristics of netsuke made by carvers of the region in Japan (See partial illustration - photo #6 - of the book 'Iwami Netsuke from the R. S...

This is another example of a Mythical Animal or Demon. It has the body of a dragon with deep delineated scales and large claws instead of hands, a demon face with goat-styled horns, and lion-style hair. Its tail that wraps around its feet. It is signed. It measures 0.97 inches (2.4cm) wide, and 1.97 inches (5.0cm) tall. It is in excellent preserved condition.

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...

This is a 19th Century finely carved Japanese Netsuke depicting a Rat curiously standing upon a pair of fish, and ferns that are attached to a branch. Beautiful form and meticulous detail. Excellent hairwork on the mouse, and intricacies of the fern. Stained for effect. Very creative use of the objects to outline the large uneven himotoshi...

This is a superbly carved 19th Century Japanese Netsuke, depicting a seated Young Gama Sennin, wearing mugwort leave clothes, happily playing with a large toad that he is holding with a rope. He has by his side a rice straw basket filled with mugwort leaves. Wonderful expression, excellent form and detail, all throughout. Signed Gyokuyosai, the teacher of Osaki Kokusai. The holding of animals with a rope by young boys is a particular characteristic of Gyokuyosai carvings. Netsuke measures 1...

This is a finely hand carved, Mid-19th Century, Mixed Materials Netsuke depicting an Entertainer who is kneeling while in the middle of a theatrical performance. He is wearing an Okame mask with red-painted lips. He is also sporting a pouch that is being held around his waist by a manju netsuke. Excellent details on both the actors expression's and clothing. Wonderful, rich patina. Signed Issen on the bottom of the piece. This excellent miniature sculpture measures 0.88 inches (2.3c...

Height: 3.9 cm (1.5 in)
Width: 2.3 cm (0.9 in)
Depth: 3.7 cm (1.4 in)

Quality Japanese netsuke of a seated monkey eating a peach and grasping another in his feet; natural material; excellent hair work and stained scrimmed clothing; signed on a polished reserve, Masanao; good condition

19th Century, nicely hand-carved Kurogaki (Black Persimmon) wood Netsuke depicting a squatting Shishi that is placing its front paws on a Tama ‹Ê, or sacred Buddhist jewel, a symbol of Buddhist wisdom that brings light to darkness and holds the power to grant wishes. There is a large moving ball inside the Tama. Eyes inlaid in dark horn. Large chimney himotoshi that has been cleverly carved within the form of the figure. Nice compact form. Rich patina. Signed Michishige on the bottom...

19th Century Japanese Wood Netsuke – Hotei, Signed (Nagamichi) Shuzan19th century excellently hand-carved Japanese wood netsuke depicting Hotei, one of the Seven Godd of Good Fortune, standing while holding his Bag of Treasures with his left hand, an a fan with his right hand. Shuzan has made this netsuke in imitation of hollow ceramic figurines. Excellent form, expression and bright colors, trademarks of Nagamichi Shuzan. It is signed Shuzan in an irregular reserve on the back of his bag o...

This very well carved late 19th century wood netsuke of a coiled snake is 2 ½” long, 1 ½” wide and 1” high. It is in excellent condition.

This is a finely carved 19th century Japanese Netsuke depicting Fukurokuju, one of the Seven Gods of Fortune, the God of Wealth and Longevity, holding a staff on his left hand, and placing his right hand on top a seated Karako's head. This carving is not signed, but, it is attributed to Masatoshi, because of the similarity of subject, and carving style to another netsuke that is listed on this webpage as item #60. Netsuke measures 1.50 inches (3.8cm) wide, and 2.08 inches (5.3cm) tall. Netsuk...

This 19th century Japanese wood netsuke of NASUBI (eggplants) in a basket is 5/8 of an inch tall and 1½ inches wide. It was carved from KOKUTAN (ebony) and is not signed. It depicts one large eggplant and two smaller ones setting in a woven basket. It is in excellent condition.

19th Century Japanese Netsuke depicting a Shishi on a Stand. Wonderful detail, rich patina. Unsigned. It measures 0.54 inches (1.4cm), and 1.40 inches (3.6cm).

This is a 19th century finely hand-carved Hidemasa-styled Netsuke depicting a seated Hotei, carrying a large bag of fortune over his shoulders while holding a fan with his right hand. Two Karakos are with the God of Happiness, one is seated over the edge of his robes, while the other is on top of the bag right next to the deity's head. The garments of Hotei and Karakos are decorated with spiraling scrolls in the style of Hidemasa. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 1.62 inches (4.1cm) wide, and 1.35 ...

