Japanese ivory netsuke depicting the Buddha's Hand or Fingered cedar among the leaves, a scented ornamental citrus fruit, a very important symbol in Buddhism, in the shape of a hand, originating from China and Japan where it is grown for religious purposes. The surface of the netsuke precisely reproduces the natural texture of the fruit, which is not smooth but characterized by roughness and pores. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 5.2×2.3×2.5 cm. Stat...

19th century Japanese cherry bark tobakoire (tobacco box, and a form of 1-compartment inro) overlaid with lacquered wood netsuke in a shape of giboshi (a bridge post finial) and a natural fruit pit carved with 2 scenes of scholars. Wonderful object with clean lines made in traditional kabazaiku technique developed in Akita Prefecture 250 years ago and emphasizing cherry bark either silk texture or metal-like luster and its rich variety of brown colors...

Late 18th to early 19th century glass ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in ball shape with blue body and decoration of blue in white elongated reserves. Beautifully made, wonderful feel of age, very pleasant patina. Diameter 0.8 Inches.

Height: 4 cm (1.6 in)
Width: 5.8 cm (2.3 in)
Depth: 3.6 cm (1.4 in)

Excellent Japanese carved netsuke of Daikokuten pouring Fukurokuju sake; fine carving throughout showing superb detailing; natural material; a piece by the hard-to-find artist, Masayuki; good condition

Height: 3.4 cm (1.4 in)
Width: 3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Depth: 1.9 cm (0.8 in)

Quality Japanese carved netsuke of a dog resting on a bag; natural material; excellent patina; well- placed himatoshi; good condition

Late Meiji to early Taisho (1910s) Japanese boxwood okimono of a sleeping monk. The subject is a metaphor for a failure to reach enlightenment - instead of seeking and understanding the profound power of Buddha’s teaching the monk falls asleep. Nicely carved, wonderful tranquil face, pleasant patina. Signed YOSHIHISA on the bottom - for information on the artist see NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, p. 1232. Height 2 inches.

Late Meiji (1890s to 1910s) Japanese pink coral obidome (sash ornament) with carved decoration of a blooming rose. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, it is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions, and could serve as netsuke as well. Clever design, wonderful carving, very beautiful natural coral, nice finish and patina. Metal fixture with two loops on the back for an obi cord (marked 14K, but looks like nickel plated brass...

19th century marine material ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in ball shape carved in medium relief with a kneeling maid presenting a gift to a standing samurai armed with a sword, long bow and quiver with arrows, all under a pine tree and with a thatched roof hut and a woven fence on the background. The appearance of the samurai figure suggests that he's a Yabusame Archer...

19th century smallish (probably made for a child) mask netsuke of Okame. Wonderful chubby face with a wide smile, black ink highlights, very nice wear and patina. Signed on the back - the signature appears to read ROSUI. Height 1.19 inches.

1920s chosen matsu (Korean pine wood) netsuke of a rooster. Perfectly captured essence of the creature, carved in characteristic Hida school style with clever use of wood colors and structure to add to the charm of the piece. Excellent sense of volume, eyes are inlaid with black horn, beautiful patina. Length 1.76 inches.

19th century bronze netsuke in a shape of a double gourd. Nicely made, very pleasant brown patina, swinging loop around its waist for hanging. Fixed brass stopper to its neck. Length 2.21 inches.

Height: 3.9 cm (1.5 in)
Width: 2.3 cm (0.9 in)
Depth: 3.7 cm (1.4 in)

Quality Japanese netsuke of a seated monkey eating a peach and grasping another in his feet; natural material; excellent hair work and stained scrimmed clothing; signed on a polished reserve, Masanao; good condition

Height: 3.4 cm (1.3 in)
Width: 3.9 cm (1.5 in)
Depth: 3.5 cm (1.3 in)

Fine Japanese carved netsuke of a father and child, the child holding a dragon fly; excellent carving throughout; natural material; the stained scrim-work particularly detailed; the extraordinary base work includes an oval panel with the signature, Gyokusai; good condition

1920s good size chosen matsu (Korean pine wood) netsuke of himono (dried fish). Well captured essence of the object, carved in characteristic Hida school style with clever use of wood color and structure to add to the charm of the piece. Excellent sense of volume, beautiful patina. Length 4.9 inches.

19th century ichii (yew wood) netsuke of a resting wild boar, its head raised. Skillfully carved out of chosen matsu (Korean pine wood) in characteristic Hida school ittobori (one cut) style with clever use of wood texture to represent the creature’s fur and add to the charm of the piece. For similar examples see Bushell’s NETSUKE FAMILIAR AND UNFAMILIAR, p. 128. Excellent rendition of its alert posture, wonderful mellow patina. Length 1.96 inches.

Unusual late Meiji period (1890s -1912) wooden sashi netsuke in a form of a pillar, its top carved as a face of the Zen Patriarch Daruma wearing monk’s cape. Wonderful face with severe expression, carved out of chosen matsu (Korean pine wood) in ittobori (one cut) style characteristic of Hida school of netsuke carvers, eyes are inlaid with metal. Himotoshi (cord opening) goes through the bottom to the back of the netsuke. Beautiful patina, very pleasant to hold. Height 4.2 inches.

19th century netsuke in button form carved out of the coronet part of a deer antler. Strong early piece, nicely chunky, beautiful staining, warm patina, natural blemishes as is usual with staghorn, which make it so attractive. Wonderful tactile object. Average diameter 2.15 inches.

Lacquered wood netsuke depicting the Kyōgen theater mask of a monkey (saru), very recurring in traditional Japanese theater. The mask is characterized by the typical physiognomy of the monkey, with large fixed eyes and an open mouth, of a lacquered red colour. The netsuke is signed Deme Saman 出目左滿. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 4 x 2.9 x 2.2cm. State of conservation: Very good