Late 19th to early 20th century wooden netsuke carved in a shape of a toy bear with red lacquer symbol on its back, which is an early pictograph representing the sun. Clever design, beautiful simplicity to the object, dense hardwood, eyes are inlaid, wonderful patina. Length 2.28 inches.

Edo Period, ca. early 1800s

This yatate, or traveler's pen case, is made of wrought brass, and has a long tube to hold the brush and a deep pot for the ink, which would have been saturated in a cotton wad. The lid snaps snugly over the pot to contain the ink, and a tab connected to the lid covers the end of the tube that contains the brush. A logo is inscribed on the tab in the form of a hiragana ya beneath a roof-shaped mark...

Japanese scholar's bronze water dropper in teapot form decorated with shishi dogs. In excellent condition with a wonderful warm patina that is sure to please, it measures 1.75" in diameter (2.25" across including spout) x 1.5" high (2" high with handle up).
Note: there is paper residue on the bottom from an old tag or label.

18th century Japanese sword iron tsuba made in a shape of two confronting SHU - Japanese flute instruments for use in Shinto ceremony and consisting of bamboo reeds forming a circular wind chamber. The lower parts of the flutes are inlaid with pine designs in gold. Very clever design in Japanese taste, wonderful quality inlay, some rusting as can be seen in photos, great feel of age. Height 2.85 inches (72.4 mm).

Small box and cover made of very thinly cut keyaki (Zelkova) wood, in oblong shape with rounded corners. The domed cover is decorated in black polished lacquer, black ishime lacquer, gold lacquer inlaid with small pieces of mother-of-pearl. An open folding fan wraps around the surface of the cover, continuing onto the sides, decorated with parting clouds, showing silhouettes of birds flying over waves.

Inside, the surface is covered in thin brown lacquer, allowing the wood grain to show...

19th century wooden netsuke depicting standing Hotei (one of the 7 Gods of Good Luck, also considered to be the incarnation of Maitreya - the Buddha of the future) with a peach in one hand, and the other hand resting on his voluminous belly. Nice quality carving - see his face with a slight smile and beautiful flow of his long robe. Wonderful wear and patina, very pleasant feel of age. Signed SHIGEKAZU on the back - the artist is listed on p...

18th century iron Japanese sword tsuba with inlaid brass decoration of rice plants with seeds and leaves. Essentially the piece is a wish for prosperity. Superbly elegant design, crisp metalwork, in great condition. Height 2.9 inches.

18th to early 19th century wooden netsuke of two standing Chinese scholars with a huge ball between them. Wood is lacquered in Negoro style - red lacquer over black, so as it wears the black and then wood starts showing, thus adding yet another color to the piece. Some remnants of gold lacquer in recessed areas as well. Very smart use of lacquering technique, beautiful wear to the surface, really nice feel of age to the piece. Height 1 1/2 inches.

19th century netsuke of a seated peasant woman having a snack as she takes a break from carrying a huge bag on her back. Nicely carved, wonderful face, beautifully carved and etched textile patterns. Old smoothed loss to the front of her right foot (does not take away from the sculptural quality of the piece), beautiful patina consistent with age. Signed RYOMIN on the bottom - the artist is Ono Ryomin III listed on p...

19th century Japanese wooden nyoi - a Buddhist scepter - with scrolling finial. Nyoi, or Ruyi scepter is a traditional symbol of scholarship and transmission of knowledge. Dense fruitwood with beautiful texture, simple elegant carving, wonderful patina to the surface from being handled, old ink spots in places, very pleasant to the touch. Great subtle piece for scholar’s table, or a practicing Buddhist. Length 12 1/4 inches.

19th century boxwood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of Buaku type. Wonderful quality detailed carving, lighter wood (probably ichii - Japanese yew wood), excellent staining and patina. The signature on the back bar appears to read GENRYO followed by kakihan (carved monogram) of the artist. Height 1 1/4 inches.

This wonderful Japanese banko nodder is somewhat unusual in that his head nods side to side rather than front to back like most nodders on the market. Dating circa 1880-1899, he was hand molded as evidenced by indentations and finger prints left by the artist on the inside of the bell/body. In excellent condition with the exception of one repair to the neck. At some point in his history, the weight broke in half and was re-attached. No other condition issues, no chips, cracks...

19th century netsuke representing theatrical mask of Shojo. Shojo are mythical creatures living near the sea, and are particularly fond of sake. Made in saishiki technique - the wood is covered with gesso, which in turn is painted in bright colors. Some obvious losses to paint from wear. Great modeling, wonderful depiction of its face and hair. Inscribed or signed on the back bar, but impossible to read because of paint losses . Height 1 1/2 inches.

19th century kokutan (ebony) netsuke representing a theatrical mask of horned demon Hannya. Wonderful crisp detailing, beautiful lustrous patina from wear. Height 1 15/16 inches.

Late Meiji / early Taisho miniature Japanese porcelain vase depicting a family of 3 egrets in different attitudes. Perfect potting, elegant shape, beautiful underglaze powder green ground, eyes and beaks of of the birds are done in underglaze blue, in perfect condition. Signed in underglaze blue SENPO SENO SEI (Made in Senpo’s pottery) on the bottom. Height 3 3/8 inches.

A large dish used for raw fish or shellfish (mukozuke) for the tea ceremony in which guests are served. It measures at 11.75” square x 2” high. This dish is designed in the traditional Japanese ascetic of simple brush strokes and relaxed design; such a dish was not intended for export and does not conform to the Western ascetic of gaudy and over crowded design. A true testament of genuine Japanese tradition. The plate dates to the late Meiji to early Tashio period (1900-20).

Finely painted Satsuma chatelaine with a silver backing and chain. The porcelain disks are tapered in size with the largest being iris, followed by a peacock, then butterflies, and finally a coiled dragon. The images are surrounded with cobalt blue and gold bands. This chatelaine could easily be made into a necklace. Measures 5.25" long with the largest tile a little under 1 inch diameter and the smallest being 1/2" diameter. Dates circa 1900.

Early 19th century bronze suigaraake (ashtray) netsuke in classic bowl shape, cloisonne outside and a swinging loop for hanging. Excellent early work in terms of Japanese cloisonne, functional netsuke shape, design of flowers among scrolling vines, matte finish, beautiful wear and patina, original pitting typical for the period. Diameter 1 3/4 inches.