19th century ivory netsuke of Gama sennin standing with one foot raised while his constant companion - 3-legged toad - is climbing onto his shoulder. The sennin is given the belly and friendly happy face of Hotei - one of the 7 Gods of Good Fortune. Superb strong carving, very pleasantly fat netsuke, well balanced - firmly stands by itself on flat surface. Excellent detailing - see the wrinkles on his forehead, the leaf cape, finely incised textile patterns and warty skin of the toad. Eyes of th ...click for details
19th century ivory netsuke of a washer woman pounding a textile on a roller with a mallet, while a boy is clinging to her from the back. Very good assured carving, great faces, nicely incised textile patterns, wonderful detailing - see the comb in her hair. Ivory surface is bearing wonderful mellow patina with very pleasant yellowing. Signed on the bottom MINZAN - the artist is listed in Neil Davey NETSUKE (p. 496, number 1595). Height 1 7/16 inches.
19th century ivory netsuke of a standing oni samurai with sword, an oni boy holding a bundle with fish, and a puppy trying to get a fish for himself. Netsuke is an obvious parody on a domestic scene with human participants. Wonderfully carved, great faces, dark brown staining, horns and fan in the hands of a grown-up creature are gold lacquered. Beautiful wear and patina, in great condition. Height 1 3/4 inches.
Early 19th century ivory netsuke depicting seated wolf with its mouth open and a paw on a turtle hiding in its carapace. Wonderful rendition of wolf bone structure, ferocious facial expression, horn inlaid eyes, beautifully worn hairwork. Wonderful sheen to the surface, old age lines, superb patina. Himotoshi (cord opening) is formed by natural opening in the sculpture. Typical early section to the ivory piece used for carving. Signed OKAKOTO in rectangular reserve (the first character is writte ...click for details
19th century ivory netsuke of a seated karako (Chinese boy) holding down a turtle with one hand, and a long stemmed cup in the other. Very strong early carving, great face with a bright smile, excellent textile patterns. Hair knots on his head are inlaid with black horn, wonderful wear consistent with age, beautiful patina. Height 1 1/4 inches.
19th century staghorn netsuke carved as a resting goat with its head turned back. Excellent rendition of one of the 12 Zodiac animals conveying the essence of the creature, great carving of its fur. Beautiful patina, eyes are inlaid with black horn. Wonderful sculpture. Height 1 1/2 inches.
Early 19th century ivory netsuke of a standing sennin (Chinese sage) wearing an old robe with leaf skirt and cape, and leaning on a gnarled staff. Superbly carved to the last detail, extraordinary smiling face, very beautiful flow to his garments. Wonderful wear consistent with age, excellent stained highlights, compressed dust on the surface, deep himotoshi, well balanced - firmly stands on its own. I believe the netsuke to be by Masatomo of Osaka - the face is very typical of the master, and c ...click for details
Early 19th century wooden netsuke of a group of dried food items including an eel, a persimmon and 3 chestnuts. Superbly clever and elegant netsuke, excellent quality carving, extremely beautiful wood with tiny streaks in its grain adding depth to the carving. Superb patina - probably the most beautiful that I have ever seen. Length 1 3/4 inches.
Late Qing Dynasty (1910s) Chinese brushrest made out of a natural dried Buddha’s hand citrus fruit with carved staghorn stem. Superb natural design, beautiful skin texture, overall in great condition. Excellent object for contemplation on scholar’s desk. Length 5 1/2 inches.
19th century Chinese Buddhist scepter made out of black coral. Ruyi scepter is a traditional symbol of scholarship in Chinese culture, as well as of transmission of knowledge in Buddhist monastery environment. The head of the scepter is a natural bottom part of the coral, its surface resembling swirling clouds. Simple elegant shape, practically no carving, wonderful warm patina with beautiful sheen. Old silk tassel. Great subtle piece for scholar’s desk, or a practicing Buddhist. Length of the s ...click for details
