19th century boxwood netsuke of Shichifukujin (The Seven Gods of Good Fortune) happily sailing in Takarabune (a treasure ship). Most of the Gods carry their attributes, Ebisu even manages to catch a fish on the way. Essentially the netsuke is a wish for good luck and serves as a talisman as well. Excellent detailed carving, wonderful faces, extraordinary beautiful patina. Signed MASANAGA on the bottom. Superb sculpture. Length 2 3/16 inches.
Late 19th century ivory netsuke of a grinning Dutch merchant holding an ivory tusk in his hands. Superbly captured facial expression - with that fixed smile he almost appears to pose for a photograph. Excellent detailing - see the soft lines of his robe and pants, different textile textures and incised flower on the top of his head. Beautiful patina on very good quality material, differently sized himotoshi. Signed TOMOMASA in oval reserve on the back - for information on the artist see NETSUKE ...click for details
Early 19th century ivory netsuke of a man happily dozing off on a perilously convex back of a horse. Beautiful delicate carving, excellent depiction of faces of both characters, fine detailing. Wonderful patina turning honey color on the back, pleasant wear. Height 1 3/4 inches.
19th century ivory netsuke of Chokwaro sennin reading a scroll while leaning on a huge gourd. According to a Japanese legend Chokwaro sennin (Chinese sage) could summon the magic horse out of his gourd to be transported wherever he wanted. Wonderful neat carving with great face and beautiful flow of his robe, dark staining, beautiful wear to the surface, excellent patina. Old age lines, overall in great condition. Signed SANRAKU in oval reserve on the bottom - this rare artist is listed on p. 91 ...click for details
19th century ebony netsuke in a shape of an old section of a tree trunk that has rotted on the inside. Superb elegant piece in Japanese taste, beautiful patina with characteristic luster, very pleasant feel of age and authenticity to the piece. Height 2 inches.
19th century wooden netsuke of Oni no nembutsu (a demon who saw the light of Buddhist teachings and became pious), with a gong hanging on his belly, holding a striker in one hand, and a tablet inscribed HOGA-CHO (a subscription list) in the other. The creature is one-horned, which is rare. Extremely well carved with minute details - see his intense face and powerful claws. Beautiful staining and patina, very nice wear, in excellent condition. Signed HOSHO on the back - the artist definitely come ...click for details
19th century good size white coral ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) of simple ball shape. Does not photograph well. Rather unusual material, nice patina on the surface, few beautiful slight pink areas. Diameter 11/16 inches, weighs 8.8 grams.
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
19th century ivory ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in a shape of a dancing geisha wearing long-sleeved kimono. Very good work (see her facial expression and detailed hair and kimono arrangement), beautiful wear and patina. Height 15/16 inches.
19th century ivory ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved as sitting boy pointing with one hand at a mask that he is holding in the other. Wonderful carving - see both faces and the lines of boy’s robe. Beautiful wear, pleasant warm patina. Height 9/16 inches.
