19th century buffalo horn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in a shape of a ginkgo leaf with stem. Elegant design in Japanese taste, clever use of light and dark colored horn, nice patina. Length 11/16 inches.

19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in a shape of a decaying skull. Wonderful carving, beautiful patina on the surface, in excellent condition. Length 5/8 inches.

19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved as a head of an octopus with thoroughly useless scarf tied around its forehead (usually those scarves are used by workmen to keep the sweat out of their eyes). Great humorous design, wonderful face, natural imperfections in staghorn, compressed dust on the surface, in great condition, signed HAKUSHO on the back. Height 11/16 inches. Wooden stand used for photography is not included.

19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in a shape of a man’s face, his mouth open in an incredibly wide yawn. Good design, nice patina on the surface, natural imperfections in staghorn, in excellent condition. Height 11/16 inches. Wooden stand used for photography is not included.

19th century ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in drum shape body made out of dark hardwood and staghorn, and a functioning compass on top. Very pleasant patina, in excellent condition. Diameter 5/8 inches. Wooden stand used for photography is not included.

19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in a shape of a pomegranate with leaves, part of its skin removed and revealing seeds inside. Good design, beautiful patina, in excellent condition. Height 11/16 inches. Wooden stand used for photography is not included.

19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in a shape of Hyottoko (perplexed peasant) mask. Good design, nice wear, in great condition, signed HAKUSHO on the back. Diameter 9/16 inches. Wooden stand used for photography is not included.

19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved as Zen Buddhism patriarch Daruma enveloped in his monastic robe. Excellent face with expression of extreme concentration, superb warm patina, very pleasing shape. Height 11/16 inches. Wooden stand used for photography is not included.

19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in a shape of a hut with thatched roof, signed HAKUSHO on the back. Good design, very nice wear, overall in great condition. Height 9/16 inches.

19th century lacquer ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) of ball shape carved with 5 hexagonal reserves, 3 with different wave patterns and 2 with geometric ones. Wonderful work, beautiful design, metal liner to the central hole. Height 5/8 inches.

19th century boxwood netsuke of a blind masseuse working on a client. The masseur has a typical bump on his head, as is usual with portrayal of blind in netsuke. Wonderful carving with great faces, muscles of the client and excellent depiction of textile lines, rich warm patina. Signed NOBUFUSA on the bottom - the artist is listed on p. 834 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Height 1 1/8 inches.

19th century boxwood netsuke of a turtle with its young perched on its back. Very good carving, beautiful rhythm to the plastrons of their carapaces, wonderful depiction of leathery skin texture, excellent wear and patina. Length 1 11/16 inches.

19th century boxwood netsuke depicting a playful puppy about to climb onto a back of its sibling. Wonderful sculpture, great rendition of their chubby bodies giving volume to the piece, excellent faces with horn inlaid eyes, delicately incised whiskers. Beautifully stained, superb wear and patina. Height 1 7/16 inches.

19th century boxwood netsuke of a reclining deer with its head turned back, hooves bent beneath its body. Perfectly captured moment, wonderful sense of volume, excellent texture of its coat, beautiful patina. Length 1 3/4 inches.

Length: 2.9 cm (1.2 in)
Height: 4 cm (1.7 in)
Depth: 1.9 cm (0.8 in)

Fine early Japanese carved netsuke of a man riding on a Shi Shi dog; excellent old patina on natural material; some expected wear; good condition

19th century boxwood netsuke of snickering Hotei covering his mouth with an open fan and holding kakhara in the other. Kakhara is an implement for a wandering monk or pilgrim a Buddhist rattle to scare off small creatures like snakes and insects, and thus prevent the carrier from stepping on them. Hotei is one of the 7 Gods of Good Luck and is considered an incarnation of Maitreya - the Buddha of the future...