Dark brown wooden netsuke of a rat on a radish, horn eyes, holding a seed between its paws.

In Japan, the term "nezumi" refers to both the mouse and the rat. They are considered the messenger of Daikokuten, the deity of trade and wealth. In the Chinese zodiac, which has been adopted by Shintoism in Japan, the rat (or mouse) is the first of the twelve animals, a position which, according to the many legends telling the story of the twelve animals and their election, is due to its cun...

The arquebuse is technically perfectly detailed, its mechanism works. The barrel of the cannon is made of iron inlaid with bronze silver and gold. The carriage is made of very dense black wood, probably ebony inlaid with mother-of-pearl. A small metal key allows it to be dismantled, leaving the incised signature of the artist to appear under the barrel Kuni-Tomo familly perhaps Sada-Hisa who liked to depict birds and flowers on his tsubas? Edo period 19th century or earlier. If it's Sada Hisa II...

19th century finely hand-carved Japanese boxwood netsuke of Shogun Yoritomo (General Minamoto no Yoritomo 1147-99) sitting in his court; ready to begin audiences with his advisers and subjects. Netsuke measures 1.35 inches (3.4cm) wide, and 1.35 inches (3.4cm) tall. It is in excellent preserved condition, as may be seen in the posted photo Note: A reference to carver Ransen and his signature may be found on page 862 of Lazarnick's Netsuke and Inro Artists and how to Read their Signatures...

This is finely carved, Late 19th century, Japanese Netsuke depicting a jovial looking Entertainer who is making music with a Hand Drum that he is holding in his hands, and Fan looking instrument that he is working with his feet. Excellent form and detail on this piece. It is signed Yoshiyuki in a rectangular reserve posted over the man's rear end. Netsuke measures 1.28 inches (3.3cm) wide, and 2.10 inches (5.3cm) tall. A reference to Yoshiyuki may be found on page 1248 of George Lazarnick's ...

This is a finely carved Japanese netsuke depicting Fukurokuju, one of the Seven Gods of Fortune, the God of Wealth and Longevity, holding a turtle on his left hand and a staff on his right hand. A turtle, in Japanese culture, symbolizes longevity and happiness. Behind Fukurokuju there is a Karako holding a Buddhist Cintamani or wish-fulfilling Jewel. Signed Masatoshi on the bottom of the netsuke. It measures 1.02 inches (2.6cm) wide, and 1.86 inches (4.7cm) tall. Note: A reference to the ca...

This 19th century carved ivory netsuke of a lotus pod is 1 ¾” high, 1 5/8” wide and 1 ¼” thick. There are six holes on the bottom of the pod and six small movable seeds are inside. Aside of some hairline cracks, it is in excellent condition.

19th Century Japanese Boxwood Netsuke: Acrobat over a Mitsu-Tomoe Disk Signed (Ono) Ryomin This is a finely carved boxwood netsuke depicting an Acrobat executing an aerial squatting maneuver over a Mitsu-Tomoe Disk. The Mitsu-Tomoe is also commonly known as a Solar Disk, although it is actually the symbol of the Buddhist Shinto Trinity (the earth, the heavens, and humankind), which represents the play of forces in the Cosmos. Outstanding form, detail and expression on this miniature sc...

An early 19th C. museum quality Japanese tabacco pouch. The exterior is decorated with a silk embroideried dragon and a large silver clasp (kanemono) in the form of a dragon chasing a flaming pearl. Complete with manju netsuke on a multi-strand silver chain. The netsuke has a silver coiling dragon chasing a flaming pearl and an Ivory surround. The interior is leather-lined, with a double pouch. Excellent condition considering the age. The pouch is 5-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches. The manju is 2-1/...

This is a rare, seldom seen, Snuff Bottle made from Shagreen (Stingray Skin), of a flattened rectangular form, with a flat footing, and a rounded neck. It shows the natural bumps of the stingray skin which have been shortened, and now have a back background with hundreds of gray dots. It is very light in weight. It comes with a coral over a yellow calchedony band stopper. This rare and curious bottle is in excellent preserved condition. Bottle Measurements Height: 2.25 inches (5...

Wonderful wooden pipe case and tobacco pouch. The pipe case contains the original pipe, made of paktong and bamboo. The pouch in the shape of Daruma,made of softwood and boxwood with inlaid mother of pearl eyes. Dimensions: pipe case L. 23 cm, the pouch H. 10,5 cm, W. 7 cm. Condition: excellent. Age: Late Edo, first half 19th century.

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. The top edges of the outer box frame have ...

