The elephant is made of hard enameled porcelain, the artist modeled it with care, it is very likely that it was created using several molds. It carries on its back a vase which serves as a receptacle for incense. The statuette is hollow, vents to evacuate gases during cooking were discreetly made under the ears. Examining the underside we can see the shrinkage slots in the porcelain, which could have broken during firing...

Original large antique Japanese jizai, used for suspending a kettle over a fire to boil water. Made of solid Keyaki (elm) wood, carved in a hooked style, and topped with an iron hook for hanging.

Edo Period

Dimensions: 17.5" x 5" x 20" H

An antique Japanese scholar's table made of Kokutan (Ebony) and Bamboo. Beautiful original Urushi lacquer finish and constructed using Japanese joinery for strength and durability. Beaded Ebony contains the Bamboo that decorates the stand and leg structure creating an elegant refined presentation. The stand has beautiful negative cutouts on the apron front and back...

Rather unusual decent size 19th century staghorn netsuke of a horse appearing from a dried gourd that has a rope tied around its waist. According to a Japanese legend Chokwaro sennin (Chinese sage) could summon the magic horse out of his gourd to be transported wherever he wanted. Cleverly and elegantly carved piece with great face, mane and front legs...

Spectacular Toyokuni Tryptich c.1850 of 3 samurai guards of an imperial palanquin. Colors and facial expressions of these Kabuki actors superb. Excellent condition and framed. No urauchi. Publishers and all info. available. In our US warehouse. Ask for shipping quote.

19th century netsuke of half of a mokugye - a Buddhist gong in a shape of a fish with its head touching its tail, and a curled lotus leaf with a stem resting on the gong. Unusual combination of Buddhist symbols, great carving of fins and scales, leaf texture, eyes of the fish are inlaid with black horn. Expertly stained, beautiful warm patina with wonderful wear. Excellent netsuke. Length 1 3/16 inches.

19th century ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved as seated shishi with its mouth open and containing a small ball, and its front paw on a large rock. Very nice carving - see its ferocious face, mane and ribs. Beautiful wear, wonderful warm patina, in excellent condition. Height 3/4 inches.

A rare antique Japanese Chobako (merchant desk) made entirely of Hinoki (Cypress) wood. All original patina and hand forged iron hardware including the Kakute and Warabite style handles. The front features opposing hinged security doors with 2 left drawer and 3 right drawers with a set of larger 3 drawers in between. The top has 3 hinged doors, one that housed the inkstone, one that kept the ink for the family seal and one large storage compartment...

A scarce and nicely formed bronze netsuke. The sculptural group depicts festival musicians playing a Taiko drum and Shinobue flute - the drum player with mask pulled back. Nicely detailed, down to the fingers and expressions of the musicians. The himotoshi is formed by the extended arm of one figure supporting the figure atop the Taiko. Edo period, 19th century. Good condition with rich, natural patina. Height, 1 5/8 inches

19th century wooden netsuke of two frogs frolicking on differently sized peony buds with stems. Wonderfull quality carving (see finely incised petals texture) carved, very beautiful warm patina. Signed GYOKUSEKI on the bottom - there is Gyokuseki listed on p. 428 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, but this is much better quality carving than his usual work, probably a different carver with the same name. Length 2 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of BUAKU used for demonic roles such as Kaminari, Emma-O or any nameless demon or scary devil. Uncommon image, excellent intense face, great patina. Crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.05 inches.

A Japanese boxwood netsuke depicting Shojo crouched in a typical posture, with his hand resting on his knee, while sleeping from the effects of too much sake, the kimono is finely carved with geometric motifs as well as the long hair on the back. Similar examples of the Nagoya carvers are illustrated in Meinertzhagen, MCI, p.844, Davey, MTH, p.189, no.570 and Lazarnick, NIA, p. .1063. Edo period 19th century Sizes: 3,3 x 2,7 x 2,6 cm. Condition report: Good condition

19th century ebony netsuke of a crouching rat with its young climbing on mother’s back. Wonderfully captured interaction, superb detailed carving, very beautiful patina, in excellent condition. Length 2.51 inches.

19th century netsuke carved as a cluster of 9 theatrical masks, most probably all from the same play. Excellent carving, great faces, beautiful staining. Hollowed inside in the manner of ryusa netsuke, wonderful wear and patina.. Length 1 11/16 inches.

Length: 4.8 cm (1.9 in)
Height: 3.6 cm (1.4 in)
Depth: 3.2 cm (1.3 in)

Fine and rare Japanese carved netsuke of a reclining horse; natural material; superb hair work and patina; signed Masatomo on a rectangular reserve; good condition

Boxwood netsuke in the shape of a trunk, based on the ikebana stand.

In the floral art of ikebana, the flower holder (kenzan) is placed in the base. The flower stems are planted on in. Sometimes a support of this shape is used as decoration, with the flower holder placed inside.

Japan – Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th century
Width: 1.6 in (4 cm) – depth: 1.2 in (3 cm) – height: 0.4 in (1.7 cm)