19th century Japanese tobacco pipe consisting of a bamboo/reed stem and 2 metal parts each depicting Zen Buddhism patriarch Daruma enveloped in his robe. Bronze with beautiful copper colored patina, smoking part with characteristic small bowl (Japanese used finely shredded tobacco, and usually made just 2-3 puffs) and mouthpiece are made of paktong - an alloy made of copper, nickel and zinc used in Japan (sometimes called white bronze)...

19th century Japanese bronze / brass tobacco pipe with flattened body inscribed with a lengthy poem on one side and 4 characters on the other. Smoking end has characteristic small bowl - Japanese used finely shredded tobacco and usually made just 2-3 puffs...

19th century Japanese Asakusa school staghorn kiseruzutsu - tobacco pipe holder - carved in a shape of a stem of Fungus of Immortality with five fungus heads. Could serve as nyoi, or Ruyi scepter - traditional symbol of scholarship and transmission of knowledge. Elegant carving, excellent rendition of fungus head textures, superb staining typical for the Asakusa School pieces. Very clever design, excellent wear and patina on the surface. Length 7 1/2 inches.

19th century Japanese Asakusa school staghorn kiseruzutsu - tobacco pipe case - carved with a scholarly landscape with a temple among hills and rocks by a pine tree, and a village in the distance. Clever carving incorporating porous texture of its center as element of design, nicely chunky. Beautiful wear and patina, in great condition. Length 8 inches.

19th century Japanese Asakusa school staghorn kiseruzutsu - tobacco pipe case - carved with a mountainous landscape and figures of Kanzan reading an open scroll and Jittoku leaning on his broom. According to a legend, Kanzan and Jittoku lived in a kitchen of a Chinese Zen Buddhist monastery and talked nonsensical language, which some took as a sign of them being enlightened. Very clever carving incorporating outer texture of the antler and porous nature of its center as elements of design...

Late Meiji / early Taisho period (1910s) Japanese kiseruzutsu - tobacco pipe holder - made out of a section of bamboo stem. Carved in shallow relief with Kanon - the Boddhisattva of Compassion - seated on grass covered rockery over a stream. Wonderful tranquil face, excellent use of katakiribori - carving technique recreating the brush strokes used in sumi ink painting. Inscribed with a lengthy poem at the top...

19th century Japanese Asakusa school staghorn kiseruzutsu - tobacco pipe case - of elegant simple shape with medium relief carving of a jar containg an ikebana arrangement with lotus leaf and 2 different flowers, channel for hanging carved under the upper flower. Excellent carving and etching, beautiful wear and patina, clever use of outer texture of the antler as element of design, in great condition. Length 8 inches.

19th century Japanese Asakusa school staghorn kiseruzutsu - tobacco pipe case - carved with the Monkey King with a bamboo stick in his hand standing under a pine tree and looking at two monkey warriors also armed with poles. Clever carving incorporating outer texture of the antler and porous nature of its center as elements of design. Beautiful wear and patina, two holes on the sides appear to be original. Length 7 7/8 inches.

19th century Japanese kiseruzutsu - tobacco pipe holder. The material of the object is polished branch of umimatsu - in Japanese it literally means SEA PINE, and describes species of black coral with dense texture, concentric growth rings, and amber colored inclusions in the black material. Very simple elegant shape, nicely fat and heavy, wonderful patina and sheen to the surface. Great dignified piece, unusual material, very pleasant to the touch. Length 8 5/8 inches.

19th century Japanese kiseruzutsu - tobacco pipe holder - carved out of a section of stag antler. Very clever use of natural skin texture and color to represent an old rotting pine log with its peeling bark. Two holes in the upper back part for hanging. Elegant piece in Japanese taste, excellent patina, in perfect condition. Length 8 1/2 inches.

19th century wooden kiseruzutsu - Japanese tobacco pipe holder carved in a shape of a stem Fungus of Immortality with 2 heads. Very nice carving, clever design, himotoshi is formed by natural opening between stems, pleasant wear and patina on the surface. Length 8 inches.

