Lot of 9 Sotheby’s catalogs from 1978 to 1983 relating to netsuke. Very good reference material, all in decent vintage condition, black and white photos, most of catalogs with prices realized.

Netsuke of standing Jurojin (one of the 7 Gods of happiness, usually associated with longevity) holding a scroll and a fan in his hands, with a reclining spotted deer (symbol of longevity) by his feet. Excellent carving - see the detailing of his face, incised fingernails, coat and spots of the deer. Great quality staining, beautiful patina. Signed SHINZAN on the bottom - for a brief discussion of the artist see CONTEMPORARY NETSUKE by Miriam Kinsey, p. 237. Height 2 1/16 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.

This mid 20th century carved ivory netsuke of a sumo wrestler is 2 ¼” high, 1 ¼” wide and 1” thick. It depicts a sumo wrestler dressed the traditional outfit staring straight ahead, ready to fight. The expression on his face is just great. The signature “Yoshido” is on his left foot. Aside of some color that has been rubbed off, it is in excellent condition.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with multicolored flowers and long scrolling vine. 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 piece - see the white veining of the vine and air bubbles at the center of each flower, in perfect condition. Height 0.75 inches.

This is one of the original works of Tokisada Nakamura, who signs as Masatoshi in this miniature sculpture that depicts Oni, the little demon, crossing a river in the company of a Man and a Woman. The Oni is carrying a skull ended mast, and he is holding on to the woman's arm. The man is carrying, over his left shoulder, a large Mokugyo and a couple of giant lotus flowers. He is picking up his robe to prevent it from getting wet...

Length: 4.4 cm (1.7 in)
Height: 3.3 cm (1.4 in)
Depth: 2.5 cm (1 in)

Japanese netsuke of a young boy in the crawling position, his hands clasped; natural material; signed under the arm; good condition

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with black body and of numerous white flowers and beautiful ribbed leaves. 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 and yellow centers of the flowers and fine structures of the leaves, in perfect condition. Height 0.6 inches.

A beautiful old Japanese netsuke with mouse play on the top of a drunk cat, very elaborate and cute. In excellent condition L:7/8" Signed. Sold to Pleasanton

Netsuke carved by Ryoshu (born in 1912) - one of the best Japanese netsuke carvers of the 20th century. Netsuke represents a doll of Daruma (founder of Zen Buddhism) enveloped in monastic robe, and his eyes can pop in and out. Perfectly captured facial expression, beautifully incised and etched facial hair and 3 flowering chrysanthemums on his robe. It appears that the artist etched a different design on every piece of this model of his - see the other Darumas by Ryoshu on my site...

Height: 3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Length: 4.4 cm (1.8 in)
Depth: 2.3 cm (0.9 in)

Japanese carved netsuke of a standing elephant in full parade regalia; signed on a foot, Mitsuyuki; good condition

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with two flowers on stems with prickly leaves - appear to be some species of a thistle. 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 0.76 inches.

Fine Japanese carved rosewood netsuke figure., depicting a hand holding a monkey, signed Hashi, early 20th century period. Size; Height of carving is 1 7/8 inches. Condition Report, Excellent condition.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead representing Zen Buddhism Patriarch Daruma enveloped in blue robe with various 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. Exceptionally well made piece - see his face with expression of severe concentration and finely done minute flowers of different species, in perfect condition...

A fine Carved Ivory Netsuke of a man carrying the moon on his back signed Giyoku Seki a masterful piece. Measuring 2.5 inches 5.5 centimeters.

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.

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.

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.