Catalog (288)

Finely carved Japanese Netsuke Depicting a Kappa laying on top of a Shell. According to Karl Schwartz, in his book 'Netsuke Subjects', Kappa is a Goblin who lived in rivers, having a body resembling a frog with a carapace like a turtle. Its head is similar to that of a Monkey with a cavity on top which must always be filled with water. It is mischievous and is often in love with young girls. This wonderful miniature sculpture was carved by Tadami Uno Yukimasa, who was born in 1914 in Gifu City Japan. He goes by the names Yukimasa, Masatomo, and Tomoichi in his carvings. This piece bears his Masatomo signature on the bottom of the shell, near the himotoshi. Netsuke measures two inches (5.1cm) wide, 1.62 inches (4.1cm) deep, and 1.07 inches (2.7cm) tall. It is in excellent condition.

This is a wonderful Netsuke Set depicting Kiyohime, the Dragon Witch, holding the Dojoji Bell, right next to her beloved Anchin. According to Japanese legend, Kiyohime the daughter of an innkeeper, fell in love with the pilgrim Anchin, but was rejected by him. The enraged Kiyohime turned herself into a dragon witch who went to the Dojoji temple to look for Anchin who had hidden under a huge bell. In this set, Anchin can be inserted into the bell, where he fits exactly, Photo number 3. This wonderful set was carved by the Contemporary carver Yoshio Sekisawa, who signs the name Hodo on his works. Netsuke measures 1.25 inches (3.2cm) in diameter, and 2.07 inches (5.3cm) tall. Anchin measures 0.66 inches (1.7cm) in diameter, and 0.96 inches (2.4cm) tall). Both pieces are held together by a cord that is tied in the middle with two small ojime. The set is 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 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. He is known for making extremely original designs using classical elements, such as this unique version of the Seven Gods of Fortune. Signed Akihiro on an oval reserve in the back of the netsuke. It measures 1.05 inches (2.7cm) wide, and 2.05 inches (5.24cm) tall. Netsuke is in outstanding condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

19th Century, Finely Hand-Carved Wood Tonkotsu with excellent and colorfull inlays/incrustations depicting a Sea Life Landscape with fish, clamshells, shrimp, crab, snail, jellyfish and algae. Beautiful representation of a marine scenery. The netsuke matches the theme with a depiction of an open clamshell with a village scene made up of a house with balcony and rooftop, as well as people standing or sitting about. The clamshell seems to have been made with hanoki wood, covered in Gesso (plaster) and paint that has come off with tiime and use. The cilindrical shaped wooden ojime is decorated with contiguous carved arches. The tonkotsu is signed with golden lacquer on one of its sides. The tonkotsu measures 3.38 inches (8.6cm) wide, 1.92 inches (4.9cm) deep, and 2.56 inches (6.5cm) tall. The netsuke measures 1.56 inches (4.0cm) wide, and 1.23 inches (3.1cm) tall. Signed. The Ojime measures 0.64 inches (1.7cm) wide, and 0.35 inches (0,9cm) thick. All components are in excellent condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

19th Century Japanese Matsu (Korean Pine Wood) Ittobori Netsuke: Daruma Toy, Signed Sukesada 19th Century, Matsu Wood Netsuke skillfully hand-carved in the Ittobori (one Cut) style by Sukesada in the form of a Daruma Toy or “okiagari koboshi”, meaning the little priest that gets up. Sukesada came from the Hida province of Japan. He carved in the style invented by Sukenaga and enhanced by Matsuda, which consisted in using simple straight cuts in two-tone chosen Matsu (Korean pine wood). The eyes on this netsuke are inlaid in dark horn; it has a beautiful patina and a natural shine all throughout. It measures 1.43 inches (36mm) wide, and 1.74 inches (44mm) tall. It is also in excellent condition, as you may be able to see in the posted photos. NOTE: A detailed reference of Sukesada and Sukenaga may be found in pages 1049 and 1045, respectively, of George Lazarnick's book: 'Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures", 1982 edition.

This is a superbly carved, late 19th Century, wood netsuke depicting a seated cross-legged man, his chin rested on his folded arms, with an anxious look on his face, as he receives the Moxa treatment. The man has a tobacco pouch with coral inlays, a pipe holder, and a kagamibuta coral inlaid netsuke resting on his folded legs. Curiously, the man also sports a black and red coral dot inlays on his left and right shoulders, respectively. A nice and unique touch by the carver. Netsuke is signed Sozan, a So School carver, follower of Joso, on the rug where the man is seated. The artist has used a wonderful mix of wood, and other natural materials and colors to create a very realistic representation of a character and objects that were popular during the time and place represented by this piece. Outstanding preserved condition. Netsuke measures 1.10 square inches (2.8 sq cm) wide on the bottom, and 1.38 inches (3.5cm) tall. NOTE: A reference of Sozan and his signature may may be found in page 1043 of George Lazarnick's book: 'Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures", 1982 edition.

