Netsuke of an abstract bird. Superb stylish carving wonderfully capturing the essence of the creature. Beautiful clean piece carved out of ivory and horn. Signed MHB on inlaid solid gold plaque - Michael Henry Birch (1926-2008) was one of the best 20th century netsuke carvers. Length 3.22 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).

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)

Wooden netsuke of thoughtful ape (looks like orangutan) by contemporary New Zealand netsuke carver Doug Marsden (b. 1958). Superb quality carving to the last detail, extraordinary face with horn inlaid pupils, perfectly carved hands and feet with well defined joints and nails, beautifully textured coat, great staining. Height 2 inches.

1930's Japanese Gilt Silver Chrysanthemum Motif Water Dropper Suiteki

It is 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) wide by 2.4 inches (6 cm) in length. It weighs 46 gram.

It is tarnished and has loss of gilding and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

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This an excellent hand-carved contemporary netsuke of a standing Hotei carrying his bag over his right shoulder. In his left hand he holds a Ruyi Scepter. Signed Shodo on a rectangular reserve on the bottom of the netsuke. SHODO, the Go name of Hiroshi Asaoka, born in Tokyo in the year 1923 was a master of intricate detailed carvings, and quiet, serene designs, who studied under Shomin. Netsuke measures 1.40 inches (3.5cm) in diameter, and 2.0 inches (5.ocm) tall...

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.

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.

A set of a tobacco container carved in the form of either two sages or eccentric spirits. The container is carved in the form where the figure is sitting inside a jar while the other is has the distinct eccentric smile seen in images in sages. The piece contains a signature which reads Nissho Age:20th century Size: The container: Height: 3.5" Diameter: 2.1" The figure: Length: 1.75" Width: 1.5" Height: 8"

Netsuke carved by Ryoshu (born in 1912) - one of the best Japanese netsuke carvers of the 20th century, listed on p. 886 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Netsuke represents a kappa hunched protectively over a cucumber. Kappa (translated from Japanese as “river child”) are mythical river goblins with the body of a tortoise, limbs of a frog, and the head of a monkey...

Netsuke of standing Jurojin (one of the 7 Gods of happiness, usually associated with longevity) holding a scepter with reishi fungus head, wearing a cape, a long robe and a spotted deer (the animal is a symbol of longevity) skirt. There is a nice detail for a netsuke lover - he is wearing an inro suspended by a manju netsuke. Excellent carving - see the detailing of his portrait quality face, incised fingernails, texture and spots of the deer skirt. Superb quality staining, beautiful patina...

19th century netsuke of a sitting boy holding a turtle with one hand, and trying to break its shell with a stone that he holds in the other. Unusual subject, strong early carving, wonderful wear consistent with age, beautiful patina with yellowing on the back, where netsuke was touching silk of the kimono. Nice textile patterns, Height 1.41 inches.

Height: 3.7 cm (1.4 in)
Width: 1.5 cm (0.6 in)

Japanese netsuke of entwined gourds; probably marine natural material; fine seal carved to the base; signed Shuzan; good condition

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...

This is a FINELY CARVED IVORY TWO HORSES NETSUKE. Two HORSES testing each other.... Signed on the bottom. Circa 1950 perhaps a little earlier

Height: 3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Length: 4.4 cm (1.8 in)
Depth: 2.3 cm (0.9 in)

Japanese carved netsuke of a standing elephant in full parade regalia; signed on a foot, Mitsuyuki; good condition

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...

Netsuke of a standing sumo wrestler wearing an apron and getting ready for a match. Excellent concentrated and tranquil face, great sense of volume to his limbs and body. Signed NORIMITSU inside the apron. Excellent sculpture. Height 2 1/8 inches.

Width: 4.8 cm (1.9 in) Height: 2.9 cm (1.2 in) Depth: 2.4 cm (0.9 in) Japanese carved netsuke of people in a treehouse; natural material; two samurai being served food; signed Ryumin on the base; good condition

Length: 3.7 cm (1.5 in)
Height: 2.9 cm (1.2 in)
Depth: 2.4 cm (1 in)

Japanese carved netsuke of a dog chewing on a sandal; natural material; inlaid horn eyes; some age lines present; good condition

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.

