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.

19th century netsuke of a recumbent goat, its head lowered as it scratches its haunch with one horn. Perfectly captured essence of the creature, wonderful carving of its face and rich fur. Eyes inlaid with amber, himotoshi formed by its hind leg. Very beautiful wear and patina, old stable age lines. Signed RANGYOKU in oval reserve on the bottom - the artist is listed on p. 1148 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Formerly in Edward H...

19th century netsuke in kagamibuta (“mirror lid”) shape, the top carved with phoenix (the symbol of the Empress) in flight - a motif often seen on textiles. Excellent delicate work, great depiction of differentiated feathers, eye inlaid with dark horn. Beautiful patina, compressed dust in crevices, nice old wooden bowl, old silk cord. Bowl diameter 1.74 inches.

Japanese Bronze Shrine or Temple Bell with attached long rope, 19th century, 5" high, 4 1/2" wide for Bell only, pellet is inside and ring nicely, in original old condition.

Late 19th century boxwood netsuke of a seated puppy. Very nicely carved, great depiction of its chubby body and pensive facial expression. Very pleasant wear and patina, old stable shrinkage lines as seen on photos. Length 1.45 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of Usofuki with characteristically pursed lips. Crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, great patina. some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.18 inches.

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 wooden netsuke of sitting Okame snickering as she fondles a long stem of a mushroom in her hand. The netsuke is definitely of shunga type with not so subtle sexual connotation. Wonderfully carved (see her endearingly ugly face, hair arrangement and flowing lines of her kimono), beautiful patina, little nicks here and there. Height 1 13/16 inches.

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 Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of 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 ferocious face, long lower jaw resulting in wide open mouth, great patina. Crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p...

Height: 2.9cm (1.2 in)
Length: 4.6cm (1.8 in)
Depth: 2.5cm (1.0 in)

Japanese ebony clams dream / breath netsuke; dwellings and individuals carved inside the larger clam; very fine; good condition and old patina

19th century ichii (yew wood) netsuke of a theatrical mask of an oni - a mischievous demon. Cleverly carved in ittobori (one-cut) style characteristic of Hida school, wonderful depiction of its bushy eyebrows and toothy grin. Wonderful patina and beautiful sheen to the surface. Signed SUKEYOSHI on the back bar - the artist is listed on p. 1051 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick, and was a student of Sukenaga. Height 1 9/16 inches.

19th century boxwood netsuke of a standing blind masseur leaning on his staff and with both of his feet on one geta (clog sandal) while he is pulling out a large rock lodged in the base of his other geta. Rather unusual subject, the character easily recognizable by a habitual bump on his head and oversized blind eye inlaid with horn. Perfectly captured mood of the scene, great detailing of his face and clothing, rich warm patina with beautiful staining, in excellent condition...

19th century kagamibuta (“mirror lid”) netsuke with bronze top depicting a not-so-repentant oni with a Buddhist gong striker in one hand and a votive plaque in the other as it prostrates himself to serve as a stepping stool for a beautiful maiden who is trying to reach a branch of flowering wisteria. A subtle shunga piece alluding to a good intention and a worldly temptation ruining the attempt. Excellent quality work with copper inlays and gilding. Old turned bowl with one stabilized crack...

Mid-19th century wooden netsuke of a rat catcher trying to trap a rat on top of goban (Go board) with a box, but his charge escaping and climbing on the clothes of the man. Superb carving with great face, excellent rendition of his muscles. Beautiful patina, fantastic sheen to the surface, obvious wear. Signed MASAKATA on the bottom - the artist is listed on p. 706 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Strong piece, wonderful feel of age...

1900's Japanese Satsuma Box with Flower

It is 5.5 inches (14 cm) tall by 7.2 inches (18.3 cm) wide. It is 4.8 Lb.

It has been repaired at the flower finial (glued back) and has rubbing of gold and paint, skip glazes, chips at the leaves at the finial, hairline cracks, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

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Height: 2.5 cm (1 in)
Width: 3.5 cm (1.4 in)

This marine material netsuke of a shishi dog has a wonderful aged patina. Showing inlaid horn eyes and some tight age lines, this piece is in wonderful condition with no chips, cracks or restoration.

19th century wooden netsuke of hibachi (portable charcoal-burning brazier) on 3 low legs and filled with short pieces of wood and charcoals. Unusual and clever subject in Japanese taste, perfectly caught “wabi-sabi” essence of the object with its elegant simplicity. Beautiful carving, wonderful depiction of wood structures in the logs, excellent wear and patina...