Netsuke of standing Jurojin (one of the 7 Gods of happiness, usually associated with longevity) holding a scepter with reishi fungus head, wearing a cape, a long robe and a spotted deer (the animal is a symbol of longevity) skirt. There is a nice detail for a netsuke lover - he is wearing an inro suspended by a manju netsuke. Excellent carving - see the detailing of his portrait quality face, incised fingernails, texture and spots of the deer skirt. Superb quality staining, beautiful patina...

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.

19th century good size agate ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in ball shape with beautiful play of natural agate colors. Nice surface, very pleasant patina. Diameter 0.98 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

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...

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.

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.

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.

Unusual Japanese WWII metal obidome (sash ornament) with low relief chrysanthemum flower and stylized character on the front, and 2 characters and year 1942 on the back. Beautiful metal work, nicely made back of the piece. 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. Very well made, pleasant patina. Diameter 1.18 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 glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with rich multicolored ribbon core and four pink petaled flowers with yellow stamens. 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 0.8 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with nine yellow petaled flowers with orange stamens, leaves and 24K gold leaf 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 0.8 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with four white petaled flowers with multicolored stamens, leaves and 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 0.8 inches.

Vintage green stained staghorn obidome (sash ornament) carved as a running lizard. 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, good quality carving, nice finish and patina, two metal fittings on the back for an obi cord. Length 2 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.

Japanese glass obidome (sash ornament) with flowers floating on a stream with air bubbles and silver foil flakes. 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, wonderful quality glasswork, very pleasant to hold. Length 0.88 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.

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.