Height: 3.3 cm (1.6 in)
Width: 5.8 cm (2.6 in)

Japanese ivory okimono of three wise monkeys; signed; circa early 20th century

Fine Japanese carved rosewood netsuke figure., depicting a hand holding a monkey, signed Hashi, early 20th century period. Size; Height of carving is 1 7/8 inches. Condition Report, Excellent condition.

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...

Height: 3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Length: 5.4 cm (1.2 in)
Depth: 4.2 cm (1.7 in)

Quality carved netsuke of a man crouching, grinding grain with a stone wheel; signed on a red lacquer tablet; good condition

This mid 20th century carved wood netsuke is 1 7/8” high, 1 ½” wide and 7/8” thick. It depicts two playful mice resting on a small flat basket. The mouse on the top is chewing the tail of the other one and the one on the bottom is fighting back by biting the other one’s back leg. It is signed but is not legible. The carving is very nice and it is in great condition.

Length: 4.4 cm (1.7 in)
Height: 3.3 cm (1.4 in)
Depth: 2.5 cm (1 in)

Japanese netsuke of a young boy in the crawling position, his hands clasped; natural material; signed under the arm; good condition

Length: 4.2 cm (1.7 in)
Height: 1.8 cm (0.7 in)
Depth: 3.2 cm (1.2 in)

Japanese mask netsuke of a fox; natural material; stained and signed

These two well carved and polished netsuke are early or mid - 20th century products. The tall one is a bare footed older man holding a long staff. It is 3 ¾” high, 1 ¼” wide and three quarters of an inch thick. The artist’s signature, “Hajime,” is carved on the bottom. The shorter one is an old man holding a small Mokugyo wood drum which is often used in Buddhist chanting. It is 3” high, 1 ¼” wide and 1” thick. The artist’s signature, “Issen,” is on the bottom...

DESCRIPTION: An unusual netsuke featuring an abalone shell crafted from wavy burl wood with an ivory lobster perched on top. The lobster’s curled antennas are made of metal, and on the underside of the shell a signature is etched into the wood. Early to mid 20th century in very good condition. DIMENSIONS: 1 ¾” long (4.5 cm).

Netsuke of standing Jurojin holding a turtle on his hand. Jurojin is one of 7 Gods of Good Fortune, that of longevity, and the turtle - one of his usual companions - is also associated with longevity. The netsuke is essentially a wish for long life. Very nicely carved, great level of detail and perfectly captured facial expression, expert staining. Signed SEIGYOKU on the back - for a discussion of the artist see CONTEMPORARY NETSUKE by Miriam Kinsey, p. 226. Height 1 7/8 inches.

Japanese Edo Staghorn and leather Tobacco pouch and Pipe case with lacquered ojime bead. The pouch has a censor menuki type clasp . The leather appears warn but the stitching is tight and the leather supple and useable. No pipe but most Kiseru pipes will fit . Horn l 7.75" the pouch 4.5" by 3"

Height: 4.8 cm (1.9 in)
Width: 4.3 cm (1.7 in)
Depth: 2.5 cm (1 in)

Japanese netsuke of a crying child in a seated position with a spilled bowl; natural material; signed on the base; good condition

Height: 4.8 cm (1.9 in)
Width: 2.9 cm (1.2 in)
Depth: 1.3 cm (0.6 in)

Japanese netsuke of a priest; natural material; nice patina and good condition

Marine material netsuke of an owl sitting on a tree stump with new branches and leaves. Excellent quality detailed carving, wonderful face with somewhat puzzled expression, beautiful depiction of differentiated feathers, pleasant patina, eyes are inlaid with black horn. Signed MASAMITSU on the bottom, wonderful netsuke by a master carver. Height 1 5/8 inches.

Netsuke carved by Ryoshu (born in 1912) - one of the best Japanese netsuke carvers of the 20th century. Netsuke represents a doll of Daruma (founder of Zen Buddhism) enveloped in monastic robe, and his eyes can pop in and out. Perfectly captured facial expression, beautifully incised and etched facial hair and 3 flowering chrysanthemums on his robe. It appears that the artist etched a different design on every piece of this model of his - see the other Darumas by Ryoshu on my site...