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JUGYOKU: A FINE IVORY MANJU NETSUKE DEPICTING A SCENE FROM THE KYOGEN PLAY TSURIGITSUNEBy Ryukosai Jugyoku, signed Jugyoku 壽玉Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of circular form, the two-part manju finely stained and carved to one side in shishiaibori (sunken relief) with Hakuzosu holding a fox mask in his right and a staff in his left hand, to his right the fox hunter kneeling, cleverly carved in high relief to give a three-dimensional feel to the scene. The reverse engraved with a fox trap below the central himotoshi and signed JUGYOKU.The combination of the techniques of sunken and high relief is quite rare and cleverly utilized here as it ties into the subject matter of the manju, as the sly fox is depicted in the background, almost lurking in the shadows.DIAMETER 4.9 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor surface wear.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary.The manju depicts a scene from the Kyogen play Tsurigitsune ('Fox trapping'), in which a fox hunter is visited by his uncle, the priest Hakuzosu, who lectures his nephew on the evils of killing foxes. The hunter is nearly convinced, but after the priest departs, he hears the cry of the fox and realizes it wasn't his uncle at all but a fox in disguise. The fox resumes his natural form and reverts to his wild ways, takes the bait in a trap, and is captured by the fox hunter.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0497).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

KIKUGAWA: A LARGE IVORY MANJU NETSUKE DEPICTING THE WISTERIA MAIDEN (FUJI MUSUME) AND A REPENTANT ONI (ONI NO NENBUTSU)By a member of the Kikugawa family, signed Kikugawa 菊川 with seal Tomoe 巴Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Finely carved in shishiaibori with Fujihime holding a trailing branch of wisteria, wearing intricately patterned robes inlaid with mother-of-pearl, gilt-metal, coral, and stained bone, looking coquettishly towards the repentant oni, who shows a hesitant expression, biting one of his fingers, the gesture akin to a fish hook, a gong and inscribed donation ledger tied around his neck, a parasol around his back. The reverse incised and stippled with two sheets of paper bearing an outline of ash-stenciled oni, fitted in the center with a silver loop finial attached with a flap with gold takazogan and carved in katakiri and kebori with flames, clouds, and a waterfall, and signed KIKUGAWA with a red seal tomoe.DIAMETER 6.6 cmCondition: Good condition, minor wear, natural age cracks, few losses to inlays.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 22NL306099/20).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

ITTO: A RARE OBIDOME-FORM IVORY NETSUKE OF A WRITHING RAIN DRAGON By Itto, signed Itto 一東Japan, Nagasaki, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Finely carved in openwork, the netsuke of obidome form, yet also able to stand with the body and signed claw forming the base. The four-clawed, two-horned rain dragon with a sinuously writhing body carved with flickering flames, densely arranged scales, and neatly incised mane, further detailed with almost hand-like claws and a long baku-like snout. Several natural himotoshi due to the openwork. One paw carved with a raised oblong reserve incised with the signature ITTO – the artist was born in Kyoto but studied sculpture in Nagasaki.HEIGHT 6.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, microscopic nibbling to edges. Provenance: Ex-collection Étienne de Villaret, Paris. With an old handwritten and illustrated description of the present netsuke by the previous owner.Literature comparison: Compare a walrus ivory obidome manju depicting a rain dragon, illustrated in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. III, p. 380-381, no. 561.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207510849-K). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

HOKOKU: A SHIBAYAMA-INLAID IVORY NETSUKE DEPICTING DAIKOKUBy Hokoku, signed Hokoku 峯谷 Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)The netsuke formed as Daikoku's treasure bag slung over the lucky god's back, Daikoku with a cheerful expression and pointing at a small rat which has escaped from the bag along with two coins, the reverse with Daikoku's hammer with a tasseled cord, all detailed with subtle incision work and finely inlaid in the Shibayama style with mother-of-pearl, lacquer, bone, wood, gilt metal, silver, pewter, and hardstone.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, fine age cracks, few light scratches.Museum comparison:Compare a closely related inlaid ivory netsuke by Hokoku in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 10.211.116.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 22NL306306/20). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A RARE SHIBAYAMA-INLAID WOOD NETSUKE OF A CAPARISONED ELEPHANTUnsigned Japan, Tokyo, late 19th centuryFinely carved with a caparisoned elephant standing foursquare on a quadrilobed oval base, the animal well detailed with narrowed eyes, a long curled trunk, curved tusks, long ears, and subtly carved wrinkles, the saddlecloth incised with a peony design within a cross-hatched border, suspending beads inlaid with coral and pale horn, the elephant's forehead similarly decorated with coral and pale beads surrounding a larger central jewel in mother-of-pearl, the base with a central ojime.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear.The subject of the present netsuke with Shibayama inlay is considerably rarer in wood than it is in ivory. Auction comparison: Compare a related inlaid ivory netsuke, signed Shibayama, 4.2 cm long, dated late 19th century, at Galerie Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 189 (sold for 3,792 EUR).

A LARGE AND RARE IVORY TOBORI NETSUKE OF A MYTHICAL BEASTUnsignedJapan, 17th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sagemonoya (2022) A Selection of Netsuke & Sagemono from the Collection of Georgina & Gabor Wilhelm, p. 44, no. 64.Boldly carved as a one-horned mythical beast standing foursquare atop a shaped base, its long tail furcated in neatly incised scrolling strands with one swept up to its side, the feet with further 'winged swirls', its mane and beard boldly carved with further curls. The ivory bearing a superb, deep honey-brown patina. HEIGHT 6.5 cmCondition: Good condition, appealingly worn, expected age cracks, many losses and chips, most which have smoothened over time.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.While Gabor Wilhelm suggests the mythical being can be identified as a kaichi (xiezhi), a divine beast from Chinese mythology which symbolizes justice and fairness, the mythical creature is rather difficult to positively identify as it also shares characteristics with a kirin and a luduan.These type of tobori (Chinese carvings) belong to earliest type of netsuke known. They were either carved in China and re-purposed as netsuke in Japan or carved in Japan using Chinese source materials.Auction comparison: Compare a Chinese ivory seal with a mythical beast finial at Bonhams, 21 December 2011, San Francisco, lot 8549 (sold for 6,875 USD). Compare an ivory seal netsuke of a hakutaku at Bonhams, 15 May 2014, London, lot 14 (sold for 7,500 GBP).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207511128-K).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

HIDEYUKI: A RARE IVORY AND LACQUER NETSUKE OF BATHING SKELETONSBy Hideyuki, signed Hideyuki 秀之Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)A rare ivory netsuke depicting a skeleton sitting in a contemplative pose inside a small silver-lacquered tub, a washing rag in its hand, another skeleton seated behind and washing his companion's back. The underside carved with a lotus leaf, two asymmetrical himotoshi, the smaller one florally rimmed, and the signature HIDEYUKI within an aogai inlaid plaque. The artist favored skulls and skeletons as a subject and usually signed within an inlaid aogai plaque. The present composition is quite unusual and possibly unique for the artist.LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2200600397-K). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

SHOUNSAI: AN EXCELLENT AND RARE WOOD AND IVORY NETSUKE OF DARUMABy Shounsai Joryu, signed Shounsai 升雲齋Japan, Edo (Tokyo), early 19th century, Edo period (1868-1912)Published: Illustrated in F. Meinertzhagen, MCI Part A, New York, 1986, page 263.Depicting the Zen patriarch Daruma with a pensive expression. Daruma is almost entirely covered in a priestly robe flowing in the wind, carved from wood with a stunning patina and grain. His face and bare torso are inlaid in ivory, with incised beard and chest hair, and his facial features are crafted very well. Daruma was of either Persian, central Asian or south Indian descent, which is reflected in this netsuke – making it a rare portrait of this important and historical Buddhist monk, who is often caricaturized in netsuke art. His sandaled feet and the thin reed which he floats on are also carved from a single piece of ivory. The backside with good himotoshi above the signature SHOUNSAI.HEIGHT 6.3 cmCondition: Very good condition.Provenance: Anonymous sale, Glendining, 31st May 1935, then Jay Hopkins and hence British collection.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 22NL305882/20). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

