This is a contemporary, excellently carved carved polychrome netsuke depicting a standing Jurojin, one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, who is known as the god of longevity. He holds a staff with a sutra hanging from it on his right hand, and a fan on his left hand. Intricate detail and colors characterize this wonderful miniature sculpture carved by Akihiro Zusuki, a netsuke artist currently living in Hokkaido, Japan...

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.

Lot of 9 Sotheby’s catalogs from 1978 to 1983 relating to netsuke. Very good reference material, all in decent vintage condition, black and white photos, most of catalogs with prices realized.

Sotheby’s sale catalog FINE NETSUKE INRO AND LACQUER FROM THE ESTATE OF MADELYN HICKMOTT that took place in New York on February 8, 1989. Soft covers, 400 lots illustrated (some color, some black and white). Excellent reference book.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with rich multicolored ribbon core and four pink petaled flowers with yellow stamens. 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 the individual stamens and finely textured petals, in perfect condition. Height 0.8 inches.

Hardcover book “THE BAUR COLLECTION: NETSUKE” by Marie-Therese Coullery and Martin Newstead in perfect condition. This book is number 716 out of limited numbered edition of 1500. One of the world's most important collections of netsuke is richly illustrated in this definitive volume. Arranged by subject with general subject description followed by exact description and photo of each netsuke...

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.

Wooden okimono of a grinning skull by contemporary carver Brad Blakely (American, b. 1951). The piece represents a Nevadan Lovelock Cave Giant’s Skull, c. 1,000 A.D. Superbly quality carving, exquisite execution of details and textures, beautiful staining. Mountain mahogany & 14K gold reserve with the initial of the carver. Length 2.17 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.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with multicolored flowers and long scrolling vine. 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. Beautifully made piece - see the white veining of the vine and air bubbles at the center of each flower, in perfect condition. Height 0.75 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.

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.

Netsuke of a Chokwaro sennin horse appearing out of a gourd. According to a Japanese legend Chokwaro sennin (Chinese sage) could summon the magic horse out of his gourd to be transported wherever he wanted. Clever design, excellent carving with great detailing - see its face, mane and front legs with delicately carved hooves. Beautiful flawless material, excellent quality etching with black ink, wonderful patina...

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead of dark blue glass with flower shaped swirls of tan and white. 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. Very well made, in perfect condition. Height 9/16 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with white core and two birds on a long branch with leaves and 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 the individual petals and leaves, in perfect condition. Height 3/4 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.

Book NETSUKE: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY BASED ON THE M. T. HINDSON COLLECTION by Neal Davey, Faber & Faber, London, 1974. Hardcover, dust jacket, 564 pages, 12”x8.25”. Absolutely essential reference book with thorough descriptions and black and white photos of 1322 netsuke with some 300 actual signatures. Most valuable part is an index of 3425 known netsuke artists with their names in Japanese characters, type of work, time period and preferred medium...

Netsuke of standing Jurojin (one of the 7 Gods of happiness, usually associated with longevity) holding a scroll and a fan in his hands, with a reclining spotted deer (symbol of longevity) by his feet. Excellent carving - see the detailing of his face, incised fingernails, coat and spots of the deer. Great quality staining, beautiful patina. Signed SHINZAN on the bottom - for a brief discussion of the artist see CONTEMPORARY NETSUKE by Miriam Kinsey, p. 237. Height 2 1/16 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead representing Zen Buddhism Patriarch Daruma enveloped in blue robe with various 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. Exceptionally well made piece - see his face with expression of severe concentration and finely done minute flowers of different species, in perfect condition...

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 with nine yellow petaled flowers with orange stamens, leaves and 24K gold leaf inclusions. 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 the individual stamens and finely textured petals, in perfect condition. Height 0.8 inches.

Tall boxwood netsuke of 8 quails feeding on millet. Perfectly captured mood of the scene, extraordinary carving to the last detail, eyes are double inlaid with horn and mother of pearl, beautiful finish, in superb condition. Signed AKIHIDE on the bottom - this brilliant contemporary artist (born 1934) belonged to the So School lineage. Height 4.1 inches (104 mm).

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.

Vintage glass ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in ball shape, its surface covered with concentric “eyes” and dots, suspiciously resembling “Jellyfish Eyes” by Takashi Murakami. Beautifully made, very pleasant patina. Diameter 0.75 Inches.

Unusual good size glass ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) in ball shape with hollow inside and bright design of 2 sunbursts with wavy blue and yellow rays. Rare technique of thick walled material with hollow inside, superb execution, beautiful colors. Rather stunning piece. Diameter 0.94 inches.

Rare subject marine netsuke of a swimming tadpole. Superb stylish carving wonderfully capturing the essence of the creature. Beautiful clean piece, eyes are inlaid with solid gold. Signed MHB on inlaid silver plaque - Michael Henry Birch (1926-2008) was one of the best 20th century netsuke carvers. Length 2.34 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.

Wood netsuke of three peanuts. A naturalistic grouping, dark stained. An ivory plug may bear a highly stylised signature.

Provenance : Arlette Katchen, Paris.

Japan, 20th century

Width : 1.6 in. (4.3 cm)

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.

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 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 four yellow petaled flowers with richly textured complex centers, leaves and fine tiny silver foil inclusions. 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 the individual stamens and finely textured petals, in perfect condition. Height 0.88 inches.

Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with blue and red core, four pink petaled flowers with numerous white stamens, leaves and fine tiny silver foil inclusions. 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 the individual stamens and finely textured petals, in perfect condition. Height 0.77 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 four white petaled flowers with multicolored stamens, leaves and fine tiny silver foil inclusions. 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 the individual stamens and finely textured petals, in perfect condition. Height 0.8 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.