This is a 19th century excellently hand-carved netsuke depicting a Kyogen and Noh Mask Group of Nine. Among the ancient Japanese Theater represented on this mask are: Hannya, Buaku, Okame, Okina, Otafuku, Oji, Osofuki, Noborihige, and Tenjin. Signed Koichi in an oval rectangular reserve, right next to the himotoshi. It measures 1.65 inches (4.2cm) in diameter, and 1.08 inches (2.8cm) thick. It is in excellent preserved condition.

Wooden netsuke representing a frog whose eyes are inlaid with horn. It is lying on a water lily folded on itself.

The frog (kaeru) is associated with luck and wealth. Kaeru means both "frog" and "coming home" in Japanese. This extension of meaning is due to the ability of the frog to return each year to the pond of its birth. A frog-shaped gong can thus sometimes be used as a door hammer or to protect a house.

Signature near the holes for passing the cord, unid...

This is a finely hand carved, 19th Century Kurokaki Wood Netsuke depicting Tenaga "Long Arms" being carried on the back of Ashinaga "Long Legs". Ashinaga is wearing a mugwort skirt, while Tenaga is wearing a rice straw skirt. According to "Pointers and Clues to the Subjects of Chinese and Japanese Art", by Will Edmunds, "Ashinaga and Tenaga are mythical people supposed to inhabit the islands Ashinaga-jima, and Tenaga-jima, east of the Shakasui or Water-ladle river, all imaginary place...

This is an unusually large 19th Century, Finely Hand-Carved Wood Tonkotsu decorated with excellently finished high relief carvings of a Daruma Doll, a Toy Riding Horse, a Japanese Tai Fish laying on top of a rectangular base, a Sea Turtle and a Chrysanthemum flower, amid a detailed background of cross-lined squares. A wooden Manju with a Chrysanthemum motif, decorated with exquisite Ukibori carving, is attached, as well as a metal and natural seed beads. The Tonkotsu has a cylindrical shaped w...

Japanese Boxwood Recumbent ox netsuke, wonderful detail, especially carved fur and hooves, inlaid ebony eyes, signed by Tomokazu, good condition, Edo Period. The style of the signature indicates c1790 Kyoto carver Kano Tomokazu when he was under the tutilage of Tomotada, prior to returning to Gifu. Size L 2.5" x H 1" x D 1"

This is Late 19th Century, wondefully carved Four-case Lacquered Inro carved to a cinnabar background depicting figural scenes on both sides. It comes with a beautiful lacquered Manju Netsuke that show in a rainbow fashion its various layers of red and green lacquer. Inro is signed on one of its sides. Inro measures 2.48 inches (6.3cm) wide, 0.98 inches (2.5cm) deep, and 2.95 inches (7.5 cm) tall Netsuke measures 1.87 inches (4.8cm) in diameter, and 0.50 inches (1.3cm) tall. Ojim...

19th Century, Boxwood Netsuke finely hand-carved and engraved boxwood netsuke depicting a squatting Karako (Chinese Boy), wearing the customary Chinese garb, hiding an Okame mask behind his back. He is doing the Bekkanko gesture, which tells us that he is playing a game with his friends where the objective is for other people to guess what he is hiding. Nice compact form; great expression and form details; nice mellow patina. Netsuke measures 1.27 inches (3.2cm) wide, and 1.51 inches ...

This 19th century Japanese wood netsuke of KIKORI (woodcutter) is 1 3/8 inches tall, 1 ½ inches wide and 1 1/8 inches thick. It depicts a sitting woodcutter, his left hand holds an ax; his right hand holds a double gourd wine container. A bundle of tree branches leans on his side. It is carved from an unknown hard wood and is not signed. It is in great condition.

This is 19th century, hand-0carved netsuke depicting two Karakos with typical costume who are holding a large Daruma Doll. Netsuke measures 1.24 inches (3.1cm) wide, and 2.12 inches (5.4cm) tall. Netsuke is in excellent condition, as may seen in the posted photos.

19th Century, Finely Hand-Carved Wood Tonkotsu with excellent and colorfull inlays/incrustations depicting a Sea Life Landscape with fish, clamshells, shrimp, crab, snail, jellyfish and algae. Beautiful representation of a marine scenery. The netsuke matches the theme with a depiction of an open clamshell with a village scene made up of a house with balcony and rooftop, as well as people standing or sitting about. The clamshell seems to have been made with hanoki wood, covered in Gesso (plas...