JUGYOKU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A CICADABy Ryukosai Jugyoku, signed Jugyoku 壽玉 with kakihanJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely and naturalistically carved as a cicada, its wings with neatly detailed veins, the underside with further realistic details such as the limbs which are kept close to the body for compactness. Large himotoshi underneath, the larger hole generously excavated to accommodate the knot and signed under the left wing within a neatly inlaid plaque JUGYOKU and kakihan.LENGTH 5.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear.Provenance: A noted private collection, USA.Literature comparison:For an ivory netsuke of a cicada on a leaf, by Jugyoku, see Harris, Victor (1987) The Hull Grundy Collection in the British Museum, p. 93, no. 457.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A FISHERMAN CARRYING A BOY, ATTRIBUTED TO GECHUAttributed to Gechu, unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sagemonoya (2022) A Selection of Netsuke & Sagemono from the Collection of Georgina & Gabor Wilhelm, p. 31, no. 45.Exquisitely carved as a fisherman clad only in a leafy skirt, carved in elegantly flowing, neatly incised strands, standing on one foot in a dynamic pose, carrying a small boy on his back, the child wearing a short robe and holding on to his father's beard and head. Both father and son show elated expressions as they are clearly having a lot of fun in this joyful moment, although the fisherman must be in pain as the boy tugs on his long chin beard. The fisherman with the mouth wide open, showing tongue and teeth, and large eyes inlaid with dark horn. One of the strands of the straw skirt forms the cord attachment. The ivory with a superb, rich, honey-yellow patina. HEIGHT 8 cmCondition: Good condition, appealingly worn, minor age cracks, the fisherman's left foot restored.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Gechu is a somewhat enigmatic carver of netsuke, in that little is known of him, including his residence. For many years he has been thought to have lived in Osaka, mainly based upon the similarity of his work to that of Risuke Garaku of that city. Recently it has been suggested by Alain Ducros that he may well have been domiciled in Satsuma Province on the island of Kyushu, see Ducros, Alain (Summer 2016) Satsuma Ivory Netsuke, International Netsuke Society Journal, Vol. 36, No. 2, p. 20-29. This type of netsuke is typically unsigned but can be confidently attributed to Gechu, or at the very least a close follower. Note the dynamism of the carving and the excellent facial expression marked by characteristically large inlaid eyes, which is quite unique and gives the face a foreign if not otherworldly appearance.Literature comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke by Gechu of a sennin with similarly large inlaid eyes, illustrated in Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, vol. I, p. 399.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207509550-K). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

OUCHI GYOKUSO: A MASTERFUL STAINED AND LACQUERED WOOD NETSUKE OF A GROUP OF CUCUMBERSBy Ouchi Gyokuso (1879-1944), signed Gyokuso玉藻 to 刀Japan, Tokyo, early 20th centuryPublished: Bushell, Raymond (1971) Collector's Netsuke, p. 155, no. 261.Kobijutsu Rokusho vol. 27 (1991), 62.Sagemonoya (1998) So School Netsuke, no. 91.Naturalistically carved, stained green with black lacquered pimples, as three pickled cucumbers overlapping one another, above an edamame bean pod which forms the cord attachment and houses the signature GYOKUSO to [carved by Gyokuso]. The carving is superbly finished and polished in all the right areas, as is typical for the artist – a true miniature masterpiece.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Ex-collection Raymond and Frances Bushell. Ex-collection Bluette H. Kirchhoff, sold at Bonhams, The Bluette H. Kirchhoff Collection of Netsuke and Sagemono, 16 September 2009, New York, lot 2048 (sold for 9,150 USD).Ouchi Gyokuso (1879-1944) was the father of Ouchi Sosui (1911-1966) and together with Morita Soko (1879-1942) the most important pupil of Miyazaki Joso (1835-1910), the founder of the important So school in Tokyo.Literature comparison:There appears to be only two other netsuke recorded depicting cucumbers by the So school. Compare to a closely related ivory netsuke depicting cucumbers, by Morita Soko, illustrated in Sagemonoya (1998) So School Netsuke, no. 90. Also compare to a closely related lacquered wood netsuke depicting cucumbers and an eggplant, by Morita Soko, illustrated in Bushell, Raymond Netsuke (1975) Familiar & Unfamiliar, p. 169, no. 439.

A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A SARUMAWASHI, ATTRIBUTED TO GECHUAttributed to Gechu, unsigned Japan, Osaka, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sagemonoya (2022) A Selection of Netsuke & Sagemono from the Collection of Georgina & Gabor Wilhelm, p. 16, no. 17.Powerfully carved as a standing monkey trainer, holding his cane in his right hand, wearing a robe with finely incised folds, a small woven basket tied to his belt, his large bag tied around his neck, his monkey seated on his shoulder, wearing a patterned robe and striking an amusing pose with both hands touching his face, the monkey trainer with an equally humorous expression with the mouth wide open, their eyes inlaid in dark horn. The back with two asymmetrical himotoshi placed at angle. The ivory with a superb, honey-golden patina. This type of netsuke is typically unsigned but can be confidently attributed to Gechu, or at the very least a close follower.HEIGHT 8.2 cmCondition: Good condition, appealingly worn, fine age cracks, the feet and a section of the cane are repaired.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Gechu is a somewhat enigmatic carver of netsuke, in that little is known of him, including his residence. For many years he has been thought to have lived in Osaka, mainly based upon the similarity of his work to that of Risuke Garaku of that city. Recently it has been suggested by Alain Ducros that he may well have been domiciled in Satsuma Province on the island of Kyushu (Alain Ducros, Satsuma Ivory Netsuke, INSJ, Vol. 36, no. 2, Summer 2016, pp. 20-29). In the same article by Mr. Ducros there is a similar ivory netsuke of a foreign-looking sarumawashi (fig. 13.).Auction comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke of a Chinese sarumawashi, most likely by the same hand, dated 18th century, at Christie's, Fine Netsuke formerly in the Albert Brockhaus Collection, 25 November 1980, London, lot 95 (illustrated in color on the frontispiece). This netsuke is also illustrated in Joly, Henri L. (1966) The W. L. Behrens Collection, Part 1, Netsuke, pl. XVII, no. 812.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207509862-K).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

KOKU: A STAG ANTLER KNIFE HANDLE IN THE FORM OF A MONKEY WITH A LOTUS CLOAKBy a follower of Ozaki Kokusai (1853-1892), sealed Koku 谷Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa, late 19th centuryThe netsuke sized handle exquisitely carved as a tanuki-like monkey seated on a circular platform rising from a lotus blossom, wearing a large worm-eaten lotus leaf as a cloak over its back and head, the simian's fur neatly incised and darkly stained, its face well detailed with round eyes and the mouth wide open revealing tongue and teeth, the back carved with the seal KOKU.HEIGHT 6.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, natural imperfections.While the Koku seal is perfectly cut and the overall quality is indicative of this grand artist, the carving is a little too refined for Ozaki Kokusai, a more likely artist being a close follower such as Hoshunsai Masayuki.Literature comparison:Compare a related stag antler box and cover by Kokusai, with similarly carved lotus petals and leaf, also sealed Koku, illustrated in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. II, p. 322-323, no. 252. Compare also two stag antler netsuke of stylized bats with similarly incised fur and eyes, attributed to Masayuki, illustrated in ibid., vol. III, p. 78-81, nos. 375-376.Auction comparison:Compare a related stag antler netsuke of a kappa ningyo, attributed to Ozaki Kokusai but more likely by Masayuki, at Galerie Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 2 November 2019, Vienna, lot 253 (sold for EUR 21,488). Compare also an ivory netsuke of a cat in a kimono by Masayuki at Lempertz, Netsuke aus der Sammlung Albert Brockhaus, 27 June 2020, Cologne, lot 529 (sold for 18,750 EUR).

