Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese (161)

A Japanese boxwood netsuke depicting a scene from Japanese mythology of a warrior called Nitta No Shiro riding a wild boar. Nitta No shiro holds firmly in his hand a tanto, a traditional Japanese sword, with a sure and determined grip...

A Japanese dark patina boxwood netsuke depicting an articulated lotus flower. The lotus is a symbol of purity and rebirth, as the flower emerges immaculate from the mud of the lakes...

Japanese tonkotsu, traditional box used to contain tobacco powder, aromas or medicines, made in root and decorated with mother-of-pearl floral applications. Floral applications made of mother of pearl are applied to the surface of the box, creating a contrast with the color of the root. In addition, a butterfly is also present on the tonkotsu. The netsuke ryusa manju, carved, is decorated with floral details while the ojime is in green stone. Period: Edo 19th cent. Dimensions: 7,5...

A Japanese large boxwood netsuke depicting a fascinating scene, represented with great detail, holding the bridle of his noble steed with his hands. Next to the sage, a child approaches, holding a scroll. The use of boxwood in the making of this netsuke with wise man on horseback gives a natural and warm touch to the work...

Ivory netsuke in the form of a small school table with a book and hat resting on the desk. The netsuke is finely carved, showing great attention to detail. The sides of the table are decorated with engraved geometric patterns, adding a touch of sophistication. Himotoshi under the base, signed Hideshige 秀重. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 3.3 x 3 x 2cm. State of conservation: Very good

Square-shaped ivory netsuke manju depicting various objects, among which some fans stand out. The sculpture depicts kitchen tools, work tools and everyday objects. This netsuke features a silver bronze hook in the center. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 1cm. State of conservation: Very good

Fine ivory netsuke depicting a playful scene where a monkey emerges from a giant chestnut. The monkey is depicted in a perky attitude. His muzzle expression and body posture convey a sense of joy in coming out of the chestnut. The giant chestnut creates a surprising and imaginative effect...

A Japanese boxwood netsuke depicting Hotei 布袋, one of the Seven Gods of Good Luck, seated with his fan in his hands and a child embracing him. Hotei's face is plump, smiling, and conveys a sense of peace and tranquility. He is commonly referred to as the protector of children. Behind Hotei, there is a child, depicted with great sweetness, who embraces him. The carving lines are sharp and precise, creating an effect of three-dimensionality and depth...

Stag horn netsuke depicting a Gama Sennin, a legendary figure of Japanese folklore, with a toad on his shoulder. Gama Sennin is represented in a pose with his left hand holding the hind leg of the toad, while the latter rests on his shoulders. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 5 x 2.3 x 2.2cm. State of conservation: Very good

Ryusa Manju type ivory netsuke with openwork decoration and in the center a shishi, a Japanese mythological creature representing a lion or a lion dog, looking backwards. The frame around the Shishi features an accurate karakusa 唐草 decoration, a motif of stylized branches and leaves of Chinese origin. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 4.5 x 4.5 x 1.5cm. State of conservation: Very good

Ivory netsuke depicting a quail crouching on millet, carved with attention to detail on its feathers and body. The eyes are in horn. This netsuke is signed under the base in an oval reserve and has a natural himotoshi. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 2.8 x 3.5 x 2.3cm. State of conservation: Very good

Sought after high quality ivory netsuke depicting six ginkgo nuts with a beautiful ivory patina and luster. The six ginkgo nuts of this netsuke, famously strong and symbolic in Japanese culture, are strategically placed to form a natural hole in the center. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 5 x 3 x 2.5cm. State of conservation: Very good

Square-shaped ivory netsuke manju depicting four lacquered frogs in different positions. It has a cavity inside where the himotoshi hole is located. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 1cm. State of conservation: Very good

Boxwood netsuke depicting a woodcutter resting on a hollow and veined trunk with his ax resting at the end and the tobacco holder next to his hand. Excellent color and signature patina engraved on a rectangular piece. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 4.2 x 2.5 x 2 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Boxwood netsuke depicting a professional sneezer, imaginary character or Japanese folk hero known for his ability to induce sneezes, seated with a feather in his hand, the main implement of the professional sneezer. Signed Gyokkei 玉珪 on an ivory dowel. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 4 x 3.7 x 2.4cm. State of conservation: Very good

Rare boxwood netsuke depicting two turtles. This netsuke beautifully captures the moment when the baby climbs onto the mother's shell, conveying a feeling of security and family bond. Signed Shunsui 春水 in an oval reserve under the base. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 2 x 3.5 x 3cm. State of conservation: Very good

Ivory manju netsuke with a scene depicting Kintaro, a traditional Japanese figure, together with a mighty tiger...

