Rather unusual 19th century marine ivory okimono of a huge toad, 2 different species of frogs, a snake and a monkey. Rather unusual grouping, probably illustrates some Japanese proverb or a story: an inscription in irregular reserve on the bottom translates character by character as “value / ten / one / ten thousand”, and is either a reference to the same proverb, or an indication of a high value of the object. Extremely well carved, superb faces and different textures of the creatures. Old age ...click for details
Unusually well made 19th century porcelain netsuke of Hotei (one of the 7 Gods of Good Luck, also representing Maitreya - the Buddha of the future) with fan in his hand sitting next to his usual bag. Superbly modeled piece with extraordinary face and slight glaze. Wonderful patina, compressed dust in crevices, in excellent condition. Length 1 1/2 inches.
19th century Japanese leather tobacco pouch with kiseruzutsu (tobacco pipe holder). Bronze kanemono - pouch clasp - is made in a shape of a roof tile bearing Tokugawa mon - the crest of Shogunal family. Ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) appears to be bone stained coral red. The pipe case is made out of dark celluloid type material and has a dent in it as seen on photos. The pouch still contains a bit of finely shredded tobacco. Pouch size 3 7/8x2 1/4 inches, p ...click for details
Early19th century small Japanese cloisonne tray decorated on the front with a butterfly in flight above meadow flowers. Back is decorated with karakusa (scrolling vines) on blue ground. Used for tea ceremony, traces of gilding on the rim. Rare and early piece in terms of Japanese cloisonne, from the period of transition from Chinese to Japanese style, great for a study collection. Very pleasant matte finish with original pitting. Length 4 11/16 inches.
Early 19th century small Japanese cloisonne tray decorated on the front with two peaches on a branch with leaves. Back is decorated with circles surrounded by karakusa (scrolling vines) on blue ground. Used for tea ceremony, traces of gilding on the rim. Rare and early piece in terms of Japanese cloisonne, from the period of transition from Chinese to Japanese style, great for a study collection. Very pleasant matte finish with original pitting. Length 4 11/16 inches.
Early 19th century small Japanese cloisonne tray decorated on the front with a butterfly in flight above an open morning glory flower. Back is decorated with karakusa (scrolling vines) on blue ground. Used for tea ceremony, traces of gilding on the rim. Rare and early piece in terms of Japanese cloisonne, from the period of transition from Chinese to Japanese style, great for a study collection. Very pleasant matte finish with original pitting. Length 4 11/16 inches.
19th century round Japanese kogo (covered box for incense during tea ceremony) made in cloisonne technique. Simple elegant shape with decoration of an iris growing by a stream, and cherry blossoms and petal on a dark blue background with scrolling wires. Rim is silvered on the inside, nice finish with original pitting, green enamel on the inside with original firing bubbles. Great humble piece in Japanese taste. Diameter 2 1/2 inches.
Rather unusual 1900-1910s (late Meiji - early Taisho) pair of Japanese cloisonne salt and pepper shakers with design of a dragon in pursuit of flaming Precious Jewel among swirling clouds. Wonderful quality work, pleasant patina. One of the covers has dents and scratches. Bottoms are decorated with blooming peonies, covers can be unscrewed to pour salt or pepper in. Height 2 1/4 inches.
19th century wooden netsuke of an alert beak-nosed toad. Excellent rendition of its warty skin, wonderful posture, great facial expression. Pupils of its eyes are lacquered. Very beautiful light staining, great patina. Signed SHUKO on its belly - the artist is listed on p. 991 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Excellent netsuke by rare master carver. Length 1 7/8 inches.
19th century large ivory netsuke carved in low relief on the front with a magpie among blooming peony flowers. Excellent design, superbly carved, black and red ink highlights. Signed ITTO on the back - the artist is listed in NETSUKE by Neil Davey (p. 475, number 898). The signature is followed by a seal reading TOKU, meaning virtue or benevolence. Beautifully carved large netsuke, rare carver. 1 15/16 inches square.