KO: AN INLAID WALRUS IVORY RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE WITH DEPICTING THE THREE FRIENDS OF WINTER (SHOCHIKUBAI)By Ko, sealed Ko 光Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa, second half of 19th centuryOf circular form, intricately carved in openwork with craggy rockwork, thick clouds, pine, bamboo, and a jakago (bamboo basket), and finely decorated in shibuichi and copper takazogan with the stump of a tree issuing a single branch bearing plum blossoms. The reverse with a central himotoshi surrounded by bamboo leaves and pine clusters as well as a circular reserve incised with a single seal character KO.DIAMETER 4.2 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, natural imperfections.Provenance: From the collection of Gaston Lazard (1878-1956) and his wife Jane Levy (1886-1985) and thence by descent within the same family.Literature comparison: Compare a related inlaid ivory ryusa manju netsuke, also signed Ko in seal form, similarly carved with pines and bamboo, illustrated in Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, vol. 1, p. 627.This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

ISHIKAWA RENSAI: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A FISHERMAN SUBDUING A FUGU (BLOWFISH)By Ishikawa Rensai, signed Rensai 蓮齋Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa District, second half of 19th centuryPublished: Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. III, p. 52-53, no. 357.Superbly polished, amusingly and finely carved as a fisherman on top of a giant fugu, his behind resting squarely on the fish's head, his hands grabbing the tail fin, his legs spread out as he uses all his strength to hold the fugu down, which has been considerably flattened by the man's effort, forming the oval base of the netsuke, the underside with two asymmetrical himotoshi and the rather unusual signature RENSAI in sosho script. Note the fine staining to the fugu's head and surrounding area.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear.Literature comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke depicting a similar subject by Rensai, with similar staining to the fugu, illustrated in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (1996) Meetings with Remarkable Netsuke, London, no. 90, and also illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 647. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0213 ). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

MITSUHIRO: A RARE AND IMPORTANT IVORY NETSUKE OF THE GHOST OF OIWA AS A CHOCHIN (LANTERN)By Ohara Mitsuhiro (1810-1875), signed Mitsuhiro 光廣Japan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: The Honolulu Academy of Arts Netsuke Exhibit (1975) INCS Journal Vol. 3, No. 1, p. 31, no. 70.Lazarnick, George (1976) The Signature Book of Netsuke, Inro and Ojime Artists in Photographs, p. 286.Hurtig, Helen (1980) Grotesqueries in Netsuke, INCS Journal Vol. 8, No. 1, p. 32, no. 26A.Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, vol. 1, p. 72 (in color) and p. 779.Eskenazi (1990) Japanese netsuke from the Lazarnick collection, p. 53, no. 30.Eskenazi (1998) Japanese netsuke, ojime and inro from a private European collection, p. 34, no. 26.Finely carved, the paper lantern baring the open-mouthed face of the ghastly heroine, the pupils inlaid with dark horn, her neatly incised long hair brushed back and her eyes inlaid, the incised details and inscriptions on the ivory skillfully stained for effect. The forehead bears a bonji (Sanskrit character). The back of the lantern bears an inscription Namu Amida butsu zokumyo Oiwa-jo (save us merciful Buddha, the woman commonly known as Oiwa), beside the asymmetrical himotoshi and below the signature MITSUHIRO. The staining and extensive use of sumi-e, as well as the minutely incised signature, is certainly coherent with the work of Mitsuhiro, while the size and subject matter are a departure from this celebrated artist's usual work. It is likely that the present netsuke was a one-off commission.HEIGHT 5.1 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, natural flaws including expected age cracks. Provenance: Ex-collection George Lazarnick. Eskenazi, London, 1990. Ex-collection Emiel Veranneman, acquired from the above. Eskenazi, London, 1998. Sotheby's, May 2007, London, lot 785 (described as “after Ohara Mitsuhiro; sold for GBP 6,600). European collection P. Jacquesson, acquired from the above.Oiwa died in 1636 and even today it is believed that she haunts the place of her death as well as anyone who performs her story which was adapted into the famous kabuki play Tokaido Yotsuya Kaidan (Ghost story of Yotsuya in Tokaido) in 1825. The story is a tale of betrayal, murder, and ghostly revenge which features Tamiya Iemon who poisoned his loving wife Oiwa, who in turn haunted him and drove him mad. The design of the present netsuke is taken from a woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) titled Oiwa-san from the series Hyaku monogatari (One Hundred Ghost Stories), circa 1831-1832.This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

CHIKUSAI: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE DEPICTING THE HEAD OF A DOGBy Chikusai, signed Chikusai 竹齋Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid to late 19th centuryPublished: Bushell, Raymond (1985), Netsuke Masks, pl. 304.Well carved in the round, the eyes double-inlaid with pale and dark horn, the fur finely incised, the floppy ears relaxed, the mouth and eyes conveying a pleading look, trying to gain the viewer's sympathy. The underside with a horizontally pierced himotoshi bar, signed CHIKUSAI.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, old restoration to one eye. Provenance: Ex-collection Raymond Bushell. Collection Prof. Dr. Henk C. Hoogsteden, Rotterdam.Netsuke depicting dog heads are rare, and are possibly inspired by European carvings and models, such as dog-shaped silver stirrup cups or figural walking sticks.Literature comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke depicting the head of a dog, signed Ishikawa Komei, also formerly in the collection of Raymond Bushell, illustrated in Bushell, Raymond Netsuke (1975) Familiar & Unfamiliar, p. 218, no. 698, and later sold at Christie's, The Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection of Netsuke Part II, 18 October 1988, London, lot 270, where it is noted to be “[p]robably a copy of a European ivory carving”.

OKATOMO: A VERY RARE EBONY WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF AN OLD MAN (JO)By Yamaguchi Okatomo, signed Okatomo 岡友Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Powerfully carved, the narrowed eyes with incised and raised lids, the furrowed brows well carved and sparingly incised, the mouth slightly open in a subtle smile showing teeth, the long mustache and chin beard neatly incised, the chin beard continuing to the reverse up to the himotoshi bar and forming part of the cord channel, the bar signed OKATOMO.HEIGHT 5.1 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few tiny nicks.The Noh masks that served as the inspiration for the present netsuke and others like it were fitted with natural hair (usually horsehair) to indicate the mustache and beard, and sometimes also the eyebrows. The ingenious detail of the beard leading up to the himotoshi bar and forming part of the cord channel is thus a departure of the usual mode of adhering closely to the actual Noh mask that was copied in miniature by the carver.The term Jo denotes a large corpus of indigenous masks that portray old men. These masks were worn, and still are, for a myriad of agrarian fertility rituals, rites for propitiating the gods of nature, and ceremonies associated with folk festivals. They usually represent an aged deity or an apotheosized elder. In the early days of Noh, there was only a single type of Jo mask which satisfied the need for any play requiring the role of an old man, but as new plays were written there was an increasing need for a variety of masks.Literature comparison:Mask netsuke by Okatomo are extremely rare. The only recorded example is an ivory netsuke of the face of oiwa as a lantern ghost, illustrated in Harris, Victor (1987) The Hull Grundy Collection in the British Museum, p. 36, no. 92.

HOKEI: A MASTERFUL TSUISHU (RED LACQUER) MASK NETSUKE OF A SHOJOBy Matsuki Hokei, signed Hokei 宝桂Japan, Tokyo, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Published: Hurtig, Bernard (1973) Masterpieces of Netsuke Art: One Thousand Favorites of Leading Collectors, p. 212, no. 899.Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 162, no. 485.Exquisitely and comically modeled with the face creased into a grimace as he stares upward with round eyes and recessed pupils, framed by long flowing hair with neatly incised strands, the mustache similarly incised, the various layers of lacquer clearly delineated and the reverse lacquered black save for the red-lacquered edges and himotoshi bar signed HOKEI.HEIGHT 5.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear to lacquer. Provenance: Ex-collection E. Evelyn Barron. Ex-collection Mark T. Hindson. Sotheby's, The M. T. Hindson Collection of Important Japanese Works of Art, Part VIII (Final), London, 20 October 1969, lot 253. Ex-collection Edward A. Wrangham, acquired from the above. Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part II, 10 May 2011, London, lot 98 (sold for GBP 4,800). Ex-collection Robert Fleischel, acquired from the above. European collection P. Jacquesson, acquired from the above.Shojo is used exclusively for the play Shojo (The Dancing Orangutan). Despite the name, the mask is that of a smiling youth, certainly not an ape at all. The distinguishing feature of Shojo is his overall reddish color, the color which symbolizes the drunkard. This crucial feature to the mask obviously lends itself well to the medium of carved red lacquer. The present mask netsuke, however, presents Shojo in a rather unique way, with a distinctive grimace instead of the usual smile.Matsuki Hokei was perhaps the most famous and certainly one of the finest workers in tsuishu (carved red lacquer). His figures in this material are comparable to the finest wood and ivory Netsuke, the various layers of lacquer used to denote highlights in some cases. The work is always well-finished. He taught several pupils whose work was similar but lacking the finesse of the master. See Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 161.Literature comparison: Compare a related tsuishu mask netsuke of a grimacing male mask, 4.8 cm high, dated 19th century, illustrated in Eskenazi (1998) Japanese netsuke, ojime and inro from a private European collection, p. 63, no. 66.Auction comparison:Compare to a related tsuishu mask netsuke of a tengu, by Somin, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 283 (sold for 9,150 EUR).