Lovely ivory netsuke depicting the sparrow Fukura Suzume, a small symbolic bird associated with various legends and stories of Japanese folklore. The netsuke is associated with various legends and stories, including that of “The sparrow with the tongue cut out” (舌切り雀, “Shitakiri Suzume”). The netsuke is signed Masanao 正直 within an oval reserve under the base. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 2.5 x 4.2 x 3.3cm. State of conservation: Very go...

Rectangular rounded netsuke manju, made of ivory and depicting the mighty Shoki with horn eyes. Shoki is a Japanese mythological figure, also known as the demon hunter, who symbolizes protection from evil forces. Adding a touch of sophistication to the manju the sword, with which he fights demons, in mother of pearl and the details of Shoki's robes in tortoiseshell. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 3.7 x 4.5 x 1.5cm. State of conservation: Very good

Ivory manju netsuke depicting a giant cricket with long antennae next to an aubergine. Signed Mitsuo 光雄 under the base near the himotoshi holes. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 2cm. State of conservation: Very good

A large size netsuke depicting Rakan made of boxwood depicted seated in a meditation position, with legs crossed and back straight. His hands firmly hold the hossu, a liturgical object, a symbol of his role as a monk. This netsuke is signed Ryukei 隆桂 on an ivory dowel, as is the tuft of hair. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 7 x 6 x 4cm. State of conservation: Very good

Ivory manju netsuke depicting Chok'aro, a character from Japanese tradition, trying to catch a miniature horse that is running away from its gourd. This netsuke shows Chok'aro in a dynamic pose, his eyes intent on catching the fleeing horse...

Ivory netsuke depicting a snail crawling on a bamboo shoot. The snail is carefully rendered highlighting its curvature of the shell. The underside is enhanced with spherical horn details and an excellent patina. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 7 x 3 x 3cm. State of conservation: Very good

Pair of bottle-shaped bronze vases with dark patina depicting the dragon Ryu as a three-dimensional sculpture. The rounded part of the vases is decorated with bronze incisions and carvings depicting numerous sea waves. In the upper part the waves come to life becoming sculpted reliefs, emerging three-dimensionally from the bronze surface...

Pair of square-shaped hibachi made in lacquer and gold...

Lacquered wood netsuke depicting the Kyōgen theater mask of a monkey (saru), very recurring in traditional Japanese theater. The mask is characterized by the typical physiognomy of the monkey, with large fixed eyes and an open mouth, of a lacquered red colour. The netsuke is signed Deme Saman 出目左滿. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 4 x 2.9 x 2.2cm. State of conservation: Very good

Sagemono complete with four-compartment lacquer inro decorated in gold and turtle taka-maki-e depicting Raijin and Fujin. Relief decoration with finely engraved turtle depicting Rajin, god of thunder, and Fujin, god of wind. The figure of Raijin is recognized as the god of thunder and lightning, he is represented as a demon, an Oni, with drums. The figure of Raijin is often associated with another deity, also connected to meteorological events, namely Fujin, the God of Wind. The inte...

A Japanese boxwood okimono depicting Okame, a figure from Japanese folklore known for his cheerful smile. The figure of Okame is depicted smiling, in an elegant pose while she holds her clothes in her hands and holds a carved fan in her right hand. The fan, a symbol of sophistication in Japanese culture, adds an element of beauty. Boxwood is a precious and versatile wood...

Sagemono complete with wooden tonkotsu with applications depicting different insects in the Shibayama technique, black stone ojime and horn netsuke. Tonkotsu, made of wood, is used in Japanese culture to contain tobacco dust, flavorings or medicines. A group of insects are depicted in great detail on the surface of the tonkotsu, including butterflies, a cricket, bees, a ladybird and a dragonfly...

Kodansu in gold lacquer and mother of pearl, with silver hinges and decorated with naturalistic motifs...

Patinated bronze sculpture depicting a roaring lion of excellent quality evident in the details of the muzzle, in the energetic expression, in the muscles and in the thick mane. The eyes have a golden outline that stands out against the dark background of the bronze and gives the animal an even more truthful expression. This bronze sculpture is signed Gyōkō 暁光 (Akasofu Gyōkō 赤祖父暁光) under the belly within a rectangular reserve. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji second half...