Length: 3.8 cm (1.7 in)
Height: 3.2 cm (1.3 in)
Depth: 3 cm (1.2 in)

Japanese carved netsuke of a boy crouching over and holding a large peach; natural material; very well-modelled; good condition

19th century boxwood netsuke of sitting Tanuki (badger) beating on his extended belly as on a drum. In Japanese folklore tanuki is a notorious trickster: he drums with his paws on his large belly (tanuki no hara tsuzumi), imitating the sounding of gongs in temples and inns, and leading tired travelers astray in the darkness. Superbly carved, excellent depiction of its face, teeth and fur, great sense of volume. Eyes are double inlaid with bronze and shakudo...

Good size early 19th century boxwood netsuke of Gama sennin standing with one foot raised while his usual companion - a toad - is climbing onto his left shoulder - apparently much more rare version, as the creature usually seem to prefer the right one. Excellent depiction of sennin’s face with a touch of madness, flowing lines of his robe, leaf skirt and cape. Very cleverly done himotoshi (through the right sleeve to his back), old replacement to the top part of his staff...

Early 19th century ebony netsuke of two monkeys in a sumo wrestling match. Excellent carving perfectly capturing dynamic postures, great faces, superb patina, very pleasant to hold. Height 1 13/16 inches.

18th century decent size wooden netsuke of standing sennin Chochu enveloped in his robe and holding his most important attribute - a hossu (fly whisk) - across his shoulder. Rare subject, wonderfully captured facial expression, beautiful flowing lines of the robe, superb sense of volume. Well balanced - stands on its own on a flat surface. Very cleverly done himotoshi (through the right sleeve to his back), superb patina. Excellent netsuke. Height 3 3/4 inches (96 mm).

19th century Japanese tsuishu (cinnabar lacquer) netsuke, the front with a scene of a scholar reading a book by a low table under a pine tree with a view of a distant mountain. The back is carved with a scholar walking in a garden among trees and flowers. Both scenes have finely carved various brocade patterned backgrounds. Two parts fit snugly by joining and twisting them, metal fitting inside the front part with tied himotoshi cord. Superb crisp carving, in excellent condition...

19th century netsuke of a Manchurian crane in flight. Wonderfully caught image, compact design, superb rendition of his leathery legs, excellent head with double inlaid horn eyes. Excellent depiction of its feathers, beautiful patina. Signed MASATOSHI on the bottom - for discussion of Isshinsai Masatoshi see NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, p. 735. Length 1 3/4 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

Unusual early 19th century large wooden netsuke of dried fish - probably salmon. Strong early carving with exaggerated rough features, beautiful dense fruitwood with superb patina, in great condition. Signed SHOJU TSUKURU (made by Shoju) on the back - carvers from the Shoju family are listed in NETSUKE by Neil Davey (p. 524, numbers 2451-2463). Judging by carving style the piece was probably carved by Shoju IX or Shoju X. Length 8 1/8 inches (20.6 cm).

19th century marine material netsuke of Hotei seated leaning on his bag , a boy in straw hat touching the sizeable belly of the monk. Hotei was supposedly a historical figure - a 10th century Chinese monk, who was very kind to children, and is worshipped as one of the 7 Gods of Good Fortune. Nicely carved, pleasant patina. Signed TOSHIKAZU on the bottom - the artist is listed in NETSUKE by Neil Davey (p. 543, number 3046). Length 2 inches.

Late Meiji wooden netsuke representing a theatrical mask of horned demon Namanari. The mask is mostly used in the play The Cursed Metal Head-Ring for the role of the wife who is crazed with jealosy beyond any possibility of redemption. Uncommon image, excellent mad facial expression. Cleverly carved out os soft evergreen wood in ittobori (one-cut) style characteristic of Hida school, colors and gold lacquer highlights, beautiful patina. Signed KYUNADA in ink on the back. Height 1 7/8 inches.