AN IVORY NETSUKE OF HOTEI AND DAIKOKU WRESTLINGUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sagemonoya (2022), The Gabor and Georgina Wilhelm Collection, p. 23, no. 32.The lucky gods Hotei and Daikoku clad only in a fundoshi (loincloth), the two grimacing combatants locked in a fierce sumo battle, Hotei lifting Daikoku over his back, about to perform the shumoku-zori (backwards body drop) and win the match. The carving is remarkably three-dimensional, and the expressions are masterfully crafted, framed by thick pendulous earlobes. . Beautiful, deep honey patina. Natural himotoshi through Daikoku's left leg and Hotei's back.HEIGHT 6 cmCondition: Hotei's two feet are restored. Otherwise, fine condition with few natural age cracks.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.This representation of a wrestling match between Hotei and Daikoku also illustrates the victory of the spiritual (Hotei) over financial luck (Daikoku).Museum comparison:Compare to a closely related ivory netsuke of Hotei and Daikoku wrestling in the collection of The British Museum, accession no. 1945,1017.596.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207509861-K).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A RARE AND UNUSUAL INLAID AND LACQUERED WOOD NETSUKE OF DAIKOKUUnsignedJapan, 19th centuryDepicting the lucky god seated, holding and marveling at a large two-pronged daikon (radish), the hands and vegetable inlaid in marine ivory, his iron-inlaid face with an amusing expression, the eyes of gilt. Some details such as his cap and the patterns on his robe are lacquered in gold kinji takamaki-e. The underside with large and generously excavated himotoshi.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Good condition, minor expected wear to lacquer. Structurally inherent crackling to the lacquer around the iron-inlay.Provenance: Austrian private collection, purchased from Max Rutherston Ltd., London.

A GOOD KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF SHOKI, ATTRIBUTED TO OKATOMOAttributed to Yamaguchi Okatomo, unsignedJapan, Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Expressively carved, the demon queller grabbing his wide-brimmed hat, suspecting an oni hiding there, and unsheathing his sword in retaliation, his face marked by wildly flowing beard and intense gaze, the eyes inlaid in dark horn. Large generously excavated himotoshi through the back, the ivory bearing a super, deep-yellow patina.HEIGHT 7.4 cmCondition: Good condition with old wear and age cracks.Provenance: From an old Austrian private collection.Museum comparison:Compare to a closely related ivory netsuke of shoki and oni, by Okatomo, in the collection of The British Museum, accession no. F.693.Auction comparison:Compare to a related ivory netsuke of Shoki and oni, Kyoto school, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 42 (sold for 2,928 EUR).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0031).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF SHIROUnsignedJapan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Rutherston & Bandini (2013) Japanese Netsuke, no. 4.Depicting Emma-o's attendant Shiro, who was sent to steal Daikoku's bag of rice, being attacked with a branch of holly by one of the lucky god's rats. Shiro is shown here in a cowering posture, biting into his folded arms in front of him, signifying his defeat. He has long hair, large horns and wears a tiger skin loincloth. The underside shows the very large, generously excavated himotoshi, and a gorgeous, rich honey-yellow patina.LENGTH 4.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and few age cracks.Provenance: A private collection, purchased from Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 13 (sold for 5,490 EUR).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

AN IVORY KAGAMIBUTA NETSUKE DEPICTING PILGRIMS CLIMBING THE GREAT BUDDHA OF NARAUnsigned Japan, late 19th centuryPublished: Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 419, no. 1245.The shibuichi plate cast in relief with gilt details to depict a man standing on the shoulder of the giant Buddha statue at Todai-ji, lowering some rope for his companion to grab, of whom we can only see one arm as his head is obscured by his hat, the Buddha also only partly visible, his neck wrinkles, earlobe, hair locks, and facial features neatly incised. The ivory bowl superbly polished, the reverse with a central himotoshi.DIAMETER 4.4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, light surface scratches, some rubbing to gilt.Provenance: Ex-collection S.X. Constantinidi. Sotheby's, 26 November 1935, London. Ex-collection Mark T. Hindson, acquired from the above. Sotheby's, The M. T. Hindson Collection of Important Japanese Works of Art, Part VIII (Final), London, 20 October 1969, lot 512. Ex-collection Edward A. Wrangham, acquired from the above. Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part III, 15 May 2012, lot 125. Collection Prof. Dr. Henk C. Hoogsteden, Rotterdam, acquired from the above.The present netsuke depicts the giant statue of Buddha at Todai-ji, a Buddhist temple complex in Nara. The statue is the largest bronze seated Buddha in Japan at 15 m high and was completed in 751. The Great Buddha statue has been recast several times for various reasons, including earthquake damage. The current hands of the statue were made in the Momoyama Period, and the head was made in the Edo period. The Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden) has been rebuilt twice after fire. The current building was finished in 1709 and was the world's largest wooden building until 1998.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 22NL310832/20). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

GYOKUZAN: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A KIRINBy Gyokuzan, signed Gyokuzan 玉山Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved seated on its haunches, the head raised and turned to one side, the mouth agape showing teeth and tongue, the plumage, mane, beard, tail, and flames all meticulously incised and darkly stained, the muscles subtly carved, the hooves well detailed, the belly and back with the himotoshi, the eyes inlaid with ebony, one haunch signed GYOKUZAN.HEIGHT 3.8 cmCondition: Good condition, minor wear, expected age cracks, the horn repaired.Provenance: British private collection.The Kirin is derived from the Chinese mythical beast Qilin, one of the four divine creatures, the others being the dragon, phoenix, and turtle. The Japanese Kirin is something of wild mythical fantasy – its most characteristic feature is of course the horn, as it is also called the Japanese unicorn. It has four legs with hooves and the hindlegs are covered with very well-expressed fatty tissue, like that of a shishi. The rest of the body is covered in dense plumage, like that of a phoenix.Auction comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke of a shishi by Gyokuzan, with a very similar signature, at Koller, 27 March 2010, Zurich, lot 280. Compare a related ivory netsuke of a shishi by Mitsuharu at Bonhams, 12 November 2008, London, lot 422 (sold for 4,200 GBP). Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a kirin, described as “style of Mitsuharu”, at Bonhams, 19 March 2013, New York, lot 2145 (sold for 12,500 USD).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 22NL308313/20).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

VADYM PYVOVAR: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A KIRIN AFTER SANKOBy Vadym Pyvovar, signed with the artist's initialsUkraine, 2023Finely carved standing foursquare with the feet close together, its head raised high and mouth agape in a snarl, revealing sharp teeth, the beast well rendered with finely incised fur, mane, and tail, the scales to the underside of its mouth, neck, and belly and the horn neatly detailed, the front legs with flames, the eyes inlaid with amber. Natural himotoshi between the legs and between the tail and body. One haunch incised with the artist's initials.HEIGHT 7.8 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Literature/Auction comparison: Compare the 'Meinertzhagen Kirin' which inspired this model, illustrated in color in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. v. Compare to another example which inspired this model, carved from ivory and dated 18th century, formerly in the Behrens, Mannstaedt, and Carré collections, at Van Ham, 7 December 2017, Cologne, lot 2242 (sold for 129,000 EUR).

AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A PRANCING SHISHIUnsigned Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Gabor Wilhelm (Spring 2002) On the Continent, International Netsuke Society Journal, Vol. 22, No. 1, p. 48.Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2004) Outside the Box, p. 56, no. 25.An exquisitely carved ivory netsuke of a shishi with its rump in the air, turning to snarl at its own tail. The eyes are inlaid in dark horn and there is a loose ball in its mouth. The low relief, well-polished lumpy excrescences to brow and haunches contrast nicely with the high relief whorls and curls of mane and tail, and with the deeply patinated smooth rounded surfaces of the body and legs. The carving is deep and bold throughout, and features some delicate textural stippling on the pads of the large feet. The himotoshi is cleverly positioned, with the larger of the two holes issuing through the rear legs. The ivory with a fine, honey-yellow patina.LENGTH 4.2 cmCondition: Very good condition, appealingly worn, few minor age cracks.Provenance: Rossini, Paris, 3 December 2001, lot 2. Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, 2004. French private collection, acquired from the above.One curious aspect of this shishi netsuke is that it is slightly off balance when resting on all four legs, turning as if in surprise and shock at the sight of its own, admittedly rather scary tail rising up threateningly behind it. The animal appears to be in immediate danger of toppling over as it turns. This oddity is explained by a most unusual aspect: the beast is also designed to sit up on its rear legs with forepaws in the air, at which point it turns to look back on a level, horizontal plane and is a thoroughly coherent sculpture, with more movement and originality than most.The carving shares stylistic elements with both Tomotada and Mitsuharu of Kyoto, while the inherent wit of the carving is reminiscent of the Osaka school.Auction comparison:Compare to a related ivory netsuke of a shishi, by Tomoharu, at Bonhams, Netsuke from a European Private Collection, 8 May 2016, London, lot 79 (sold for 6,250 GBP).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2201700452-K).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

