This 19th century Japanese unsigned hardwood okimono of SENNIN (hermit or immortal) is 2 1/8 inches tall, 1 inch wide and 1 ¼ inches in depth. He is carrying a basket of vegetables, and a small double gourd tied on his back. His right hand is missing; there are some chips on his nose, sleeves and both shoes.

Wooden netsuke representing two frogs with horn eyes. They are hanging on a round water lily, on and under it.

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...

Antique Japanese chop case made of boxwood and carved with a beautiful lady. The Inside of the box is still coated with powdered orange-red seal ink, at the base of the box is a semi circular bead made of amber, the top of the box is closed with a bead of bone and a smaller one of coral, the toggle is the shell of a cone snail, the sea creature hunts with a venomous barb. Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Size of the box: 3" High

This is a finely carved 19th century boxwood netsuke depicting a sleepy Momotaro, a name that means Elder son of the Peach, who is seated as he emerges from the kernel of a giant Peach that rests on top of a tree branch. Awesome detail on this well-rendered miniature sculpture. Age patination has given this piece a well defined dark coloring; more pronounced on the bottom of the netsuke...

This 19th century Japanese unsigned hardwood netsuke of KARAKO (Chinese boy or boy in Chinese dress) is 1 ½ inches tall, 1 ¼ inches wide and 1 ¼ inches in depth. It depicts a smiling boy holding a puppy in front of him. The workmanship is superb. Besides a tiny chip on the back of the robe, it is in excellent.

This mid 19th century Japanese netsuke of a KAWAZU (frog) is 1 ¼ inches tall 2 1/8 inches long and 2 ½ inches wide. It depicts a frog resting on a folded lotus leaf. The frog has two inlayed eyes. It is carved from stag horn and is in very good condition. The signature is unknown.

Ivory netsuke representing a bamboo shoot (takenoko).

Netsuke constitute the major part of Japanese ivory of great quality. Since the Japanese costume (kimono) had no pockets, the objects were passed under the belt and the netsuke, held by a cord, was used to hold them.

From imaginary animals to natural and domestic elements, the subjects represented in netsuke are varied. The netsuke could represent elements of daily life...

This well carved 19th century wood netsuke is 1 3/8” high, 1 1/8” wide and 1” thick. It depicts a man wearing a shi-shi (lion) mask and playing a drum. Aside from two toes missing on his right foot, it is in good condition.

Horn netsuke of an reclining ox.

In Japan, the ox (ushi) is the second sign of the zodiac. It is considered usefulness and willingness. Reclining, it is the emblem of Sugawara Michizane (845-903), a great scholar, minister of emperor Daigo (897-930) and statesman of the Heian period. Under the pressure of the Fujiwara family, he was driven into exile to the island of Kyûshû and he rode away upon a bull. Unfairly punished, his memory is rehabilitated after his death...

This is a Superb 1800's hand-carved boxwood rendering of a muscular blind masseur or Totsuka Beggar netsuke, an excellent example of this popular Japanese character, who is crouching and lifting a heavy Stone. He is wearing only a fundoshi. Outstanding detail, clever use of the materials, and patination; His left eye and teeth are inlaid with a natural material. Very nice uneven himotoshi. Signed Gyokkei in a red stained rectangular inlaid natural material reserve...

This is a 19th century, excellently hand-carved Netsuke depicting a very surprised Rat Catcher, who is standing on one foot, while holding the tale of a rat that is crawling on his back. Another rat is crawling on the floor , near his foot. Outstanding detail and expression, as well as a two-tone patina. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 1.10 inches (2.8cm) wide, and 2.78 inches (7.1cm) tall.

19th Century Japanese Matsu (Korean Pine Wood) Ittobori Netsuke: Daruma Toy, Signed Sukesada 19th Century, Matsu Wood Netsuke skillfully hand-carved in the Ittobori (one Cut) style by Sukesada in the form of a Daruma Toy or “okiagari koboshi”, meaning the little priest that gets up. Sukesada came from the Hida province of Japan...

