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.

Height: 3.7 cm (1.4 in)
Width: 1.5 cm (0.6 in)

Japanese netsuke of entwined gourds; probably marine natural material; fine seal carved to the base; signed Shuzan; good condition

Book NETSUKE: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY BASED ON THE M. T. HINDSON COLLECTION by Neal Davey, Faber & Faber, London, 1974. Hardcover, dust jacket, 564 pages, 12”x8.25”. Absolutely essential reference book with thorough descriptions and black and white photos of 1322 netsuke with some 300 actual signatures. Most valuable part is an index of 3425 known netsuke artists with their names in Japanese characters, type of work, time period and preferred medium...

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..

Vintage Japanese Komai metal obidome (sash ornament) with gold decoration of chrysanthemum 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, superb quality crisp metalwork, two fittings for a cord on the back. Length 2.08 inches.

This mid 20th century carved ivory netsuke of a monkey is 1 ½” high, 1 5/8” wide and 1 ¼” thick. It depicts a sitting monkey holding a fruit branch. The signature is on the bottom of his back leg. It is in great condition.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with numerous white flowers. 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 - see finely textured petals, in perfect condition. Height 0.64 inches.

Glass ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in a form of tombodama bead in barrel shape with 5 bunnies frolicking in the snow by spruce trees during a snowfall. 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. Beautifully made, very pleasant patina. Diameter 0.69 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with milky white core and a band of multicolored flowers with fine tiny silver foil inclusions. 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 - see the individual stamens and finely textured petals, in perfect condition. Height 0.74 inches.

Japanese obidome (sash ornament) with polished jasper top, its natural pattern perfectly resembling a view of a rocky hill and distant trees in the mist. 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. Wonderful natural picture, excellent finish and patina. Metal fitting on the back with two loops for an obi cord. Length 1 9/16 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with bright red flowers floating in a stream, fine gols foil flakes background. 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 - see finely textured petals, in perfect condition. Height 0.64 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, in excellent condition. Stamped SUMIJI on the back. Diameter 1.4 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with pink body and twisted ribbons forming a 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 0.65 inches.

A set of a tobacco container carved in the form of either two sages or eccentric spirits. The container is carved in the form where the figure is sitting inside a jar while the other is has the distinct eccentric smile seen in images in sages. The piece contains a signature which reads Nissho Age:20th century Size: The container: Height: 3.5" Diameter: 2.1" The figure: Length: 1.75" Width: 1.5" Height: 8"

Netsuke representing a theatrical mask of Hyottoko - a perplexed peasant - carved by Ryoshu (born in 1912) - one of the best Japanese netsuke carvers of the 20th century (see p. 886 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick). Wonderful expressive face, black and red ink highlights, beautiful finish to the surface. Signed RYOSHU on the back. Height 1 inch.

This small carved ivory erotic netsuke of two men is 2” long, 1” high and 1’ thick. It is dated 1960’s. There is a red lacquer inlayed signature on the bottom. It is very well carved and in great condition.

Netsuke of a Chokwaro sennin horse appearing out of a 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. Clever design, excellent carving with great detailing - see its face, mane and front legs with delicately carved hooves. Beautiful flawless material, excellent quality etching with black ink, wonderful patina...

This mid 20th century carved hardwood netsuke of a bird is 3 ¼” high, 1 ¼” wide and 1” thick. It depicts a bird resting on rock. The artist signature is on the bottom. It is in great condition.