MASATOMO: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A HARE WITH MUSHROOMBy Masatomo, signed Masatomo 正友 Japan, Kyoto, c. 1800, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Joly, Henri (1975) Catalogue of the H. Seymour Trower Collection of Japanese Art, no. 204 (unillustrated).Bulletin Franco-Japonais (2002) no. 78, p. 2.Wilhelm, Gabor (2002) Bulletin Franco-Japonais, no. 79, p. 42. Wilhelm, Gabor (Spring 2003) On the Continent, International Netsuke Society Journal, Vol. 23, No. 1, p. 18.Well carved as a rabbit seated on its haunches and nursing a mushroom between its front paws, the animal detailed with oval eyes inlaid with pale buffalo horn, long floppy ears, and a short curled tail, the fur neatly incised and darkly stained, the underside of the mushroom cap with incised radial gills creating an appealing contrast to the smooth cap and stem, the underside with asymmetrical, generously excavated himotoshi, the right haunch with the signature within a shaped reserve MASATOMO.LENGTH 5.2 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few minor age cracks.Provenance: Ex-collection H. Seymour Trower (recorded in Henri Joly's catalog, no. 204). Piasa, 23 October 2002, Paris, lot 235 (sold for 8,200 EUR). French private collection, acquired from the above.Museum comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke of a hare with mushroom by Okatomo, dated late 18th to early 19th century, in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, accession number 47.925.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2201700456-K).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

YAMAGUCHI OKATOMO: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A HARE AND YOUNGBy Yamaguchi Okatomo, signed Okatomo 岡友Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Bushell, Raymond (1971) Collector's Netsuke, p. 32, no. 24.Wilhelm, Gabor (1988) Netsuke Kenkyukai Society Journal, p. 42 and 44.Wilhelm, Gabor (1989) Bulletin Franco-Japonais, p. 22. Sydney L. Moss (1989) Japanese Netsuke: Serious Art. Outstanding Works Selected from American Collections, no. 10.Birch, Michael (Summer 1989) Netsuke Kenkyukai Society Journal, p. 26, fig. 3.Superbly carved as a rabbit and young huddled close together, the mother resting a paw protectively on the back of the buck leveret, which is snuggling to its mother's side. Their fur and other details are neatly incised and darkly stained for effect. Their eyes are double-inlaid with bone and pupils of reddish, mid-toned translucent buffalo horn. The underside is well detailed with the animals' paws and genitals, with many natural himotoshi due to the openwork.LENGTH 5.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor expected wear and few minuscule age cracks. Tiny old repair to the edge of the left ear. Provenance: Ex- collection B.K. Denton, Yokohama and St. Louis, 1971. St. James' Gallery, Zurich, 1988. Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, 1989. European collection, acquired from the above. Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, 2005. French private collection, acquired from the above.Okatomo's later animals, at the end of the 18th century, are smaller and more precious than his earlier works, but share his characteristic smiling features and charming, well-fed naturalism, in contrast to his teacher Tomotada's reptilian features and bony, massive bulk. Other known Okatomo rabbits are ivory, smaller, and later. This group corresponds to Tomotada's style in composition and size, but betrays Okatomo's hand unmistakably in the hairwork, underside, and face with idiosyncratic inlays to eyes. It is a rare, early work from the period when Okatomo was strongly influenced by Tomotada.The Okatomo signature is generally considered to have been added later. Nonetheless, the present netsuke is doubtlessly the artist's work.Literature comparison:Compare a closely related, yet later ivory netsuke depicting the same subject by Okatomo, illustrated in Cohen, George (1974) In Search of Netsuke & Inro, p. 35, no. 44. Compare also a wood netsuke of a wolf by Okatomo, signed Tomotada, with similar double-inlaid eyes in bone and horn, formerly in the collection of E. Hobbs and offered by Max Rutherston Ltd.Auction comparison:Compare to a related wood netsuke of a recumbent ox, signed Tomotada, but certainly by Okatomo, at Christie's, An Important European Collection of Netsuke, 14 November 2001, London, lol 31 (sold for 15,863 GBP).

RENSAI: A RARE MARINE IVORY KISERUZUTSU WITH A BASKET OF FRUITBy Ishikawa Rensai, signed Rensai 蓮齋Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa District, second half of 19th century, circa 1860s-1880sOf wari-zutsu form, the marine ivory of pure color, finely carved in shishiaibori with a neatly incised woven basket filled with loquats, eggplant, peach, pomegranate, and berries, some fruit attached on leafy stems, one open pomegranate showing the seeds is borne on a towering branch, a loquat and worm-eaten leaf are lying on the ground before the basket. The cord attachment is formed by a reishi fungus carved in high relief, surrounded by cleverly stippled shading. The base carved in shishiaibori with a Buddha's Hand citron. The reverse incised with the signature RENSAI.LENGTH 20 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, a small nick near the base.Provenance: Ex-collection Gabor Wilhelm, Paris.A wari-zutsu pipe case is slit at the sides, leaving two flexible leaves. Bamboo and wood are the usual materials, because of the need for flexibility, although occasionally stag antler is utilized. See Stratos, Milton (Spring 2016) Kiseruzutsu, the Other Sagemono. A Modest Appreciation, International Netsuke Society Journal, Vol. 36, No. 1, p. 19. A wari-zutsu pipe case carved from marine ivory is extremely rare and shows great skill from the artist.In Chinese art, the pomegranate symbolizes the wish for many children, and in particular, sons. The fruit is full of seeds, and the word for seeds in Chinese is also that for children. Together with the double-happiness symbol, pomegranates feature prominently as wedding gifts. The Chinese rebus, liu kai bai zi, translates as 'the pomegranate brings you a hundred seeds'. The Buddha's Hand citron, which can be interchangeable with other citrons, together with the peach and pomegranate, are known collectively as 'The Three Abundances' (sanduo) which express the wish for abundant blessings, long life, and many sons. It is common for Japanese artists, particularly Asakusa carvers, to borrow such symbolism from the Chinese visual vocabulary.Literature comparison: Compare a stag antler kiseruzutsu by Rensai decorated with a ho-o bird, clouds, and blossoms, illustrated in Sydney Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai The Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, Part 3, p, 74-75, no. 374. Compare an ivory netsuke by Rensai of a frog on a gourd, with a very similar signature, illustrated ibid., p. 40, no. 350, where the author notes that “[i]t might be that the unusual signature proposes the hand of Ishikawa Rensai II.” Compare another ivory netsuke by Rensai of a frog on a gourd, illustrated in Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 181, no. 539, where the author notes that “[t]he carving and the signature differ from Rensai's work in staghorn and this piece is probably by Rensai II.”This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

AN EXCEPTIONAL AND LARGE WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAKE, ATTRIBUTED TO OKATOMO Attributed to Yamaguchi Okatomo, unsignedJapan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A remarkably bulky and powerfully executed sculptural masterpiece – the snake coiling around itself, its body entirely naturalistically represented, varying in thickness, covered almost entirely in boldly incised scales. The majestic reptile's large head is resting at the top of the composition, its eyes inlaid with dark horn pupils, its tongue extended and slithering down along the tail. Natural himotoshi. Unsigned, however confidently attributed to the Kyoto master Yamaguchi Okatomo, the manner of the expression and inlaid eyes idiosyncratic of this celebrated artist. The well-toned wood bearing a fine patina.SIZE 3 x 4.2 x 4.9 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear. Fine, dark patina.Provenance: Ex-collection Joe Kurstin. Dr. M. Joseph 'Joe' Kurstin (1931-2021) was a prominent Miami ophthalmologist who arguably built one of the greatest netsuke collections of all time. He was known by netsuke and inro lovers worldwide and made many lifelong friends in this tight-knit community. He published several books and articles on the subject and generously lent his collection for exhibitions at the Yale University Gallery, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Epcot Center at Disney World, and The Tobacco and Salt Museum, Tokyo.Snakes from the Kyoto school are to be considered extremely rare. Only one other netsuke depicting a snake is recorded by Okatomo (see Museum comparison), however the present netsuke is the only one carved from wood. There are no recorded examples from other members of the Oka-school, such as from Okakoto or Okatori.Literature comparison:Compare to a related wood netsuke of a coiled snake by Tomotada illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 916.Museum comparison:Compare to a closely related ivory netsuke, signed Okatomo, in the collection of The British Museum, accession no. 1945,1017.603. Compare the manner of the head, inlaid eyes and the manner of the scales, which are more elaborate on the present wood netsuke, however show the same incised line at the intersection point of the individual scales.