19th century small wooden netsuke (works as ojime as well) carved as seated Zen Patriarch Daruma enveloped in his monastic robe. According to a legend he had fallen into deep trance, and sat meditating without moving for 9 years, so his feet withered. Skillfully carved out of ichii (yew wood) in characteristic Hida school style with clever use of wood color and structure to add to the charm of the piece. Nice patina, in great condition. Height 13/16 inches.

Antique Japanese small netsuke (inro toggle) carved in the form of a rural house under a large pine tree. The 2 story house, which is visible from three sides has multiple windows and a tiny figure standing in one. The pine tree with exaggerated branches grows on the side of the house, it's branches curving over it's roof. Carved of bone.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1867)

Dimensions: 1 1/2" high x 2" long x 1" wide

A Japanese boxwood netsuke of a Shinto priest wearing the geta and holding an umbrella with his right hand and the lantern with the other. Edo period 18th century Sizes: 7,5 x 2,5 x 2 cm. Condition report: Good condition

Netsuké in wood by Kokeï A rabbit with its small forming netsuké carved in cherry wood by Kokei. There is no the two hole, the himotoshi is naturally formed by a leg. Unlike most netsuké bearing Kokei's signature which are fakes or plagiarisms, this one is from the artist, indeed the quality is excellent. Everything is good, the volumes, the precision of the carving, the expression of the animals and the feeling of life. The signature is under a back tab. Japan early 19th century...

Late 19th century wooden netsuke of Daruma (the founder of Zen Buddhism) enveloped in his monastic robe. The subject represents Daruma coming back from deep trance in which he sat meditating without moving for 9 years. Skillfully carved out of chosen matsu (Korean pine wood), the face is done in ittobori (one cut) style characteristic of Hida school of netsuke carvers with clever use of wood grain as element of design...

19th century netsuke carved as a group of four seals - two of simpler shapes, one in a shape of a natural lotus flower stem (the stem serving as himotoshi), and one with shishi finial...

A Japanese boxwood netsuke depicting the poet Ono No Komachi. Excellent fineness of the details of the carving to simulate the grain of the wood on her trunk where she is sitting leaning on her cane with her long hair partially covered by her hat, next to a bamboo container. Signature engraved within Keisai reserve. Meiji period 19th century Sizes: 2,9 x 4 x 2,2 cm. Condition report: Good condition

A boxwood netsuke of a toad on a wooden container. Excellent fineness of the details to simulate the grain of the wood and the toad skin. Meiji period 19th century Sizes: 3,3 x 2,5 x 2,6 cm. Condition report: Good condition

Early 19th century netsuke of two crabs crawling about a woven basket containing hamaguri (clams) with more shells thrown around it. Subtle elegant piece in Japanese taste of implied shunga character - clam shells customarily carry erotic connotations, and crabs seem to be aware of it. Beautifully carved, excellent detailing (see the legs and pincers of the crabs as well as clam and woven basket textures), great patina turning darker yellow on the bottom. Length 1 1/4 inches.

19th century marine material netsuke with engraved decoration of a crane taking off by pine saplings and mist. Very nice quality work, beautiful patina, characteristic marine sheen to the surface. Central peg with a horizontal hole in its back part serves as himotoshi. Length 2 3/16 inches.

Tenuki is depicted standing, his head covered by his huge scrotum. It is carved in a wood that seems to me to be cherry. The sculpture is simple and vigorous. The netsuké is ideally compact in shape. The patina of the wood is very old and beautiful. There is a 2 characters signature which I have not translated but can do on request. It is probably a well-known artist. I think beginning of 19°, but maybe before. Height: 55mm Very worn.

19th century netsuke of a baying stag with its head turned back, its upper front teeth bared. Elegant carving with pure clean lines, excellent hairwork, wonderful depiction of volume of the deer body and his antlers, eyes inlaid in black horn, beautiful patina. Himotoshi is formed by its feet. Wonderful sculpture. Height 1 3/4 inches.

