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A WALRUS TUSK NETSUKE OF TURTLES AMONGST WAVESUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a turtle with its young clambering over its carapace, a multitude of crashing waves surrounding them. The walrus tusk with typical inclusions and bearing a fine, lustrous patina. Asymmetrical himotoshi through the underside, the larger hole generously excavated to accommodate the knot.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear, age cracks.Provenance: Austrian private collection.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 this item can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

RANICHI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO HORSES EMERGING FROM CHOKARO SENNIN'S GOURD By Ranichi, signed Ranichi 蘭一Japan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved as two horses atop a double-gourd, one of the horse's long tail still partly inside the vessel, both animals with eyes inlaid in translucent horn, their manes neatly incised, the underside with large himotoshi and signature RANICHI.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with some wear and few minor age cracks. Provenance: French private collection.The horse is the familiar of Chokaro Sennin, who is able to conjure the animal out of a gourd at will. The Japanese expression hyotan kara koma (lit. 'a horse in the gourd'), refers to a completely unexpected event that actually comes to pass, akin to the flight of pigs in the English-speaking world. This netsuke presents an even unlikelier occurrence, namely two horses emerging from the gourd. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued. 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 NETSUKE OF A MONKEY AND GIANT NAMAZU (EARTHQUAKE FISH)Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Boldly carved as a reclining monkey with crossed legs leaning against a giant namazu – in this case not a common catfish but the legendary earthquake fish – and using his double-gourd (hyotan) as a pillow. The namazu and monkey both with subtle incision work heightened with sumi. The underside well carved with both animals' bodies and two asymmetrical himotoshi.LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, appealingly worn, expected age cracks, traces of use, a minor nick to the tailfin. Fine and smooth honey-yellow patina.Provenance: Old Viennese private collection, acquired from Galerie Asboth, Vienna, on 27 May 1993.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 catastrophe with the help of his magic gourd, but this netsuke shows him as an ape having clearly given up on this valiant yet pointless endeavor.Literature comparison: Compare a closely related netsuke, illustrated in Eskenazi (1993) Japanese Netsuke from the Carre Collection, pp. 140-141, no. 171, and another in the collection of the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum, accession number 1986.30.52.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related netsuke, also dated 18th century, at Bonhams, Netsuke from a European Private Collection, 8 May 2016, London, lot 34 (sold for 1,875 GBP). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

SHOKASAI: A GOLD LACQUER FOUR-CASE INRO DEPICTING THE ROKKASENBy Shokasai, signed Shokasai 松花齋Japan, 19th centuryOf lenticular form, the kinji ground lacquered in iro-e takamaki-e with the rokkasen (six great poets of the Heian period) with inlaid faces in Shibayama style and details of e-nashiji. The interior with nashiji and gold fundame edges. Signed to the underside SHOKASAI.HEIGHT 9 cm (the inro) and 1.8 cm (the netsuke)Condition: Good condition with minor wear, few minuscule nicks, occasional light scratches.Provenance: The Ankarcrona Collection of Japanese Works of Art. Sten Ankarcrona (1861–1936) began collecting upon his first visit to Japan in the late 1880s, at the beginning of the golden age of travel and collecting in Europe. The young aristocratic Swedish naval officer became fascinated by the breadth of artistic production in the region and continued to add to his collection back in Europe. In 1923, by then an admiral, he was appointed by the King of Sweden to travel back to Japan on a special mission, where he spent two months making many more purchases. His love of Asian art was later passed down to his children and grandchildren, who have enriched the family collection during their own visits to Japan throughout the second half of the 20th century.With a marine ivory ojime carved with an okame and oni mask.The Rokkasen ('six poetry immortals') are six Japanese poets of the mid-ninth century who were named by Ki no Tsurayuki in the kana and mana prefaces to the poetry anthology Kokin wakashū (c. 905–14) as notable poets of the generation before its compilers. The members of the Rokkasen are Otomo no Kuronushi, Ono no Komachi, Ariwara no Narihira, Kisen Hoshi, Sojo Henjo, and Fun'ya no Yasuhide.There are a considerable number of lacquer inro and some manju netsuke that bear this signature. The inro are often lenticular, such as the present lot, and many are decorated with Shibayama style inlay. See Earle, Joe [ed.] (1995) The Index of Inro Artists, p. 251.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 this item can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A SUPERB OSAKA SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A TIGERUnsigned Japan, Osaka, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely and amusingly carved as a tiger facing backwards with a mischievous expression marked by its sideways glance achieved by the clever placement of the dark horn-inlaid eyes, the animal further detailed with thick brows, small ears, incised whiskers, and sharp teeth, the fur neatly incised and heightened with sumi, creating a striking contrast to the smooth stripes, the tail elegantly curved, the underside with two asymmetrical himotoshi.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Overall good condition with minor wear, one leg restored. Fine honey-yellow patina.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Auction comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke of a tiger by Garaku, dated to the early 19th century, at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 58 (sold for 6,250 GBP). Another closely related ivory netsuke of a tiger, unsigned and with a restored front leg, was sold at Lempertz, Asian Art, 6 December 2019, Cologne, lot 205 (sold for 4,464 EUR). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