Refined lacquer inro with three compartments expertly decorated in gold with numerous bamboo plants. This inro is enriched with dense nashiji lacquer dots and a detailed maki-è decoration that features an elegant pattern of bamboo plants in contrast to some stems and leaves of mother-of-pearl flakes inlaid on the surface...

Excellent quality dark patina bronze okimono depicting the study of a powerful panther. The posture is engaging with the hind legs bent, tail curled upwards and the body in an oblique position. The jaws are wide open and show the animal's teeth, while the whiskers are in relief. The streaks of the fur are depicted in a masterly way and highlighted in a different patina even to the touch...

Japanese ivory netsuke depicting the Buddha's Hand or Fingered cedar among the leaves, a scented ornamental citrus fruit, a very important symbol in Buddhism, in the shape of a hand, originating from China and Japan where it is grown for religious purposes. The surface of the netsuke precisely reproduces the natural texture of the fruit, which is not smooth but characterized by roughness and pores. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 5.2×2.3×2.5 cm. Stat...

Ivory netsuke representing six pumpkin-shaped flasks, with a cord that holds the first three, while the other three are still in a natural state, before being worked and dug to be transformed into real bottles for sake. Below the central button, the writing “Fuki chomei” (Blessed long life) has a deep symbolic meaning...

Bronze okimono with excellent color and dark brown patina depicting a geisha signed Seiya sei. The scene depicts her walking on her geta dressed in an elegant kimono while she holds her fan aloft as a gesture of greeting. The kimono is embellished with a large obi that wraps around her pelvis and holds the pillow tightly behind her back...

A Japanese lacquer inro depicting two fish swimming in their natural habitat. The outer surface of the ring is covered in lacquer with brown nuances, which offers an elegant contrast with the mother-of-pearl. This inro depicts a mother-of-pearl sole on one side. On the opposite side there is a black catfish, made of lacquer. The fish swim among the underwater plants, embellished with golden leaves and mother-of-pearl in relief. The wooden netsuke depicts a sole...

A Japanese inro made in lacquer with great craftsmanship and decorated with the image of six monkeys. The outer surface of the Inro is coated in gold lacquer which creates an elegant contrast with the metal monkeys. This Inro depicts a scene in the round, in which monkeys interact in an evocative natural environment. Some climb Matsu pine trees, while others rest gracefully on raised rocks. The wooden netsuke, depicting a monkey with a peach in its paws, contributes to the narrative of the...

A Japanese drop-shaped bronze vase worked with a remarkable depth that transforms the work into a breathtaking three-dimensional scene with a majestic bear in relief in the center as it stands powerfully on a rock. The bear is portrayed with a precision that does justice to its majesty. The details of its fur, its powerful paws and the expression of its face give an extraordinary life to the animal. The vase offers a sense of depth and dynamism to the entire scene, bringing the bear and the r...

A Tokyo school bronze sculpture depicting a geisha sitting on a wooden bench. The figure of the geisha is portrayed in a moment of deep reflection, with a fan held in her hands. She wears a luxurious festive kimono, embellished with rich details and a large cushion adorns her place to sit. The artist's extraordinary mastery is evident in the impeccable folds of the kimono, which lie with surprising softness. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji 19th century Dimensions: 34 x 15 x 20 cm. – We...

Okimono depicting Jurojin 寿老人, one of the seven Shichifukujin, a Japanese folklore deity associated with longevity and wisdom. The left hand holds a rolled scroll that reflects the importance of written knowledge and teaching. The right hand holding a brush evokes the act of writing and creation, suggesting a constant commitment to deepening knowledge. This ivory okimono depicting the deity Jurojin is signed with a red lacquer insert under the base. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji ...

Japanese lacquer inro depicting a dragon partially hidden among clouds lacquered in relief. The outer surface is covered in lacquer with dark brown nuances, which offers an elegant contrast with the dragon's shimmering mother-of-pearl. Looking at the inside of the box you can see that there are two compartments. The ojime is made of glass with parallel horizontal blue lines while the netsuke in lacquered wood and metal depicts an archaic design that could depict the Tama (the sacred Bud...