18th century netsuke of a dog sitting on a tied bag. Strong early piece with nice patina, of characteristic 18th century triangular section, differently sized himotoshi consistent with age, wear to its muzzle, old age lines. Height 1 7/8 inches.

The immortal is powerfully carved in wood, probably cherry. Gama Sennin holds his stick in his hand and his toad on his shoulder. He is unusually tall. The sculpture is powerful, the folds of the dress are elegant and the expression is serene. Although Gama-Sennin is attested male there are rare examples of its female representation. The softness of the features make me think that this would be a woman. Although anonymous, it is the work of a good sculptor. Big size 105mm. Normal wear for a ce...

Late 18th to early 19th century Kyoto school netsuke of a puppy wearing a cloth collar, playing with an abalone shell. Strong early piece with amazingly lifelike facial expression and wonderful fur texture worn on protruding parts. Pleasantly chunky, eyes are inlaid with black horn, old stable age lines, wonderful wear and patina turning honey color on the bottom. Deep himotoshi in accordance with the habit of the time. Excellent strong netsuke. Length 2 1/16 inches.

Early 19th century netsuke carved as a Japanese martial arts MEN (kendo helmet) resting on a DŌ (breast protector) surrounded by a pile of seashells. Unique subject, a bit of a zen puzzle waiting for an answer. The helmet with a metal grill (men-gane) is used to protect the face and has a series of hard leather and fabric flaps to protect the throat and sides of the neck and shoulders. Wonderful use of anabori (cavern carving) - the inside of the grill is hollowed and the folds of the flaps ca...

Unusual 19th century netsuke of a cloth Daruma doll with wonderful inquisitive face and a shaped opening on the back with anabori (cavern carving) of a palace with a procession of scholars crossing a bridge and pavilions in the back. The cavern is carved unusually deep, and pavilions in the back are very well defined, almost impossible to photograph properly. Excellent face with horn inlaid convex eyes, beautiful stippling defining the texture of its cloth body, wonderful functional shape. Great...

19th century netsuke of a Buddhist priest and famous 14th century poet Ikkyu seated next to a human skull and pointing at it as a reminder that all living things must ultimately die. Uncommon subject, wonderful smiling face, great depiction of the scull, nicely detailed (see the short Buddhist rosary around his right hand), beautiful wear and patina. Height 1 7/16 inches.

19th century netsuke of poet Hitomaro wearing his official coat and ritual hat, leaning on a low table thoughtfully contemplating the world as if seeking inspiration for one of his poems. Kakinomoto no Hitomaro was a famous poet and aristocrat of the late Asuka Period (7th/8th centuries), and is considered one of the Thirty Six Poetry Immortals of Japan. Wonderful carving with great intense face, excellent staining, wear and patina. Signed RYOKOSAI on the bottom - the artist is listed on p. 893 ...

18th century netsuke of an emaciated sennin seated on a base wearing a tattered robe and a leaf cape and holding a staff with a bundle of his possessions tied to its top, and with a dog affectionately leaning onto the man. The subject is Sennin Izenshun (Chinese Wei Shan-Chun), who took good care of a black dog that had come to his hermitage, and one day the dog turned into a dragon and took the sennin to heaven. Rare subject, wonderful quality early carving - see his face with a wide grin and d...

Height: 3 cm (1.2 in)
Width: 3.4 cm (1.3 in)
Depth: 2.2 cm (0.8 in)

Japanese wooden netsuke of a seated mask maker; shows a critical expression observing his work; excellent workmanship and form; signed Ryuraku, good condition

Height: 3.3 cm (1.3 cm)
Width: 3.3 cm (1.3 in)
Depth: 1.9 cm (0.7 in)

Japanese wooden netsuke of a seated nobleman holding his fan; excellent workmanship, patina and form; signed Masayuki; good condition