19th Century, finely Hand-Carved Netsuke depicting a Kappa, or Water Kami or deity, sitting while holding a catfish on her left hand. She is busy touching the depression on her head that holds water. In Japanese mythology, the kappa is a flesh-eating water imp who lives in river, lakes and ponds. They smell like fish, and they are normally depicted with the body of a turtle, an ape-like head, scaly limbs, long hair circling the skull, webbed feet and hands, and yellow-green skin. Sometimes they are shown with a turtle shell attached to their backs. The kappa in this rendition has more of a humanoid form. This fine miniature sculpture is signed Shozan in Shojo script in an oval reserve, on the back near the himotoshi. It measures 1.17 inches (3.0cm) wide, and 1.58 inches (4.0cm) tall. It is in excellent condition, as may be seen in the posted photos. Note: Information about Shozan and his signature may be found on page 983 of Lazarnick's: Netsuke and Inro Artists and how to read their signatures.

This is an Early 19th Century finely carved netsuke depicting a Seated Hotei, one of the Seven Gods of Fortune, the God of Contentment and Happiness, with two standing karakos by his side, who are helping the Deity hold a Tama, or Sacred Jewel, which is an Emblem of The Everlasting. Great rounded functional form with a mellow patina. Nicely detailed. Himotoshi shows signs of use, and there is wear associated with use and handling. Netsuke measures 1.33 inches (3.4cm) wide, and 0.98 inches (2.5cm) tall. Netsuke shows some wear, but, it is otherwise in great condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

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 an Early 19th Century excellently carved netsuke depicting a Herdboy standing with a whip in his hand, right next to his oxen that is heavily loaded with rice bails. Very nice detail and excellent golden-yellow patina. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 0.94 inches (2.4cm) wide, 1.46 inches (3.7cm) long, and 1.28 inches (3.2cm) tall. Netsuke has an age hairline, but, it is otherwise in excellent condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

This is an 19th Century finely carved netsuke depicting a Blacksmith sitting on a stool and getting ready to place a shoe on one of the Horse's Hoofs. The horse is standing right next to him, with his body turned towards the blacksmith. Very nice detail and excellent golden-yellow patina. Unsigned. This netsuke shows wear due to handling. Aslo, the backsmith's right hand has been repaired, otherwise, it is in very good condition as shown in the attached photos. Netsuke measures 0.92 inches (2.3cm) wide, 1.30 inches (3.3cm) long, and 1.16 inches (3.0cm) tall. Netsuke has an age hairline, but, it is otherwise in excellent condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

This is a 19th century Japanese Netsuke, in a somewhat rare depicting of Shoki, the "Demon Queller", a mythical being, the hero of a Chinese legend of the T'ang Dynasdy, who became the ghostly protector of the Emperor Meiko, who is carrying, actually dragging, a very large bag 'Full of Oni's". A stern and very serious expression on Shoki's face. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 1.95 inches (5.0) wide, 0.78 inches (2.0) deep, and 0.85 (2.2cm) tall. It is in excellent condition.

This is a fine, 18th century Japanese Netsuke depicting a monk laying on top of Hotei's Bag of Treasures. Wonderful expression with beautiful patina, what has torn golden from use on the bottom. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 1.88 inches (4.8cm) wide, 1.22 inches (3.1cm) deep, and, 0.92 inches (2.4cm) tall. It is in excellent condition.

This is a finely hand carved, Mid-19th Century, Mixed Materials Netsuke depicting an Entertainer who is kneeling while in the middle of a theatrical performance. He is wearing an Okame mask with red-painted lips. He is also sporting a pouch that is being held around his waist by a manju netsuke. Excellent details on both the actors expression's and clothing. Wonderful, rich patina. Signed Issen on the bottom of the piece. This excellent miniature sculpture measures 0.88 inches (2.3cm) wide, and 1.86 inches (4.8cm) tall. NOTE: The reference to the carvers signature, Issen, is found on page 520 of George Lazarnick's "Netsuke and Inro Artists, and How to Read their Signatures", 1982 edition.

19th Century Chinese High Relief Carved Agate Snuff Bottle This is a very fine, 19th century, Flattened , Rectangular form with concaved foot and straight neck, well hollowed Agate snuff bottle. It has carved, in high relief, the image of Shoulao under a Peach Tree with a deer on one side, and a chrysanthemum plant on the reverse. It comes with a green jadeite stopper. The bottle is in excellent preserved condition. Bottle Measurements Height: 2.32 inches (5.8cm) - Not including stopper Width: 1.47 inches (3.7cm) Thickness: 1.0 inches (2.5cm) Weight: 2.2 ounces A similar bottle was sold at auction at Skinner's (Boston) for $980 on 02 June 2011, See photo #6

18th/ Early 19th C. Chinese Cloisonne Enameled Bronze Snuff Bottle This is a very old, finely made Chinese Cloisonne Enameled on Bronze Snuff Bottle, flattened, round high neck on oval base ring. The broad sides are decorated with stylized flowers on a pink background within blue circles. The narrow sides are covered with blue and ret lotus flowers and tendrils on a yellow background. Great preserved condition. Bottle Measurements Height: 2.24 inches (5.7cm) Width: 1.63 inches (4.2cm) Depth: 0.84 inches (2.2cm) Weight: 1.0 ounces