OKATOMO: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A RAT WITH EDAMAME BEAN PODBy Yamaguchi Okatomo, signed Okatomo 岡友Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved, with particular attention devoted to the neatly incised fur coat, the rat shown with its head lowered, the eyes inlaid in reddish horn, the two front paws firmly pressed down against a smoothly polished edamame bean pod while its left hind paw scratches its ear. The facial features are achieved with an extraordinary sense of naturalism, which without a doubt can only be achieved through close examination of animals, which Okatomo must have practiced, as all of his animal netsuke seem to possess a "soul". The well-carved tail curls around to the underside, forming the cord attachment, and the signature is located in a rectangular reserve OKATOMO.LENGTH 3.9 cmCondition: A tiny chip to one ear and a small repair to the edge of the right hind paw and tip of the tail. Otherwise in fine condition with typical wear and natural age cracks. Fine, yellowish patina.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related ivory netsuke of a rat gnawing at a candle by Okatomo's younger brother Okatori, measuring 3.9 cm in length, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 46 (sold for 13,420 EUR).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number DE-BM-22092812).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A FINE KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A RATUnsignedJapan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sagemonoya (2022), The Gabor and Georgina Wilhelm Collection, p. 52, no. 78.The reclining rat with finely incised fur coiling around itself, grabbing its finely carved tail with all four paws as it turns and lifts its head curiously, the ears in an alert position and the glaring eyes inlaid in reddish horn. Two himotoshi through the underside. Unsigned, however stylistically close to Masanao of Kyoto, the ears in particularly reminiscent of his carvings of rats.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: The left ear restored. Otherwise good condition with an excellent patina and few age cracks.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Literature comparison:Compare to a related ivory netsuke of a rat, signed Masanao, illustrated on the same page as the present netsuke in Sagemonoya (2022), The Gabor and Georgina Wilhelm Collection, p. 52, no. 76.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207509863-K).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A GOOD IVORY NETSUKE OF A DANCING KITSUNEUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sagemonoya (2022), The Gabor and Georgina Wilhelm Collection, p. 77, no. 125.Carved as a kitsune (fox), raising its forepaws dynamically in a dancing posture, the tail turned upwards, the mouth slightly opened showing teeth and tongue and smiling enigmatically. Excellent, generously excavated himotoshi to the back. The ivory bearing a stunning, deep-yellow patina.HEIGHT 6.3 cmCondition: Good condition. Some old, smoothed-out, non-distracting chips. Several natural age cracks and general wear.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Auction comparison:Compare to a related ivory netsuke of dancing kitsune sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 4 November 2022, Vienna, lot 220 (sold for 4,420 EUR).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207509864-K).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

OKATORI: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONKEY WITH A PEACHBy Yamaguchi Okatori, signed Okatori 岡隹Japan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a seated monkey leaning forwards, holding in one hand a leafy peach branch, the other hand fondling the fruit, the face with a fine expression, the pupils inlaid in dark horn, the fur and other details neatly incised. Natural himotoshi between the monkey's limbs and branch, the underside with the signature OKATORI within a rectangular reserve. The ivory bearing an attractive yellowish hue and a fine patina.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear, few faint age cracks.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related ivory netsuke of a monkey with loquats, by Okatori, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 22 April 2022, Vienna, lot 46 (sold for 6,320 EUR).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-0090).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

MASAHIRO: AN OSAKA SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF THE LUNAR HARE By Masahiro, signed Masahiro 正廣Japan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The lunar hare armed with a large mochi pestle leaning against a large, moon-shaped sphere, standing on a cloud-base issuing from the moon, with further swirling clouds carved in relief against the surface of the smoothly polished sphere. The rabbit's eyes are inlaid in amber. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi through the moon and signed underneath MASAHIRO – widely regarded as the most talented pupil of the famous Osaka netsukeshi Ohara Mitsuhiro (1810-1875).Condition: Very good condition. Several natural age cracks.Provenance: French private collection, purchased from Galerie Yamato, Paris, 2001.LENGTH 4.4 cmThis popular motif originates in China, where the rabbit is often portrayed as a companion of the Moon goddess Chang'e, constantly pounding the elixir of life for her. In the Japanese variation, the lunar hare is often seen pounding mochi.Museum comparison:A closely related ivory netsuke, by Masahiro, formerly in the Trumpf collection, is in the collection of the Linden Museum, Stuttgart, accession no. OA 18784.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related ivory netsuke, by Shigemasa, sold at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 132 (sold for 2,250 GBP). Also compare to another closely related ivory netsuke, by Masahiro, at Van Ham, Asian Art, 9 June 2016, Cologne, lot 2400 (sold for 3,354 EUR).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207508211-K). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

DOSHO: AN IVORY MANJU NETSUKE OF TWO SUMO WRESTLERSBy Dosho, signed Dosho 道笑 saku 作Japan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, vol. 1, p. 358Atchley, Virginia / Davey, Neil (2006) The Virginia Atchley Collection of Japanese Miniature Arts, p. 148, no. N201.Finely carved in shishiaibori with two sumo wrestlers, one screaming in agony as his opponent wraps both hands around his ankle, each with neatly incised hair and subtly carved muscular bodies, the details further heightened by skillful staining. The reverse with a central himotoshi and the signature DOSHO saku [made by Dosho].DIAMETER 5 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few small age cracks, tiny nibbles to edges. Provenance: Ex-collection Virginia Atchley. Auction comparison: Compare a related ivory manju netsuke by Doshosai, dated 19th century, at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part IV, 6 November 2013, London, lot 79 (sold for 1,875 GBP).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 22NL305938/20).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

MITSUHIRO: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A FLY ON A BIWA (LOQUAT)By Ohara Mitsuhiro (1810-1875), signed Mitsuhiro 光廣 with kakihanJapan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Naturalistically carved and finely stained to depict a loquat borne on a gnarled branch further issuing a half-eaten leaf, a fly on the skin of the fruit. The branch signed within a gourd-shaped reserve MITSUHIRO with a kakihan. Fine, honey-yellow patina. LENGTH 4.2 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, expected age cracks.This subject was favored by Mitsuhiro due to its tactile nature. The design is recorded in Mitsuhiro / Mikoshiba, Misao (transl.) (2001) Takarabukuro: A Netsuke Artist Notebook, p. 129, no. 156, where Mitsuhiro notes: "showing a leaf and a fruit. A short branch is curved to hold a cord. Ishime finished should be used. An exact copy made to look old."Auction comparison: Compare a near identical netsuke by Mitsuhiro, also signed with a kakihan and showing the same half-eaten leaf, at Sotheby's, 18 November 1974, London, lot 128 (sold for hammer price 1,700 GBP). This netsuke is also illustrated in Barry Davies Oriental Art (1998) The Robert S. Huthart Collection of Non-Iwami Netsuke, p. 87, no. 62.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 22NL306169/20).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

HIDEMASA: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF IKKAKU CARRYING THE PRINCESS SENDARAMOBy Hidemasa, signed Hidemasa 秀正Japan, Osaka, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sagemonoya (2022), The Gabor and Georgina Wilhelm Collection, p. 21, no. 26.The one-horned rishi Ikkaku tilting his head in laughter, carrying the beautiful princess Sendaramo (also known as the Lady of Benares) on his back, who lifts her billowing scarf which twists and turns around the composition, forming the cord attachment in the back. The ivory is lightly stained, the expressions are comical and animated, and the elaborated robes of the pair are incised with ornate, scrolling patterns. Signed to the back HIDEMASA.HEIGHT 5.9 cmCondition: Very good condition with typical surface wear. One tiny, old chip to one toe of Ikkaku.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.The subject is derived from the Noh play Ikkaku Sennin, written by Komparu Zembo Motoyasu (1453-1532). Ikkaku Sennin, the one-horned rishi, once slipped on a hill near Benares and in his anger captured the dragon kings and kept them from letting rain fall from the sky. He is then seduced by a beautiful lady from Benares and eventually loses all his power, thus freeing the dragon kings and ending a terrible drought.Museum comparison:A closely related ivory netsuke depicting the same subject, by Hidemasa, is in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), accession number M.91.250.114.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207511173-K).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

