Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (239)

This is an exceptional Famille Rose Enameled Porcelain Snuff Bottle of circular form, with flared neck, and raised recessed oval footing; decorated with scrolling lotus blossoms and vines, set atop a yellow background. The body of the porcelain under the glaze has incised engravings in a spiraling circular pattern that is barely visible. The underside bearing, in iron red, the Daoguang Mark (1821-50), the period when this bottle was made. This superb snuff bottle is in excellent preserved condition A Famille Rose snuff bottle with similar incised engraving, though painted pattern, and Lotus motive, sold at Bonhams, Hong Kong, for $466,830, on 24 November 2012. See photo #11. Bottle Measurements Height: 2.32 inches (5.9cm) Width: 1.85 inches (4.7cm) Thickness: 1.20 inches (3.0cm) Weight: 2.2 ounces

This is an exceptional Family Rose Enameled Porcelain Snuff Bottle of rounded rectangular form, tapering toward the base, with flared neck, decorated with a spectacular center Lotus blossom, with scrolling lotus buds and vines, set atop an aquamarine background. The underside bearing in iron red the Qianlong mark (1750 - 1850). It comes with an orange and black hardstone stopper. This superb bottle is in excellent preserved condition. *** A similar Family Rose Lotus and vines decorated bottle was sold recently, 15 September 2015, at Christies, New York, for $13,750. *** See Photo #10. Bottle Measurements Height: 2.22 inches (5.6cm) - not including stopper Width: 1.78 inches (4.5cm) Thickness: 0.80 inches (2.0cm) Weight: 1.0 ounces

This is a 19th century finely hand-carved Hidemasa-styled Netsuke depicting a seated Hotei, carrying a large bag of fortune over his shoulders while holding a fan with his right hand. Two Karakos are with the God of Happiness, one is seated over the edge of his robes, while the other is on top of the bag right next to the deity's head. The garments of Hotei and Karakos are decorated with spiraling scrolls in the style of Hidemasa. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 1.62 inches (4.1cm) wide, and 1.35 inches (3.4cm) tall. Netsuke is in excellent preserved condition.

Exceptional 19th century Japanese Tobacco Box (Tabako-Bon) in rectangular form made with wood and brass (burner inserts), and completed in black and gold lacquer. It is decorated with undulating leave vines and flowers. It has rounded square wooden Karakusa charcoal burners with brass inserts (with remaining tobacco ashes) that are also elegantly decorated with gold vines and flowers. A rectangular wooden handle is attached to the middle of the box. The top edges of the outer box frame have built in spaces to hold the 14 inch black lacquered pipe with brass fittings. The box is constructed with three drawers, which are also lacquered inside and out. Each of the drawers has brass fittings in the form of flowers. Smoking was widespread among both men and women during the Edo period in Japan. These boxes and smoking accessories were found mostly in wealthier homes and were used as part of the tea ceremonies. Production of these boxes ceased at the end of the 19th century, when cigarettes became fashionable and virtually replaced pipe smoking. The box and all of its components are in remarkable preserved excellent condition. Dimensions of the box are: 10.5 inches wide, 6-7/8 inches deep, and 7 inches tall (11 inches including the handle). One of the charcoal burners is 3.5 inches square, and the other is 2.5 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall.

19th Century, Japanese nicely hand-carved boxwood Netsuke depicting a character of a Japanese folk tale 'The story of the old man who made withered trees blossom': Hanasaca Jiisan. Here, Hanasaca is shown in one of the scenes of the folk tale where he is chopping down a tree to make a mortar. Hanasaca's dog who appeared to him in a dream is showing him the location of the tree. Netsuke has a chimney himotoshi that starts on the bottom of the irregular platform where both characters stand, and continues through the spaces made by Hanasaka's legs. Rich patina, lustrous surface. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 0.98 inches (2.5cm) wide, and 1.55 inches (3.9cm) tall. It is in excellent condition, as you may be able to see in the posted photos.

