Sotheby’s sale catalog FINE NETSUKE INRO AND LACQUER FROM THE ESTATE OF MADELYN HICKMOTT that took place in New York on February 8, 1989. Soft covers, 400 lots illustrated (some color, some black and white). Excellent reference book.

Bonhams sale catalog THE BLUETTE H. KIRCHHOFF COLLECTION OF NETSUKE AND SAGEMONO that took place in New York on September 16, 2009. Soft covers, 276 lots described and illustrated in color, excellent reference book, in great condition.

Early Showa (1930s) Japanese obidome (sash ornament) of round shape with engraved flowers. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Very nice work, beautiful patina. Metal fitting on the back with two loops for an obi cord. Diameter 1 1/8 inches.

Vintage Japanese sunburst jasper obidome (sash ornament). Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Nice stone, natural lines in the material, beautiful finish, very pleasant to handle. Brass frame with two fittings on the back for a cord. Length 1.6 inches.

Vintage Japanese glass obidome (sash ornament) with domed top and differently colored concentric circles resembling an eye of a fish. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Clever design, excellent quality glasswork, very pleasant to hold. Metal fixture with two loops on the back for an obi cord. Diameter 1.54 inches.

Japanese Ojime carved out of natural Fruit Seed, 3/4" round with two(2) large holes for rope, tightening to Netsuke before Inro Medicine case and carrying on their belt. The condition is good..

Early Showa (1930s) Japanese lacquer obidome (sash ornament) made out of layered lacquer slab with design cut in at an angle, so numerous multicolor layers can be seen. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Clever design, wonderful quality work, very pleasant finish, metal fitting on the back for an obi cord. Length 1,74 inches.

Late Meiji to early Taisho (1920s) Japanese Kutani porcelain obidome (sash ornament) with enamel decoration of various flowers. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Nice design, good quality painting with gold and other enamels, bar on the back for an obi cord, pleasant patina. Marked on the back bar with 2 characters reading KUTANI. Length 1.7 inches.

Vintage Japanese Komai metal obidome (sash ornament) with gold and silver decoration of bamboo stem and leaves. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Nice design, great quality crisp metalwork, two fittings for a cord on the back, a few scratches to the front. Stamped AMITA SILVER on the back. Length 1.18 inches.

1920s small celluloid netsuke of theatrical mask of Okina (old man) used in Sambaso dance. Very nice example of its type. Height 1 1/8 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead of dark blue glass with flower shaped swirls of tan and white. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Very well made, in perfect condition. Height 9/16 inches.

Vintage glass ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in flattened ball shape, its surface made to resemble distressed jasper. Beautifully made, very pleasant patina. Diameter 0.68 Inches

Japanese obidome (sash ornament) with polished agate stone, its natural pattern perfectly resembling scholarly landscape with hills covered in lush vegetation and a wide bay beyond them. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Amazing natural picture, excellent finish and patina. Metal fitting on the back with two loops for an obi cord. Length 1 9/16 inches.

Contemporary Japanese glass obidome (sash ornament) with multiple rods depicting various flowers. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Beautiful design, superb quality glasswork, very pleasant finish. Metal fixture with two loops on the back for an obi cord. Diameter 1.07 inches.

Vintage Japanese glass obidome (sash ornament) with high relief abstract geometric design. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Beautiful design, wonderful quality glasswork, very pleasant finish. Metal fixture with two loops on the back for an obi cord. Length 1 3/4 inches.

Vintage glass ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in ball shape, its surface covered with concentric “eyes” and dots, suspiciously resembling “Jellyfish Eyes” by Takashi Murakami. Beautifully made, very pleasant patina. Diameter 0.75 Inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with milky white body and multicolor brocade pattern. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece, in perfect condition. Height 0.68 inches.

Japanese obidome (sash ornament) with polished jasper top, its natural pattern perfectly resembling a view of a desert with dunes and incoming sandstorm. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Amazing natural picture, excellent finish and patina. Metal fitting on the back with two loops for an obi cord. Length 1 1/2 inches.