AN EARLY IVORY NETSUKE OF TAIRA NO TADAMORI CAPTURING THE OIL THIEFUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sagemonoya (2022) A Selection of Netsuke & Sagemono from the Collection of Georgina & Gabor Wilhelm, p. 35, no. 51.Dynamically and powerfully carved to depict Taira no Tadamori grabbing the oil thief Abura Bozu from behind atop a shaped base. Tadamori's expression is fierce, expecting an evil demon, while he grabs the oil thief by the arm, who is holding an ewer. Abura Bozo's expression is surprised, one foot lifted – he is caught red-handed. Unbeknownst to Tadamori the man is nothing but a poor old soul, stealing a tiny bit of oil from the many lamps in the forest near the Yasaka no Yashioro temple. This mishap is masterfully depicted in this netsuke. The base with a central himotoshi. The garment folds are expertly carved. The ivory with a rich, honey-yellow patina.HEIGHT 4.4 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few fine age cracks. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Museum comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke depicting the same subject in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 10.211.1116.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207511172-K).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A FINE OSAKA SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A PUPPY PLAYING WITH A SANDAL (WARAJI)Unsigned Japan, Osaka, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved to depict a puppy licking a sandal at its feet, with three paws placed on the sandal, the fourth neatly carved to the underside, the puppy well detailed with eyes inlaid in red buffalo horn, finely incised and darkly stained fur, floppy ears, and a collar tied around its neck. Natural himotoshi. The underside with two generously excavated himotoshi. Fine, honey-yellow patina.LENGTH 4.8 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear, expected age cracks.Auction comparison:Compare to a related ivory netsuke of a puppy, by Garaku, at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 160 (sold for 5,625 GBP).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 22NL308311/20).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A RARE MARINE TOOTH NETSUKE OF KIYOHIMEUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The serpentine, wrathful monster Kiyohime tightly wrapped around the Dojo-ji bell, her snake-like tail encircling the top and her body surmounting the bell, the face with an enigmatic smile, holding a striker and a loose strand of her long, finely incised hair. Very large himotoshi through the side of the bell. The marine tooth bearing a beautiful lustrous polish.HEIGHT 6 cmCondition: Very good condition, some natural age cracks and few inlaid nerve channel plugs.In this tragic story, Kyohime fell in love with a Buddhist monk named Anchin but was rejected. In despair she pursues the monk and transforms herself into a Hannya-like demon with a snake body and horned head. The pursued Anchin hides under a temple bell. When she discovers him there, she wraps her snake body around the bell and the glow of her passion melts the metal and burns the monk hiding in the bell.This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

MASAMINE: A FINE OSAKA SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A FISHERMAN STRUGGLING WITH A HUGE CARPBy Masamine, signed Masamine 正峯Japan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved to depict a fisherman sitting on top of his catch, a giant carp with horn-inlaid eyes flapping its tail fin as it struggles to free itself. The fisherman is dressed in a straw skirt and a patterned robe, his face well-detailed with a cheerful expression. The fish with neatly incised scales and stippled head, enhances with sumi (ink), which is typical for the Osaka school. The fish's body with asymmetrical himotoshi centered by the incised signature MASAMINE.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear. Provenance: Silvia Soler, Barcelona, 2008. Dutch private collection, acquired from the above. Collection Prof. Dr. Henk C. Hoogsteden, Rotterdam, acquired from the above. A copy of the original invoice from Silvia Soler, stating a purchase price of 4,000 EUR, accompanies this lot.Masamine's netsuke are often attractively carved in good detail, the designs original, suggesting an independent craftsman. See Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 432.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related unsigned ivory netsuke of a fisher with carp, Osaka school, at Van Ham, Asian Art, 9 June 2016, lot 2376 (sold for 9,675 EUR).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 22NL311466/20).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

ISSAI: A RARE NARWHAL TUSK NETSUKE OF KADORI MYOJIN TAMING THE NAMAZUBy Ogawasara Issai, signed Issai 一齋Japan, Wakayama, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Superbly carved from a circular cross-section of a narwhal tusk as Kadori Myojin, clad in a fundoshi, placing his gigantic hyotan (double gourd) on a namazu, trying to tame the mythical catfish. The namazu's eyes are inlays black wood. The typical outer bark-like rind is visible on the edges of the netsuke and the other side shows the typical beautiful marbling and striations of this coveted material. Himotoshi through the underside and inside of the namazu and signed underneath ISSAI.LENGTH 4.6 cmCondition: The right arm restored. Some tiny repairs and losses to exposed areas. Otherwise, fine condition with minor wear and few natural age cracks.Provenance: From the collection of the German conductor Ferdinand Leitner (1912–1996), purchased from Kunsthaus Lempertz, Cologne, in 1972 (copy of the original invoice available). Leitner studied under Franz Schreker, Julius Pruewer, Artur Schnabel and Karl Muck. Among his more than 300 recordings is a celebrated recording of Ferruccio Busoni's Doktor Faust. He also conducted the Berlin Philharmonic for Wilhelm Kempff's 1961 cycle of Beethoven's piano concertos.Ogawasara Issai, mentioned in the Soken Kisho of 1781, was said to be one of the most famous carvers of his time, his work much in demand and difficult to obtain even during his lifetime. His works are rarely signed and he excelled in the use of marine and narwhal tusk.Legend has it that certain types of catfish (namazu) are responsible for the earthquakes that plague the islands of Japan. When aroused, these creatures would contort their bodies in such a way that gigantic tremors shook the area for miles and miles. The Shinto deity Kadori Myojin usually attempts to prevent such catastrophes with the help of his magic gourd.This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A VERY RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A MERMANUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a merman, half man and half fish, depicted in motion, swimming through water, one hand touching his tail fin, which curls underneath and is held close to the body for compactness, and the other hand holding a branch of coral before him. The scales are meticulously rendered, formed by large, connected half-circles and the long hair, which flows down the shoulders and arms, is neatly incised. Natural himotoshi between the arm and body. The ivory bearing a beautifully lustrous patina, the details are stained with sumi (ink).LENGTH 5.3 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, few natural age cracks and natural imperfections. Literature comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a mermaid with tama, ex-Behrens collection, illustrated in Barry Davies Oriental Art (2002) Netsuke and Inro from European Collections, no. 137. Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a merman with tama, at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 63 (sold for 4,375 GBP). Also compare to an ivory netsuke of a mermaid, style of Ogawasara Issai, at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 70 (sold for 6,875 GBP).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

IKKO: A WOOD NETSUKE OF RATS AND MILLETBy Ikko, signed Ikko 一光Japan, late 19th centuryFinely carved as a group of two rats, the larger one nibbling at a large head of millet, while the smaller one clambers up over the adult's back. Their fur coats are very neatly incised and the large eyes are inlays of pale horn for the smaller rat and dark horn for the adult. The well-carved tails curl around the composition, one of them forming the natural himotoshi underneath and signed within a raised square reserve IKKO under the millet head.HEIGHT 3.6 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minimal wear.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related wood netsuke of three rats by Ikko, with inlaid eyes, late 19th century, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 17 May 2018, London, lot 17 (sold for 1,750 GBP). Compare a related ivory netsuke-okimono of a group of rats by Ikko, late 19th century, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16th April 2021, lot 222 (sold for 5,688 EUR).

