Catalog (288)

19th Century Japanese Wood Netsuke – Hotei, Signed (Nagamichi) Shuzan19th century excellently hand-carved Japanese wood netsuke depicting Hotei, one of the Seven Godd of Good Fortune, standing while holding his Bag of Treasures with his left hand, an a fan with his right hand. Shuzan has made this netsuke in imitation of hollow ceramic figurines. Excellent form, expression and bright colors, trademarks of Nagamichi Shuzan. It is signed Shuzan in an irregular reserve on the back of his bag of treasures Netsuke measures 1.34 inches (3.4cm) wide, and 1.88 inches (4.8cm) tall. This exquisite miniature sculpture is in excellent, as may be seen in the posted photos. NOTE: A Reference to (Nagamichi) Shuzan and his signature may be found on page 1015 of George Lazarnick's Netsuke and Inro Artists and How to Read their Signatures, 1982

This is finely carved, Late 19th century, Japanese Netsuke depicting a jovial looking Entertainer who is making music with a Hand Drum that he is holding in his hands, and Fan looking instrument that he is working with his feet. Excellent form and detail on this piece. It is signed Yoshiyuki in a rectangular reserve posted over the man's rear end. Netsuke measures 1.28 inches (3.3cm) wide, and 2.10 inches (5.3cm) tall. A reference to Yoshiyuki may be found on page 1248 of George Lazarnick's Netsuke and Inro Artists and How to Read their Signatures, 1982 edition.

This is a finely carved 19th century Japanese Netsuke depicting Fukurokuju, one of the Seven Gods of Fortune, the God of Wealth and Longevity, holding a staff on his left hand, and placing his right hand on top a seated Karako's head. This carving is not signed, but, it is attributed to Masatoshi, because of the similarity of subject, and carving style to another netsuke that is listed on this webpage as item #60. Netsuke measures 1.50 inches (3.8cm) wide, and 2.08 inches (5.3cm) tall. Netsuke is in excellent condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

This is a finely carved 19th century Japanese Netsuke depicting a Standing Samurai, wearing a typical caped robe, who is holding a box with both hands. Stained for effect; rich patina. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 0.76 inches (2.0cm), and 1.47 inches (3.8cm) tall. Netsuke is in excellent condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

This is a finely hand-carved 19th century Japanese Netsuke depicting a Karako wearing his typical Chinese robe, who is carrying his little brother on his shoulders. Younger karako's hair puffs inlaid with darn horn. Rich patina. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 0.82 inches (2.1cm) wide, and 1.72 inches (4.4cm). Netsuke is in excellent condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

This is a finely carved Mid 19th Century Japanese Netsuke depicting two seated Karakos who are back to back to each other; one playing the Flute, and the other wearing a Shishimai mask. Wonderful rich patina. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 1.23 inches (3.1cm) and 1.25 inches (3.2cm). Netsuke is in excellent condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

This is 19th century, hand-0carved netsuke depicting two Karakos with typical costume who are holding a large Daruma Doll. Netsuke measures 1.24 inches (3.1cm) wide, and 2.12 inches (5.4cm) tall. Netsuke is in excellent condition, as may seen in the posted photos.

19th Century, nicely hand-carved Kurogaki (Black Persimmon) wood Netsuke depicting a squatting Shishi that is placing its front paws on a Tama ‹Ê, or sacred Buddhist jewel, a symbol of Buddhist wisdom that brings light to darkness and holds the power to grant wishes. There is a large moving ball inside the Tama. Eyes inlaid in dark horn. Large chimney himotoshi that has been cleverly carved within the form of the figure. Nice compact form. Rich patina. Signed Michishige on the bottom, to the right of the himotoshi. Netsuke measures 1.01 inches (2.6cm)) wide, and 1.10 inches (2.8cm) tall. It is in excellent condition, as may be seen in the posted photos. Note: For a reference to the carver Michishige and his signature, refer to page 754, Netsuke and Inro Artists and how to Read their Signatures, George Lazarnick, 1982

