Catalog: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese (10)

This is a super-clean, excellent example of an Imperial Japan, Military, Type Gunto 1943, or better known as Type 3. It dates back to Word War II, when it was developed as an improvement over the Type 98 sword. It is mounted on a beautiful, heavy, very clean blade, in excellent condition, with a cutting edge that measures 27 inches. It displays a straight hamon and it is very sharp. The tang has two holes to strengthen the grip of the sword, and it is stamped with Kanji characters on both sides of the nakago to record the name of its swordsmith (I can't make out what it says - see photos #4 & 5), and some arsenal markings painted in white on the left side. The Tsuka is covered with ray skin and fitted with very tight wrappings. It has a simple iron tsuba, and a couple of seppa. The locking mechanism works well. The iron scabbard is also in excellent condition with about 95 percent of its original arsenal olive green paint, without any dings or dents, and only a few stains from use.

Blade Length (Cutting Edge): 27 inches

Full length (with mountings): 39 inches

Motokasane: 7.62mm

Weight (Blade only): 850 grams (1lb 14oz)

This is an excellent and intricately carved very charming netsuke, made by our own Pennsylvania native, David Carlin. He describes it as a "Clown seated on a ball with his left hand holding his forehead and the right arm resting in the clown’s lap. The eyes are inlaid in amber and the clown has a star in his right cheek matching the stars on the sleeves and bottom hem of his sweater. The clown also has a shooting star on the back of the sweater.” The monogram “DC” is carved into the sole of the clown’s left foot. Netsuke is heavily polished. It measures 1.04 inches (2.6cm) wide, and 1.84 inches (4.6cm) tall. It is in outstanding condition, as may be seen in the posted photos. The value of this netsuke is estimated at $3,000

This is one of the original works of Tokisada Nakamura, who signs as Masatoshi in this miniature sculpture that depicts Oni, the little demon, crossing a river in the company of a Man and a Woman. The Oni is carrying a skull ended mast, and he is holding on to the woman's arm. The man is carrying, over his left shoulder, a large Mokugyo and a couple of giant lotus flowers. He is picking up his robe to prevent it from getting wet. The base where the three chracters stand has a hole in the middle that serves as chimney himotoshi. Very detailed carving that is signed Masatoshi on the bottom, right next to the cord hole. Masatoshi was born in 1915 in Tokyo, He descended from a long line of carvers of Buddhist images. He is famous for his intricate, detailed carvings. He was a favorite of Raymnond Bushell, the re-known netsuke author. Netsuke measures 0.75 inches (1.9cm) wide, 1.58 inches (4.0cm) long, and 0.94 inches (2.4cm) tall. It is in excellent preserved condition.

This is a wonderfully hand-carved netsuke depicting Bakemono "Unreal Thing or Goblin" with a Rokuro-Kubi (whirling Neck), in other words a Goblin creature with an expanding neck like the spring of 'Jack-in-the-box", that, according to legend, twists its head around and leers in the faces of sleepers. The creature is standing on one foot and appears to be praying. Amber Double inlaid eyes. Unsigned, but attributed to the 20th century Japanese artist Koraku. Netsuke measures 1.12 inches (2.8cm) wide, and 3.0 inches (7.6cm) tall.

This an excellent hand-carved contemporary netsuke of a standing Hotei carrying his bag over his right shoulder. In his left hand he holds a Ruyi Scepter. Signed Shodo on a rectangular reserve on the bottom of the netsuke. SHODO, the Go name of Hiroshi Asaoka, born in Tokyo in the year 1923 was a master of intricate detailed carvings, and quiet, serene designs, who studied under Shomin. Netsuke measures 1.40 inches (3.5cm) in diameter, and 2.0 inches (5.ocm) tall. It is in outstanding condition.

This is an excellent hand-carved Japanese Netsuke depicting Shoki, the demon queller, in his usual standing position, with his sword drawn. Although he appears to have captured one of them, the other Oni is playfully standing on his shoulders while pulling one of Shoki's ears. Outstanding detail and form symmetry characterizes this miniature sculpture. Very nice contrast between the patinated robes and the highly polished Oni's and Shoki's protruding body parts. Signed Hideyuki, on the back of Shoki, right below the himotoshi. Netsuke measures 1.02 inches (2.8cm) wide, and 2.38 inches (6.0cm) tall.

This is a contemporary, excellently carved polychrome netsuke depicting a standing Goddess Benzaiten, also know as Benten, the only female member of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, who is known as the Water Goddess, and Patroness of Music, Poetry and Learning. She is holding a Chrysanthemum flower on her right hand. Intricate detail and vivid colors characterize this wonderful miniature sculpture carved by Akihiro Zusuki, a netsuke artist currently living in Hokkaido, Japan. He is known for making extremely original designs using classical elements, such as this unique version of the Seven Gods of Fortune. Signed Akihiro on an oval reserve in the bottom of the netsuke. It measures 0.88 inches (2.2cm) wide, and 2.00 inches (5.1cm) tall. Netsuke is in outstanding condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

This is a contemporary, excellently carved carved polychrome netsuke depicting a standing Jurojin, one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, who is known as the god of longevity. He holds a staff with a sutra hanging from it on his right hand, and a fan on his left hand. Intricate detail and colors characterize this wonderful miniature sculpture carved by Akihiro Zusuki, a netsuke artist currently living in Hokkaido, Japan. He is known for making extremely original designs using classical elements, such as this unique version of the Seven Gods of Fortune. Signed Akihiro on an oval reserve in the back of the netsuke. It measures 1.05 inches (2.7cm) wide, and 2.05 inches (5.24cm) tall. Netsuke is in outstanding condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

This is a wonderful Netsuke Set depicting Kiyohime, the Dragon Witch, holding the Dojoji Bell, right next to her beloved Anchin. According to Japanese legend, Kiyohime the daughter of an innkeeper, fell in love with the pilgrim Anchin, but was rejected by him. The enraged Kiyohime turned herself into a dragon witch who went to the Dojoji temple to look for Anchin who had hidden under a huge bell. In this set, Anchin can be inserted into the bell, where he fits exactly, Photo number 3. This wonderful set was carved by the Contemporary carver Yoshio Sekisawa, who signs the name Hodo on his works. Netsuke measures 1.25 inches (3.2cm) in diameter, and 2.07 inches (5.3cm) tall. Anchin measures 0.66 inches (1.7cm) in diameter, and 0.96 inches (2.4cm) tall). Both pieces are held together by a cord that is tied in the middle with two small ojime. The set is in excellent condition.

Finely carved Japanese Netsuke Depicting a Kappa laying on top of a Shell. According to Karl Schwartz, in his book 'Netsuke Subjects', Kappa is a Goblin who lived in rivers, having a body resembling a frog with a carapace like a turtle. Its head is similar to that of a Monkey with a cavity on top which must always be filled with water. It is mischievous and is often in love with young girls. This wonderful miniature sculpture was carved by Tadami Uno Yukimasa, who was born in 1914 in Gifu City Japan. He goes by the names Yukimasa, Masatomo, and Tomoichi in his carvings. This piece bears his Masatomo signature on the bottom of the shell, near the himotoshi. Netsuke measures two inches (5.1cm) wide, 1.62 inches (4.1cm) deep, and 1.07 inches (2.7cm) tall. It is in excellent condition.