A large Chinese washed wool blue ground carpet, the the field decorated with medallions, within trailing vines to the ivory border 277cm x 388cm

A detailed porcelain figurine of a young woman in peasant costume, holding a basket of fish in her right hand, standing on a shell encrusted rocky circular base, figure in a faux ivory brown colour wash glaze, possibly Continental, unmarked, 35cm high

A fine late 18th century portrait miniature, circa 1775, watercolour on ivory, painted to depict a young lady in a pink and white dress, within an oval rose gold frame, length including surmount 5.7cm, total weight 18.1g, Ivory Act Exemption Certificate Number BAGU4BTBCondition- Overall good condition- Miniature appears to be in good condition, with minor marks and some rubbing to the surface- Glazing shows a few small scratches and marks- Clients are advised to view and inspect items before bidding and they must satisfy themselves as to the condition of every lot- For enquiries about this lot please contact David Pregun at david@kinghamsauctioneers.com

A fine late Georgian portrait miniature, circa 1780, watercolour on ivory, painted to depict a lady in a white dress with blue sash, wearing pearls, within an oval rose gold coloured frame, length including surmount 10.5cm, total weight 54.8g, Ivory Act Exemption Certificate Number NQP3WUPGCondition- Overall good condition- Miniature measures approximately 9 by 6.4cm- Miniature appears to be in good condition, with mostly small marks, some minor damage to right hand edge- Glazing shows light scratches and marks only- Clients are advised to view and inspect items before bidding and they must satisfy themselves as to the condition of every lot- For enquiries about this lot please contact David Pregun at david@kinghamsauctioneers.com

A late Georgian portrait miniature, circa 1800, watercolour on ivory, painted to depict a fair haired young boy wearing a blue jacket and a white shirt, indistinctly signed with monogram, within an oval yellow metal frame, length including surmount 6cm, total weight 21.2g, Ivory Act Exemption Certificate Number E3FDQ2BCCondition- Overall good condition- Miniature measures approximately 4.2 by 3.2cm- Miniature appears to be in good condition, with minor marks only- Marks, scratched and dents to frame, in keeping with age and wear- Clients are advised to view and inspect items before bidding and they must satisfy themselves as to the condition of every lot- For enquiries about this lot please contact David Pregun at david@kinghamsauctioneers.com

Luke Sullivan (Irish, 1705-1771), a fine portrait miniature, dated 1774, watercolour on ivory, painted to depict a young boy wearing a pink suit and a white frilled shirt, signed and dated lower right, within an oval gold bracelet clasp frame with chain surmount, length including surmount 5.3cm, total weight 14.1g, Ivory Act Exemption Certificate Number 4U5KT5G9Condition- Overall good condition- Miniature measures approximately 3.2 by 2.7cm- Miniature appears to be in good condition, with minor marks only- Glazing shows scratches and marks throughout- Clients are advised to view and inspect items before bidding and they must satisfy themselves as to the condition of every lot- For enquiries about this lot please contact David Pregun at david@kinghamsauctioneers.com

George Engleheart (1750-1829), a fine portrait miniature, circa 1785, watercolour on ivory, painted to depict a young girl wearing a white smock dress and pink lace cap, within a gold split pearl frame, length including surmount 4.5cm, total weight 11.6g, Ivory Act Exemption Certificate Number 8PVDX2L5Condition- Overall good condition- Miniature measures approximately 3.5 by 3cm- Miniature appears to be in good to fair condition, ivory slightly warped- Split pearls are well matched, in good condition, one damaged- Glazing shows mostly light scratches and marks only- Clients are advised to view and inspect items before bidding and they must satisfy themselves as to the condition of every lot- For enquiries about this lot please contact David Pregun at david@kinghamsauctioneers.com

Edward Burch R.A. (1730-1814), a fine portrait miniature, circa 1785, watercolour on ivory, believed to depict Letitia Cockburn, daughter of Lt Colonel James Cockburn of the 35th Regiment of Foot, Governor of St Eustatius, with glazed hair work reverse, within an oval gilt frame, length including surmount 11.5cm, total weight 58.9g, Ivory Act Exemption Certificate Number GZ7Y6L6X Note: examples of Edward Burch's work can be found in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum and the British MuseumCondition- Overall good to fair condition- Miniature measures approximately 9 by 7cm- Miniature appears to be in good to fair condition, with some marks and a few stains to the dress and face, would benefit from professional cleaning- Glazing shows light marks only- Noticeable dent to reverse, next to the glazed panel- Clients are advised to view and inspect items before bidding and they must satisfy themselves as to the condition of every lot- For enquiries about this lot please contact David Pregun at david@kinghamsauctioneers.com

Frederick Buck (1771-1840), a fine late Georgian portrait miniature, circa 1800, watercolour on ivory, painted to depict a young girl in a white dress with blue sash, within a gold rose-cut diamond frame and surmount, to the glazed hair work reverse, length including surmount 5.3cm, total weight 15.8g, Ivory Act Exemption Certificate Number 9UZQF1SXCondition- Overall good condition- Miniature measures approximately 4 by 3.2cm- Miniature appears to be in good condition, with minor marks only- Diamonds are well matched, some have small chips and nicks- Glazing shows mostly light scratches and marks only- Clients are advised to view and inspect items before bidding and they must satisfy themselves as to the condition of every lot- For enquiries about this lot please contact David Pregun at david@kinghamsauctioneers.com

George Engleheart (1750-1829), a fine portrait miniature, circa 1800, watercolour on ivory, believed to depict Lady Page and an original duplicate of an illustrated work by George Engleheart and not a copy, according to an old label affixed to verso, within an oval 9ct gold frame, mount stamped 9c, length including surmount 9cm, total weight 61.7g, Ivory Act Exemption Certificate Number CA9TX64Y Provenance: formerly in the collection of Ernest Salaman, Esq.Condition- Overall good condition- Miniature measures approximately 7.2 by 5.6cm- Miniature appears to be in good condition, with minor marks, some surface dirt and rubbing near the edges- Glazing shows mostly light scratches and small marks only- Label worn and stained to reverse- Clients are advised to view and inspect items before bidding and they must satisfy themselves as to the condition of every lot- For enquiries about this lot please contact David Pregun at david@kinghamsauctioneers.com

George Engleheart (1750-1829, attributed), a late 18th century portrait miniature, circa 1790, watercolour on ivory, believed to depict Lady Louisa Isabella Georgina Dillon (née FitzGibbon) wearing a white dress, a bandeau and a blue sash, signed with a cursive initial E, within an oval gilt metal frame, length including surmount 14.4cm, total weight 111.7g, Ivory Act Exemption Certificate Number 4U8DPEBGCondition- Overall good condition- Miniature measures approximately 8.4 by 6.8cm- Miniature appears to be in good condition, with minor marks only- Miniature slightly off-centre within the frame- Glazing with minor marks only- Frame possible later addition- Clients are advised to view and inspect items before bidding and they must satisfy themselves as to the condition of every lot- For enquiries about this lot please contact David Pregun at david@kinghamsauctioneers.com

Anthony Stewart (1773-1846), a fine portrait miniature, circa 1830, watercolour on ivory, painted to depict a young girl in a green dress, within a circular yellow metal frame with glazed hair work reverse, length including surmount 8cm, total weight 36.6g, Ivory Act Exemption Certificate Number ASGTHLEC Note: examples of Anthony Stewart's work can be found in the Victoria & Albert Museum, the National Galleries of Scotland and the Royal Collection Trust Condition- Overall good condition- Miniature measures approximately 5.7 by 5.7cm- Miniature appears to be in good condition, with minor marks and surface dirt- Glazing shows mostly light scratches and marks only- Clients are advised to view and inspect items before bidding and they must satisfy themselves as to the condition of every lot- For enquiries about this lot please contact David Pregun at david@kinghamsauctioneers.com

Anthony Stewart (1773-1846), a pair of portrait miniatures, circa 1840, watercolour on ivory, painted to depict twin boys, each wearing a grey dress with white frilled collar, within circular yellow metal frames, lengths including surmount 5.5cm, total weight 35.1g, Ivory Act Exemption Certificate Numbers ARFMSQQ7 and QJP1T1Z1 Note: examples of Anthony Stewart's work can be found in the Victoria & Albert Museum, the National Galleries of Scotland and the Royal Collection Trust Condition- Overall good condition- Miniatures measure approximately 4 by 4cm each- Miniatures appear to be in good condition, with minor marks only- No visible signature- Glazing shows light scratches and marks only- Clients are advised to view and inspect items before bidding and they must satisfy themselves as to the condition of every lot- For enquiries about this lot please contact David Pregun at david@kinghamsauctioneers.com

A late Georgian portrait miniature, circa 1810, watercolour on ivory, painted to depict a young fair haired boy wearing a brown jacket, within an oval gilt metal frame with glazed hair work reverse, length including surmount 10cm, total weight 58.1g, Ivory Act Exemption Certificate Number RD5TQTX2Condition- Overall good condition- Miniature measures approximately 7.1 by 5.9cm- Miniature appears to be in good condition, with some marks and surface dirt, mainly around the edge- Glazing shows scratches and marks throughout- Clients are advised to view and inspect items before bidding and they must satisfy themselves as to the condition of every lot- For enquiries about this lot please contact David Pregun at david@kinghamsauctioneers.com