This is finely carved Japanese netsuke depicting a Herb Boy standing right next to his OX. Both figures rest upon a platform where the himotoshi is found. Very nice form and mellow patina. Signed Meizan. Netsuke measures 11.28 inches (3.3cm), and 1.08 inches (2.8cm) tall. Note: A reference to the carver Meizan and his signature may be found on page 754 of George Lazarnick's 'Netsuke and Inro Artists and How to Read their Signatures.

This early 19th century persimmon wood is carved as an old man carrying a child on his back. It is 2 inches tall. It is not signed, slightly stained and worn, but in good condition.

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.

This unusual 19th century Japanese wood netsuke ¡°Oni hiding in the box¡± is 1 ¼ inches tall and 1 inch wide. It depicts an Oni hiding his head and upper body in a wood box (or a container for rice). He peeps through from a hole while his right arm sticks out from the other hole. There are two small kernels of rice on his bony back. A third kernel which should be on the side of the box is missing. The workmanship is superb. It is carved from unknown hard wood and is not signed. Aside...

19th Century, excellently hand-carved in rare Persimmon Wood Netsuke depicting a realistic version of a Cicada that is laying upon a half Walnut shell. This netsuke is carved in intricate detail; faithful in form and image to the subject in nature that it represents. It is attributed to the Iwami School, because it presents all the characteristics of netsuke made by carvers of the region in Japan (See partial illustration - photo #10 - of the book 'Iwami Netsuke from the R. S. Huthart Col...

This is a finely carved boxwood netsuke depicting the Skeleton of the Buddhist Priest Danka beating oa a Mokugyo, or Buddhist Temple Drum. Very nice detail and wonderful symmetry all throughout, rich patina. Signed Tomoyuki, a disciple of Tomochika, in an irregular oval reserve, on the bottom of the netsuke. Netsuke measures 0.92 inches (2.3cm) wide, 1.40 inches (3.5cm) long, and 1.27 inches (3.2cm) tall. It is in excellent preserved condition, as may be seen in the posted photos. Note:...

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.

Height: 3.4 cm (1.3 in)
Width: 3.9 cm (1.5 in)
Depth: 3.5 cm (1.3 in)

Fine Japanese carved netsuke of a father and child, the child holding a dragon fly; excellent carving throughout; natural material; the stained scrim-work particularly detailed; the extraordinary base work includes an oval panel with the signature, Gyokusai; good condition

19th Century, Boxwood Netsuke finely hand-carved and engraved boxwood netsuke depicting a squatting Karako (Chinese Boy), wearing the customary Chinese garb, holding a Hyotokko mask with both hands. Signed Yoshiharu on the bottom of the netsuke. Nice compact form; great expression and form details; nice mellow patina. Netsuke measures 1.35 inches (3.4cm) wide, and 1.48 inches (3.8cm) tall. It is in excellent condition, as you may be able to see in the posted photos.

This mid 19th century, Tokyo School wood carved netsuke is 1 ¾” high, 7/8” wide and 3 /4” thick. It is not signed. It depicts a young boy wearing some kind of bib, holding his belly with both hands. It is in excellent condition.

Antique Japanese ojime (toggle bead) in the form of Bodhi Darma (Daruma), shakudo (an alloy of gold and copper) with a red face , carved with incredible detail, wonderful expression, Meiji Period. Size: 11/16 of an inch high.

19th Century, Boxwood Netsuke finely hand-carved boxwood netsuke depicting a seated Hotei, the god of Contentment and Happiness, smiling and holding a Fan on his right hand. Signed Shogyoku on the bottom of the netsuke. Nice compact form; wonderful symmetry and patina. Netsuke measures 1.60 inches (4.,0cm) in diameter, and 1.15 inches (2.9cm) tall. It is in excellent condition, as you may be able to see in the posted photos.

This is a finely carved Netsuke of a Group of Seals. The seals are arranged next to a tiered box. The knobs of the seals are carved as a Shishi, a reishi group, and a rock. One of the seals has a loose ring. One seals has been placed on top of the tiered box. All seals are engraved with red-stained characters. Netsuke measures 1.35 X 1.23 inches (3.4cm X 3.1cm), and 0.62 inches (1.6cm) tall. Unsigned. Netsuke is in excellent preserved contdition.

This is a superbly carved, late 19th Century, wood netsuke depicting a seated cross-legged man, his chin rested on his folded arms, with an anxious look on his face, as he receives the Moxa treatment. The man has a tobacco pouch with coral inlays, a pipe holder, and a kagamibuta coral inlaid netsuke resting on his folded legs. Curiously, the man also sports a black and red coral dot inlays on his left and right shoulders, respectively. A nice and unique touch by the carver. Netsuke is sig...