This is an excellent and intricately carved very charming netsuke, made by our own Pennsylvania native, David Carlin. He describes it as a "Clown seated on a ball with his left hand holding his forehead and the right arm resting in the clown’s lap. The eyes are inlaid in amber and the clown has a star in his right cheek matching the stars on the sleeves and bottom hem of his sweater. The clown also has a shooting star on the back of the sweater.” The monogram “DC” is carved into the sole of the clown’s left foot. Netsuke is heavily polished. It measures 1.04 inches (2.6cm) wide, and 1.84 inches (4.6cm) tall. It is in outstanding condition, as may be seen in the posted photos. The value of this netsuke is estimated at $3,000

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 19th Century, Dear Horn Antler Ryusa Manu Netsuke carved in a stylized blossom with five petals carrying a crest from a chapter of the Tale of Genji, sorrounded by waves, The other side is carved with an open-work blossom, within a five-point star, surrounded by waves. Typical work by the Asakusa School. Excellent detail on a one-piece, round, slightly domed manju, on a material that is very difficult to carve. unsigned. Netsuke measures 1.60 inches (4.0cm) in diameter, and 0.66 inches (1.7cm) thick. It is in excellent condition, as may be seen in the posted photos.

This is a very fine Japanese Netsuke hand-carved during the Meiji Period of Japan by Ruygetsu. It depicts a Sumo Wrestler, who is wearing the typical Mawashi with a heavy twisted rope, which is bound in the back in the typical ‘unryu’ knot. Intricate and true to form detail have been carved in this remarkable miniature sculpture. The artist has accented the figure with different shades of brown stain, and polished the natural color of the material to produce the white checkering of the mawashi . The loops on the rope are used as natural himotoshi. Signed Ryugetsu inside the mawashi. Netsuke measures 1.25 inches (3.2cm) wide and 2.07 inches (5.3cm) tall.

This is an very fine Japanese Netsuke hand-carved during the Meiji Period of Japan by Ruygetsu. It depicts a Peasant holding a basket with fruits and vegetables, while pleasurably (notice his smile) smoking a pipe. Intricate and true to form detail have been carved in this remarkable miniature sculpture. The artist has accented the figure with different shades of brown stain. Signed Ryugetsu on the bottom, right next to the basket. Netsuke measures 1.20 inches (3.1cm) wide and 1.67 inches (4.2cm) tall.

Edo Period, finely hand-carved boxwood netsuke depicting a Wolf, or Mountain Dog, Yamainu, with his paw raised and placed on top of a Minogame (Turtle). Excellent detail and ferocious expression have been carved on this popular netsuke subject by Tomomasa. Double inlaid eyes. Wonderfully preserved for more than 150 years. Rich patina. It measures 0.92 inches (2.3cm) wide, 1.64 inches (4.2cm) long, and 1.41 inhes (3.6cm) tall. It is in excellent preserved condition, as may be seen in the posted photos. Note: A reference to Tomomasa and his signature may be found on page 1156 of Lazarnick's 'Netsuke and Inro Artists, and How to Read their Signatures'

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.

This is a finely carved Netsuke of a Group of Seals. The seals are arranged next to a tiered box. The knobs of the seals are carved as a Shishi, a reishi group, and a rock. One of the seals has a loose ring. One seals has been placed on top of the tiered box. All seals are engraved with red-stained characters. Netsuke measures 1.35 X 1.23 inches (3.4cm X 3.1cm), and 0.62 inches (1.6cm) tall. Unsigned. Netsuke is in excellent preserved contdition.

This is one of the original works of Tokisada Nakamura, who signs as Masatoshi in this miniature sculpture that depicts Oni, the little demon, crossing a river in the company of a Man and a Woman. The Oni is carrying a skull ended mast, and he is holding on to the woman's arm. The man is carrying, over his left shoulder, a large Mokugyo and a couple of giant lotus flowers. He is picking up his robe to prevent it from getting wet. The base where the three chracters stand has a hole in the middle that serves as chimney himotoshi. Very detailed carving that is signed Masatoshi on the bottom, right next to the cord hole. Masatoshi was born in 1915 in Tokyo, He descended from a long line of carvers of Buddhist images. He is famous for his intricate, detailed carvings. He was a favorite of Raymnond Bushell, the re-known netsuke author. Netsuke measures 0.75 inches (1.9cm) wide, 1.58 inches (4.0cm) long, and 0.94 inches (2.4cm) tall. It is in excellent preserved condition.

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.