Lempertz sale catalog CONTEMPORARY NETSUKE AND SAGEMONO that took place in Cologne on June 16, 2018. Soft covers, color photos, 39 lots, signatures and biographies of carvers included. Excellent reference book.

Unusual vintage Japanese wooden obidome (sash ornament) carved as a peony flower with leaves resting on an open fan. 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. Excellent sharp carving, beautiful painted highlights, very pleasant to handle. Signed on the back with a kakihan (carved monogram) of the artist. Length 3.1 inches.

Vintage Japanese glass obidome (sash ornament) with complex interwoven red, black and white streaks resembling kelp strands.. 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. Excellent crisp work, very pleasant to hold. Length 0.88 inches.

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.

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.

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 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.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with numerous cherry flowers and a crescent moon, silver 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.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with cherry red body and 2 clusters of 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 0.65 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead of flattened ball shape with inlays of a butterfly and cherry 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, in perfect condition. Diameter 0.78 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.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead of flattened ball shape with black body and 2 pairs of sunflower and face designs. 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. Diameter 0.81 inches.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.