Boxwood pipe case and tobacco pouch made of a gourd with a boxwood Daruma face with inlaid mother of pearl eyes. Japan, late Edo, 1st half 19th century. Dimensions: pipecase L. 19,5 cm, pouch H. 8,5, W. 8,5 cm.

This is a excellently carved Japanese Netsuke depicting a group of 10 rats gathered on top of turtle. Outstanding symmetry and detailed piece; very life-like. Signed on an oval reserve, Akihisa, a carver that worked in the 19th century in Japan. Netsuke measures 1.65 inches (4.2cm) wide, and 0.96 inches (2.4cm) tall.

This is an excellently and intricately carved boxwood netsuke depicting a Boat full of passengers (11 of them) dressed in various garb, carrying different articles and set in different poses. One of them, in the rear of the boat, seems to be either sunbathing or nurturing an ailment; another is wearing a large Amigasa Kasa hat; there is woman carrying a baby in her arms. It is full of great form and expressions. Unsigned. Netsuke has a rich patina...

This carved ivory netsuke of a smiling mask is 1 1/2" long and 1 1/8" wide. It is a late 19th century piece; it is not signed. It is in excellent condition.

Small Kagamibuta (button that acts as a netsuké in traditional Japanese clothing). However the size of this one is unusually too small. To my knowledge, there is no Kagamibuta of this size (32mm) usually the diameter of these exceeds 50mm. This is not the only particularity of this jewel, indeed the presence of glass paste is absolutely exceptional, there too, I do not know of any other netsuké, manju or kagamibuta created in this material...

An antique Japanese bronze okimono statue of a Japanese Ama or pearl diver walking to her boat in the wind. The artist conveyed the wind intensity by the way that her headscarf has unraveled as she keeps it atop her head. Her feet nearly reach the water embankment as she readies herself for the work ahead. The artist, Kyoi Masatsune - 京井政常,signed his name with a hallmark near her feet.

Age: Meiji period (1868-1912).

Dimensions: 25" High x 10" Wide x 12" Deep

This is a rabbit clock of the bronze. It is the Meiji era. (1870-1990) There is no damage and it is perfect. It is a rabbit that has the throb feeling. Height27cm(10.6")33cm x 17cm(13" x 6.69")

Antique Japanese articulated figure of a praying mantis, made of bronze with copper color finish, with fully moving parts, beautifully detailed and life like, signed under wing by the artist Kozan who was famous for his articulated creatures (the Crown Prince later the Taisho Emporer was a patron of Kozan). Late Meiji Period, Provenance: from the collection of the silent film star, Phil Ingram. Size: 4" long

Bronze okimono with brown patina of a mouse lying down. The coat, the tail and the legs are chiselled. The details of the head are particularly detailed, such as the moustache hairs and the long eyelashes.
In Japan, the term nezumi refers to both the mouse and the rat. They are regarded as the messenger of Daikokuten, the deity of trade and wealth...

Japanese boxwood okimono of family of 5 octopi surrounding two octopus-catching jars. The bottom contains a signature and kao (a unique signature) by Masanao. Age Meiji period (19th century). Size: Length: 3.25" Width:2.8" Height:4.26"

This very well carved and designed Japanese ivory okimono is 5 ¾ inches high, 2 ¼ inches wide and 1 ¾ inches deep (measure from the base). It depicts a Buddha standing on the back of a dragon which is rising from an ocean wave. It has great patina. There is a red maker’s mark on the bottom. Aside from an old loss which had been re-carved and polished, it is in excellent condition.

Antique bronze sculpture of a male lion. Standing with head raised, he lets out a roar...

A charming Okimono made of fine grain wood, probably cherry wood because it is too light and wide rings to be boxwood. It represents a couple of cats or martens dressed in kimono. Very nice sculpture, neat details, hair, whiskers. Inlaid eyes. Two other sculptures of this subject are known but much smaller and are housed in the Metropolitan and the other in the Fine art of Boston. They are announced as netsuke. Good condition, nice patina. Worn of uses for a sculpture of the 19th century. No r...