Okimono depicting a koi carp in boxwood with excellent color and blonde patina. The carp is represented in movement with glass eyes and scales superimposed on the body. The carp has a difficult to read signature under the base. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 33 x 9.5 x 12 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Bronze vase with a cylindrical shape and brown patina with a relief decoration depicting a carp emerging gracefully from the water, creating a small wave. Signed Nogawa company under the base. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 12 x 5.5 cm. – Weight: 222 gr. State of conservation: Very good

Oni mask in dark brown patina lacquered wood with finely sculpted details. The expression of the mask, although funny, is imbued with a slight fear, creating a balance between the comical and the disturbing. The painted glass eyes add a magnetic depth. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 7 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Samurai menpo mask with the ressei (fierce) expression, belonging to the me-no-shita "half-face" type, which stands out for its leather surface to simulate finely hammered iron. Remarkable are the generously sized imposing nose and chin, which add a distinctive element to the face of the mask. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 18th century Dimensions: 28 x 23 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Refined silver bowl with embossed irises cast and chiseled inside on a hand-hammered ground on the bulbous body, raised on an oval foot. Signature engraved under the base Watanabe zo and Junjin. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 15 x 27 cm. – Weight: 1320 gr. State of conservation: Very good

Ivory netsuke depicting a rat with black horn eyes. The rat is represented resting on its hind legs, while its long tail surrounds an acorn that it is gnawing with its front legs. The object is accompanied by an original label which certifies its origin from the former Tamanini collection in Milan. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 3.4 x 4.3 x 2.9 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Ivory netsuke depicting a dromedary with a long neck that bends backwards. The surface is distinguished by its shine and blonde patina, with color transitions ranging from yellow to lighter ivory. To the touch, the netsuke feels soft and smooth. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 4 x 3.5 x 1.7 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Japanese cloisonné vase, decorated with silver thread, depicting blooming chrysanthemums, symbolic flowers of Japan and the emperor, painted with bright enamels that vary from shades of white to purple. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 30.2 x 12.5 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Drop-shaped bronze vase, with peonies in relief, decorated to simulate a delicate and light fabric that ends with a bow near the top of the neck. Using mixed metals to create visual contrasts adds depth and beauty. Signed Gyokkō 玉光 on the side of the vase and with 'Yuasa sei' 湯浅製 seal within an oval silver reserve under the base. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 21 x 10 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Bronze okimono depicting the study of a powerful tiger in a furtive position. The animal is represented with its legs bent, its tail curled upwards and its body in a lowered position just before launching the attack. The streaks of the fur, typical of the animal, are depicted in a masterful way and highlighted with a marked engraving. This okimono is signed Hideyoshi 秀義 under the belly. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji second half of the 19th century. Dimensions: 10 x 36 x 9 cm....

Okimono expertly carved from a single block of ivory depicting a hunter in the company of an Onagadori rooster. A child stands at the hunter's feet while he strokes the rooster's feathers. This okimono features the Yukiharu 之晴 signature in relief under the base within a rectangular reserve in red lacquer. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 29 x 7.5 x 6 cm. State of conservation: Very good

A Japanese Satsuma ceramic lobed bowl with curved corners and embellished with a refined scene of daily life along a watercourse on the outside. The interior is adorned with graceful butterflies, creating a harmonious blend of nature and craftsmanship. This bowl is signed Juzan under the base. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 5.5 x 8 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Cloisonné potiche with a hexagonal shape, embellished with delicate floral decorations on reserves held by silver threads with geometric motifs. The lid features a spherical socket. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 13 x 9.5 cm. State of conservation: Very good

A Japanese Satsuma ceramic bowl adorned with relief glazes and gold details depicting a motif of Manchurian Cranes in flight, symbols of longevity and happiness in Japanese culture. Inside, the bowl features a dense motif of a thousand butterflies, often associated with symbols of transformation and rebirth. The bowl is signed Sozan under the base within a rectangular reserve. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 8.5 x 16 cm. State of conservation: Very ...

Ivory netsuke, belonging to the Osaka school, portraying a tiger lying on a section of bamboo, with its head turned backwards and its tail to the side. It has an excellent patina, subject and shine. Origin: Japan Period: Edo late 18th century Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 1.5 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Boxwood netsuke, depicting a group of five monkeys, with the largest, surrounded by cubs, feeding on a peach. The netsuke is signed Masanao, within an oval reserve under the base. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 5 x 5.5 x 3.8 cm. State of conservation: Very good - There is a slight restoration on the protruding paw of the monkey on the back

A Japanese ivory okimono depicting a pair of figs decorated in polychrome. One of the fruits is ripe and shows partial peeling, revealing the inside. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 6 x 5.8 x 4.5 cm. State of conservation: Very good

A slender shape patinated bronze vase depicting a naturalistic scene of a cricket sitting on iris leaves. Signed Joun in relief within an oval reserve. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 26 x 7.5 cm. State of conservation: Very good