This is a finely carved 19th century boxwood netsuke depicting a sleepy Momotaro, a name that means Elder son of the Peach, who is seated as he emerges from the kernel of a giant Peach that rests on top of a tree branch. Awesome detail on this well-rendered miniature sculpture. Age patination has given this piece a well defined dark coloring; more pronounced on the bottom of the netsuke. It sports a natural chimney himotoshi that begins on the bottom of the peach and continues through the space between peach's exocarp, or outer skin, and the back of the boy. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 1.56 inches (4.0cm) wide, and 1.06 inches (2.7cm) tall. It is in excellent preserved condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

This is an excellently and intricately carved boxwood netsuke depicting a Boat full of passengers (11 of them) dressed in various garb, carrying different articles and set in different poses. One of them, in the rear of the boat, seems to be either sunbathing or nurturing an ailment; another is wearing a large Amigasa Kasa hat; there is woman carrying a baby in her arms. It is full of great form and expressions. Unsigned. Netsuke has a rich patina. It measures 0.78 inches (2.0cm) wide, 2.25 inches (5.7cm) long, and 0.85 inches (2.2cm) tall. It is in outstanding preserved condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

This is an excellently executed mid-19th Century Netsuke depicting a Copper Dragon over the Dojoji Bell, made from Bronze. This dragon is the converted Kiyohime, the daughter of an innkeeper who turned this way after being rejected by the pilgrim Inchin. Wonderful detail and composition, which is rare for a metal netsuke, have been used in the creation of this piece, which has been preserved in an outstanding manner. It is considered a functional netsuke in that it was not only used as a toggle, but, it also served as an ashtray. Netsuke measures 1.08 inches (2.8cm) in diameter, and has a height of 1.90 inches (4.9cm), including the cord loop. Unsigned.

This is a finely hand-carved netsuke in Ebony wood of a Nasube (Aubergine or eggplant). Netsuke was carved by an unknown artist from the Iwami Province sometime during the 19th century. The carving exhibits similar material and carving characteristics of a netsuke (Photo #7) made by Kyokusui; item 133* of Bonhams catalog. Observe the smoothness of the surface, and the realistic form of the piece. Netsuke is unsigned. It measures 2.44 inches (6.2cm) tall. and 0.94 inches (2.4cm) in diameter. Netsuke is in excellent condition, as may be seen in the posted photos. *Robert S. Huthart Collection of Iwami Netsuke: Part II, Bonhams London Auction Catalog, 06 November 2019. As you can see in photo #7, Iwami netsuke from the Huthart Collection at this auction were sold for several thousands of dollars. Price written in pencil do not include a 25% additional premium charged by the auctioneer.

19th Century, excellently hand-carved in rare Kurogaki (Black Persimmon) Wood Netsuke depicting a realistic chunk of Driftwood that shows well rendered areas of partially turned bark and a large opening in the middle that may have been dug up by the elements. This piece is attributed to the Iwami School, because it presents all the characteristics of netsuke made by carvers of the region in Japan (See partial illustration - photo #6 - of the book 'Iwami Netsuke from the R. S. Huthart Collection, Rukosho Book Series, Japan): made of Kaki or ebony wood, depicts a natural object in nature, faithfully portraits its subjects, and resembles others models made by the Iwami carvers Its possible that this is a one-of-a-kind example, Anne Hall Grundy, in her book "Netsuke Carvers of the Iwami School" says that "carvers from this school never repeated a model, so, each of their netsuke was an original piece". Large uneven himotoshi, common of netsuke made during the Edo period of Japan, that has been skillfully embedded into the design. Netsuke measures 2.15 inches (5.4cm) wide, and One-inch (2.5cm) in diameter. It is in excellent condition as may be seen in the posted photos.