Rare high grade Japanese mounted shubuichi dragon okimono. The dragon is seen as if it is in mid flight, twisting, an thrusting forward. Overall excellent original condition Shubuichi seen here has a Dark grey / silver tonality an has a trace of gold warm colors tones. Incredible detail seen from the fine scales to the tip of the dragons claws. The dragon represents freedom, good luck, and balance. Moreover, it is famous for having supernatural powers and wisdom. Although they re...

This superb Japanese ivory okimono is 6 ¾ inches long 2 ¾ inches high and 2 ¼ inches on the widest part. It depicts 6 immortals accompanied by a dragon over the ocean. From left to right, the first immortal holds musical instruments in both hands and stands on a lotus leaf; the second sits on the forehead of the dragon and reads a book; the third stands behind the dragon and carries a lamp and whisk; the forth immortal stands on a lotus petal and holds a water bowl; the fifth sits behind th...

Group of three bronze rabbits with black patina, partially chiselled. Two rabbits resting on their four legs, the third trained on its hind legs. In Japanese, the hare and the rabbit are designated by a single word: usagi. The hare occupies an important place in Japanese legends and superstitions. Like many other animals, it is supposed to reach a fabulous age and become blue at five hundred years old.

Japan - Meiji Era (1868-1912)
Small Rabbit: Length: 8 cm - Width:...

This 19th century Japanese ivory okimono is 4 ¾ inches high, 2 inches wide and 1 ½ inches deep. It depicts a hunter fighting a deer with a long spear. The impression of the hunter and the animal are realistic and wonderful. It is not signed. The tip of the spear has been broken. Aside from this and a few age cracks, it is in great condition.

Wonderful antique Japanese red bronze tea ceremony flower vase with cricket playfully leaping over tufts of grasses in raised relief. Signed 'Masanori Saku' made by Masanori on the original box along with the kanji 'Ho' or cricket and the characters, 'Ju Do Cha Bin ' tea ceremony vase. perfect condition. Meiji Period, c.1885. (8½" x 9")(22cm x 23cm). EMS Shipping/Insurance to USA or Western Europe $100.

Cigarette holder that can be used as a card holder in steel inlaid with gold and silver. The technique used is that of damascene (nunome zogan) in the style of Komeï. Japanese work around 1900. On the front are represented in gold a temple and a pagoda dominating a lake landscape; on the back is Mount Fuji dominating a lake. In the foreground an amusing retail fishing boat, indeed a tiny bird is perched at the top of the mast, probably a cormorant which would confirm the function of the boat. E...

Bronze sculpture of a giraffe beetle (Prosopocoilus girafa). The top of the abdomen is raised, revealing a perfume burner. The lucanus, in Japanese kuwagata mushi, is highly valued for its playfulness and aesthetic value.
Insects (mushi) have a very important place in Japanese culture. Insect hunting is a popular pastime, especially among children. Using nets and cages, they catch cicadas, beetles and other insects to observe them. Mushi can indeed be seen as familiar animals, playing a ro...

Beautiful Japanese large bronze trumpet shaped vase with long neck decorated with highly raised dragon and phoenix in swirling clouds, the round body of the vase is decorated with raised scenes of birds in branches, Meiji Period (1868-1912), signed on bottom: Yoshida. Size: 24" high

Japanese small bronze censer for a Buddhist shrine, made in a squat round form with inlaid gold metal shapes in a random pattern. Cast mark on the bottom. Nice patina.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

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

An antique Japanese 2 part Usubata in bronze featuring a Minogame (age old turtle) base. Mounted to the shell is a flanged cloud rendering with four terminating columns that undulates to a removable wide rim water receptacle. Artist signed at the base of the receptacle. Beautiful craftsmanship including the fine stimple work to the underside of the turtle.

In Japan, the turtle is a good luck animal symbolizing 10,000 years of long life. It is considered the chief amongst all shelled c...

This well cast Meiji period Japanese bronze vase is 10 ¾ inches tall and 4 inches in diameter at its widest. It depicts a wild goose flying away from the moon. The moon is silver inlaid and the goose is silver overlay on top of the bronze body. The goose eye and feet is gold. There is a maker¡¯s seal on the bottom, it reads ¡°Kyoto, made by Kuroda¡±. There are a few scratches on the body and lighter color around the moon due to cleaning.