Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with pink body and twisted ribbons forming a brocade pattern. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece, in perfect condition. Height 0.65 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with numerous white flowers. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece - see finely textured petals, in perfect condition. Height 0.64 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with two flowers on stems with prickly leaves - appear to be some species of a thistle. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece - see finely textured petals, in perfect condition. Height 0.76 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead of flattened ball shape with black body and 2 pairs of sunflower and face designs. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece, in perfect condition. Diameter 0.81 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with bright red flowers floating in a stream, fine gols foil flakes background. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece - see finely textured petals, in perfect condition. Height 0.64 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead of flattened ball shape with inlays of a butterfly and cherry flowers. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece, in perfect condition. Diameter 0.78 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with cherry red body and 2 clusters of white flowers and beautiful ribbed leaves. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece - see finely textured petals and yellow centers of the flowers and fine structures of the leaves, in perfect condition. Height 0.65 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with numerous cherry flowers and a crescent moon, silver foil flakes background. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece - see finely textured petals, in perfect condition. Height 0.64 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with black body and of numerous white flowers and beautiful ribbed leaves. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece - see finely textured petals and yellow centers of the flowers and fine structures of the leaves, in perfect condition. Height 0.6 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with milky white body and multicolor brocade pattern. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece, in perfect condition. Height 0.68 inches.

Late Meiji to early Taisho (1920s) Japanese Kutani porcelain obidome (sash ornament) with enamel decoration of various flowers. 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. Nice design, good quality painting with gold and other enamels, bar on the back for an obi cord, pleasant patina. Marked on the back bar with 2 characters reading KUTANI. Length 1.7 inches.

Vintage Japanese Komai metal obidome (sash ornament) with gold decoration of chrysanthemum flowers. 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. Nice design, superb quality crisp metalwork, two fittings for a cord on the back. Length 2.08 inches.

Vintage Japanese glass obidome (sash ornament) with complex interwoven red, black and white streaks resembling kelp strands.. 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 crisp work, very pleasant to hold. Length 0.88 inches.

Unusual vintage Japanese wooden obidome (sash ornament) carved as a peony flower with leaves resting on an open fan. 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 sharp carving, beautiful painted highlights, very pleasant to handle. Signed on the back with a kakihan (carved monogram) of the artist. Length 3.1 inches.

Bonhams sale catalog THE BLUETTE H. KIRCHHOFF COLLECTION OF NETSUKE AND SAGEMONO that took place in New York on September 16, 2009. Soft covers, 276 lots described and illustrated in color, excellent reference book, in great condition.

Vintage Japanese sunburst jasper obidome (sash ornament). 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. Nice stone, natural lines in the material, beautiful finish, very pleasant to handle. Brass frame with two fittings on the back for a cord. Length 1.6 inches.

Japanese glass obidome (sash ornament) with flowers floating on a stream with air bubbles and silver foil flakes. 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. Nice design, wonderful quality glasswork, very pleasant to hold. Length 0.88 inches.

Contemporary Japanese glass obidome (sash ornament) with multiple rods depicting various flowers. 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. Beautiful design, superb quality glasswork, very pleasant finish. Metal fixture with two loops on the back for an obi cord. Diameter 1.07 inches.