This is a finely hand carved, 19th Century Kurokaki Wood Netsuke depicting Tenaga "Long Arms" being carried on the back of Ashinaga "Long Legs". Ashinaga is wearing a mugwort skirt, while Tenaga is wearing a rice straw skirt. According to "Pointers and Clues to the Subjects of Chinese and Japanese Art", by Will Edmunds, "Ashinaga and Tenaga are mythical people supposed to inhabit the islands Ashinaga-jima, and Tenaga-jima, east of the Shakasui or Water-ladle river, all imaginary places. As they lived principally upon fish in deep water, the long-legged man walked into it bearing on his back a long-armed man who could reach down into the depths and catch the fish, which were then divided between them." Excellent form and details on this piece; very nice rendering of the characters' hair as well as their skirts; lustrous patina. Unsigned. This wonderful miniature sculpture measures 1.34 inches (3.4cm) wide, and 3.68 inches (9.4cm) tall. This is another example of a TALL* netsuke. It is in excellent condition, as shown in the posted photos. * Oversized or tall netsuke are extremely rare. According to Yakari Yoshida, in a 1999 International Netsuke Society Journal article, this type of netsuke make up approximately only one percent or less of all netsuke held at major collections. According to the author, most of these netsuke were made in the 18th and early 19th centuries, and among the subjects represented by these tall miniature sculptures are Sennin and foreigners, such as the theme of the carving listed here.

This is a 19th century, finely hand carved Japanese Netsuke, round, one-part domed, in slightly sunken relief, depicting a bust portrait of Daruma with big hossu. Beautiful golden-yellow patina on the reverse. Signed Shinsai. Netsuke measures 1.65 inches (4.2cm) in diameter, and 0.56 inches (1.4cm) thick. It is in excellent condition, as sown in the posted photos.

This is a finely hand-carved 19th century netsuke depicting a Horse outfitted with an elegant saddle that appears standing on a base that functions as a Seal. The seal shows traces of ink. An opening in the middle of the seal serves as chimney himotoshi. It has a rich patina and shows a luster and smooth surface. Netsuke measures 0,42 inches (1.1cm) wide, 1.34 inches (3.4cm) wide, and 1.15 inches (2.9cm) tall. It is in excellent preserved condition.

19th Century, nicely Hand-Carved Netsuke depicting Two Standing Karakos (Chinese Boys), wearing the customary customs, and shown with the double puffs of hair on the side of their heads; one of them is wearing an Otafuku mask. Nice mellow patina, with a couple of age hairlines. Use and holding has made the netsuke sleek and lustrous; it feels very smooth in the hand. Unsigned. It measures 1.33 inches (3.4cm) wide, and 1.47 inches (3.7cm) tall. Netsuke is in excellent condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

19th Century, nicely Hand-Carved stag antler Netsuke depicting a standing Karako who is carrying a large Treasure Sack over his shoulder. He also holding a fan on his left hand. Netsuke has a mellow patina and feels very smooth in the hand. Netsuke has a hollow bottom, characteristic of netsuke made from stag antler This netsuke is unsigned. It measures 0.85 inches (2.2cm) in diameter, and 2.0 inches (2.5cm) tall. Netsuke has a couple of age hairlines, but it is solid, and its otherwise in excellent condition.

This is a finely carved 19th Century rectangular Manju netsuke depicting the Two Sennin kanzan and Jittoku, who are standing and holding a large ball. The two sennin are brothers, and are Usually Represented as juveniles with the faces of old age. Both are Said to have lived in a kitchen, as feeble-minded men speaking in unknown language (Karl Schwartz, "Netsuke Subjects"). Well done carving with fine detail and at owesome patina. Unsigned. Netsuke measures used 1.20 inches (3.1cm) wide, 1.86 inches (4.7cm) long, and 0:35 inches (9mm) thick (including the raised himotoshi).

This is a 19th century, excellently hand-carved Netsuke depicting a very surprised Rat Catcher, who is standing on one foot, while holding the tale of a rat that is crawling on his back. Another rat is crawling on the floor , near his foot. Outstanding detail and expression, as well as a two-tone patina. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 1.10 inches (2.8cm) wide, and 2.78 inches (7.1cm) tall.

19th Century Japanese Netsuke depicting a Shishi on a Stand. Wonderful detail, rich patina. Unsigned. It measures 0.54 inches (1.4cm), and 1.40 inches (3.6cm).