This handsome Japanese boxwood netsuke in the shape of a skull bears the engraved two-character signature of “Ishikawa.” We believe it dates to the Meiji period (1868-1912). The carving is wonderfully detailed, depicting each individual tooth and the bone structure of the skull. This particular skull shape represents the Japanese Buddhist symbol of Yama, god of the dead.

CONDITION is excellent with appealing soft patina...

This exquisite diminutive inro is decorated on both sides with shimmering iridescent aogai (“blue-green shell”) inlay depicting peony blossoms and leaves interspersed with small pieces of gold foil inlay (kirigane) on a rich black roiro-nuri lacquer ground. Meiji period (1868-1912). Unsigned; black lacquer interior. Roiro is a technique using the highest quality black urushi lacquer, applied and polished in several layers. It is only used on the highest quality inro...

This simple four case black lacquer inro has a leathery sharkskin-like texture which is decorated with etched designs of scrolling vines (karakusa). Meiji period (1868-1912). Plain black lacquer interior. The ojime consists of a simple mottled turquoise glass bead. Inro are small Japanese containers made in several sections which are fitted on top of each other so perfectly that the joints are hardly noticeable. They required great skill to craft...

A fine embossed and polychromed leather tobacco pouch (“tobako-ire”) with large silver clasp (“kanemono”) depicting a karashishi with peony in relief. Late 19th century. The 10-strand brass chain, held together by a brass ojime-type fitting with relief work dragon, is fitted to a large kagamibuta (mirror lid) netsuke with a gilded silver top, also worked with a dragon in low relief, within an ivory colored manju...