19th century netsuke in pillow manju (rice cake) shape depicting the upper part of a Nio (one of the Buddhist Guardian Kings) statue towering over a fence, vajra (Buddhist thunderbolt) clenched in his fist and his scarf billowing above him. The back is decorated with a children’s toy figure on a small spatula and leaves in flight among drifts of fog. Wonderful ferocious face, eyes are inlaid with black horn, hollowed inside, warm patina, pleasant wear...

19th century netsuke of a dog seated on a base, one of its front paws raised, and the bottom of the base carved as a stylized seal with 4 characters. Superbly carved, excellent depiction of its face, limbs and bumpy spine, perfectly executed keyfret design around the base, beautiful staining typical for the artist, wonderful wear and patina...

19th century netsuke in manju (rice cake) form carved in raised relief with a huge sake jar and a shojo leaning on its elbows as it reads a book, the back with a sunken relief carving of a ladle and a sake cup. Shojo are mythical creatures living near the sea, and are particularly fond of sake. Excellent face and lines of the robe, finely incised textile patterns and dripping glaze lines on the jar...

19th century metal and wood kagamibuta (mirror lid) netsuke. Patinated bronze top with inlaid and carved design of a Saizo dancer playing tsuzumi (a hand drum) by a pine sapling and with the moon partially obscured by cloud in the background. Saizo dancers are usually attending Manzai dancers during New Year celebrations. Wonderful quality inlays and detailing - see the ropes of the drum and a sword sticking out of his clothes, copper inlays and gilding. Beautiful patina on both metal and wood...

19th century wooden netsuke of a straw bundle containing eggplants for sale, two of them visible as the bundle is open on one side. Rarely depicted in netsuke, clever design, very nice patina. Length 2 9/16 inches.

19th century netsuke carved as a fox sitting on a base with 4-character seal bottom and scenes with lobsters and shells on the sides. This particular fox represents Inari - the benevolent and well disposed creature, being the messenger of the God of rice and harvest, as opposed to the other foxes, which in Japan are generally believed to be evil creatures. Enlargement 1 shows the seal flipped left to right presenting what the imprint of the seal will look like...

18th century netsuke of sennin (Chinese sage) standing with one foot raised, clad in tiger skin skirt and holding in his hands tassels that support a large woven straw hat on his back. Strong early piece with superb smiling face, beautiful flow to the lines of his skirt. Wonderful wear to the surface from more than 200 years of handling, beautiful yellow patina turning light honey color on the back from wear against the silk of kimono, old age lines...

Height: 2.9 cm (1.2 in)
Width: 2.9 cm (1.2 in)
Depth: 1.8 cm (0.8 in)

Fine Japanese ebony seal netsuke of a Shishi; intricate workmanship throughout; seal characters carved to base; excellent condition

Very unusual 19th century netsuke representing a bird in flight. It may be a swallow, but I am not sure. Wonderful spirited carving capturing the essence of the creature with its swiftness, beautiful face, eyes are double inlaid with horn, excellent depiction of different feathers. Great wear and patina, old age lines. Length 2 1/4 inches.

19th century marine netsuke in a form of a woven mat with a bunch of grapes with vines and leaves, and a snail exploring them. The piece is probably carved by a member of Asakusa school with characteristic detailing and staining. The netsuke is hollowed inside, so can be classified as ryusa type. Excellent carving, characteristic beautiful sheen to the surface, wonderful wear and patina. Length 1 1/2 inches.

19th century tall walrus tusk netsuke of standing Gama sennin (Chinese sage) with his usual companion - magic frog - climbing onto his head. Beautifully stylized carving with oversized hands, great face and beautiful flow of the robe. Old age lines, excellent patina, overall in great condition. Signed KOSHIN on the back - the artist is listed in NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, p. 676. Height 4 1/8 inches (103 mm).

Late 18th century netsuke of Rihaku seated leaning on a large wine jar with one hand and holding a wine cup in the other. Rihaku (Li Po in Chinese) was a celebrated, probably the most famous poet of China equally renown for his love of wine. Strong early carving, wonderful face and detailing of his clothes, of typical early triangular section. Wonderful feel of age, excellent patina. Height 1 1/8 inches.

A boxwood carving netsuke in a classic mushroom shape with very fine detailing.
Mushrooms are associated with the natural beauty of the forest. They are considered a good-luck symbol. Finding a mushroom is considered to be very lucky and means good fortune is at hand.
This netsuke has the signature mark of Yamada.

Provenance: The Avery Brundage Collection

Date: 19th C

Dimensions: 2" X 1.5" X 1.5"

An exceptional antique Japanese bowwood carved netsuke - the Yama Inu - a dog resting his paw on his masters scull. Protecting him in even past the point of death. Superstition related to the okuri(yama) inu are extremely old, and are found in all parts of Japan.
The meaning of the dog also speaks about patience, reliability, and obedience. It focuses on protection, guardianship, and service. The dog spirit animal is a noble animal...

Unusual 19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved as a kiseruzutsu - a tobacco pipe case. Simple and very clever design in Japanese taste, pleasant patina. Length 1 inch.

19th century good size angel skin coral ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) of simple ball shape. Rather unusual material, nice patina on the surface, few beautiful very slight pink areas. Diameter 5/8 inches.

19th century rock crystal ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in modified egg shape. Does not photograph well. All lines inside the material are not cracks, but natural features of the stone, pleasant patina on the surface. Length 1 inch.

19th century glass ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in ball shape with pink body and leaf and white cherry flowers. Beautiful surface, very pleasant patina, large central hole. Diameter 5/8 inches.