19th century Japanese silver obidome (sash ornament) realistically made in a shape of a luxurious chrysanthemum flower. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, and is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions. I did not test the metal, but am absolutely sure that it is silver, which in Japan was usually 925 or 950 purity. Very clever design, excellent detailing, metal fixture with two loops on the back for an obi cord, in great condition...

An ivory okimono, carved from a single block, depicting a hunter accompanied by an onagadori rooster and a child with a net in his hand. Yukiharu 之晴 signature in relief seal under the base within a rectangular reserve in red lacquer. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 29 x 7.5 x 6 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Ivory netsuke of a craftsman making a bucket.

Signature below, the first unidentified character : ?光.

Japan – Late Edo period (1603-1868) ou Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th century – ?光
Width: 1.2 in (3.8 cm) – depth: 1.2 in (3.7 cm) – height: 1.2 in (3.8 cm)

Ivory netsuke of a craftsman with a fan. Near the holes reserved for the rope (himotoshi), maple leaves.

Signed below, the first character unidentified: ?夫 .

Japan – Late Edo period (1603-1868) or Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th century – ?夫
Width: 1.9 in (5 cm) – depth: 1.6 in (4.5 cm) – hauteur : 1.6 in (4.2 cm)

Boxwood netsuke of two chestnuts, one smaller on top of the larger.

Chestnuts, found all over Japan, are considered a symbol of victory and a good omen.

Japan – Meiji era (1868-1912)
Width: 2 cm (5 cm) – depth: 0.8 in (2.8 cm) – height: 1.6 in (4 cm)

Ivory netsuke of a guardian lion, komainu in Japanese or shishi in Chinese, with golden eyes. Resting on its front paws, its head is turned backwards on a four-lobed base.
The komainu is inspired by the Chinese guardian lion shishi, which dates back to the Tang dynasty (581-618)...

Height: 4.8 cm (1.9 in)
Width: 2.8 cm (1.2 in)
Depth: 2 cm (0.7 in)

Japanese carved netsuke of an Oni carrying Okame on his shoulders; fine details throughout; natural material; lacquer tablet on the base; good condition

Boxwood netsuke depicting a snake wrapping around a pumpkin. The snake is a symbol often associated with rebirth, transformation while the pumpkin is a symbol of fertility, abundance and prosperity in Japanese tradition. Signed Yoshimasa (吉正) under the pumpkin in “ukibori”. For similar netsuke see the Katchen collection, published N7, vol.2, p.31, no.K329. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century. Dimensions: 3 x 3.5 x 3.3 cm. State of conservation: Very good

19th century Japanese mixed metal obidome (sash ornament) in a form of an egret and a crow resting on a fisherman’s boat. 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. Excellent design, superb quality work, wonderful quality patinas and gilding, some wear as to be expected...

An ivory netsuke depicting Chinnan Sennin, an immortal hermit sage from Japanese mythology, with a serene smile as he controls the dragon Ryu. This representation is of important dimensions. Ivory, with its colour, shine and patina, enhances the engraving. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century. Dimensions: 8.7 x 3.5 x 2.5 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Boxwood netsuke depicting a toad resting on an upside-down sandal (waraji), with horned eyes. Signed Masanao on a rectangular gusset in the center of the sandal. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century. Dimensions: 3.4 x 3 x 2.5 cm. State of conservation: Very good

A boxwood netsuke depicting a monkey trying to catch a turtle, which retracts its head and legs inside the carapace. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century. Dimensions: 3.4 x 3 x 2.5 cm. State of conservation: Very good

An ivory netsuke depicting the samurai warrior Sato Tadanobu, who saved the life of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Tadanobu is depicted with the goban board under his feet and his right hand behind his head ready to throw the container of pieces, the goke. He signs engraved under the foot and himotoshi on the back. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century. Dimensions: 4.5 x 2.5 x 1.8 cm. State of conservation: Very good

An ivory netsuke depicting a mouse with horned eyes and head turned backwards, crouching on an overturned candle while the wax flows. Origin: Japan Period: Edo late 18th century Dimensions: 3.4 x 5 x 2 cm. State of conservation: Very good

An ivory netsuke depicting an Oni and a Kappa on a giant lotus leaf. The sculpture captures the moment in which the Oni cunningly pulls the thread to prank the Kappa and steal the cucumber he is holding in his hands. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 2 x 4 x 4.5 cm. State of conservation: Very good

A boxwood netsuke depicting a snake coiled around itself. Signature engraved under the base. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji late 19th century. Dimensions: 4 x 3.5 x 2 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Netsuke – Lovely wooden model carved by Sukeyuki representing a Shishimaï dancer. Dancer depicted seated with only legs visible beneath his wide cloak and lion mask. Signed under the base. Height 4 cm. Japan Edo (1603-1868) 19th Century

Ivory netsuke depicting a monkey skillfully grasping and riding the legendary earthquake fish Namazu, an imposing catfish-like creature with an eel-like body, which was believed to cause earthquakes with its movement. The famous Kadori Myojin is represented by a monkey...