RANICHI: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A TIGRESS WITH CUBBy Ranichi, signed Ranichi 蘭一Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The mother protectively placing one paw on the back of her cub, looking backward and snarling, both with double-inlaid eyes in translucent and dark horn, the pupils placed far apart, the tails swinging dynamically along the adult tiger's back. Note the neatly incised fur, heightened with sumi save for the stripes, as well as the powerfully carved shoulder bones. The underside with the signature RANICHI within an oblong reserve.LENGTH 4.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and natural imperfections to the material.Provenance: French private collection, acquired from Muizon, Paris, on 5 June 2003.Ranichi was a pupil of Hogen Rantei and evidently close to Unsho Hakuryu I, as the present netsuke shares many affinities with this master's work.Auction comparison: Compare a related, yet smaller ivory netsuke by Ranichi depicting the same subject at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 54 (sold for 6,573 EUR). Compare a related ivory netsuke by Hakuryu I depicting the same subject at Sotheby's, Japanese and Korean Works of Art, 14 July 2005, London, lot 1090 (sold for 11,040 GBP). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 WALRUS IVORY SEAL NETSUKE OF A SHISHI WITH MOKUGYO, ATTRIBUTED TO RENSAIAttributed to Rensai, unsigned Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa District, late 19th centuryThe shishi seated on its rear haunches atop an oval base, its front paws resting on a mokugyo, the beast's curled mane and bushy tail finely incised and heightened with sumi, its spine neatly articulated, the floppy ears and fierce eyes well carved, the base with a central himotoshi, the seal face reading Mugaku 無學, which means “no learning”, a phrase often used by Zen priests or Japanese literati with interest in Chinese studies.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with some surface wear, natural imperfections to the material, traces of use.Provenance: Christie's, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 19 November 1986, London, lot 414 (sold for 770 GBP, approx. 2,498 GBP today after inflation). The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Literature comparison: Compare three closely related netsuke depicting shishi, two attributed to Rensai, the third signed Rensai, illustrated in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. III, p. 16-19, nos. 331 and 332, and p. 22-23, no. 336.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 this item can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A FISHERMAN STRUGGLING WITH A GIANT FUGUUnsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved as a fisherman with a grim expression, desperately holding on to the gigantic fugu (pufferfish) with eyes double-inlaid with reddish and dark horn, bloating itself in response to the threat, its upper body finely stippled and heightened with sumi, its short fins neatly incised, the underside with generously excavated himotoshi. Beautiful deep honey patina.LENGTH 6.8 cmCondition: Good condition with some wear and expected age cracks. Small chip to the man's foot.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 JUROJIN AND HIS DEER Unsigned Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved with the lucky god seated and hunched over the back of his deer looking up at the sky with the mouth agape revealing teeth and tongue, its spotted fur finely incised, the animal neatly detailed with almond-shaped eyes, funnel-shaped ears, and antlers. Jurojin's head is resting on one hand, while the other holds a scroll, and his expression is amusingly grim. The underside with two generously excavated asymmetrical himotoshi.LENGTH 4.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear and natural age cracks. Superb honey patina. Provenance: French private collection.Literature comparison: A related netsuke is illustrated in Schwarz, Karl M. (1992) Netsuke Subjects, p. 26-27, no. 10. Another related netsuke by Yoshitomo is illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 996. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued. 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 SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHISHI AND BALLUnsigned Japan, Osaka, ca. 1780-1800, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (1993) Zodiac Beasts and Distant Cousins, no. 13.Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2006) More Things in Heaven and Earth, p. 66, no. 25.The lean and indubitably male beast sits upright on its haunches with both front paws flailing around its head, one catching two locks of its finely incised mane in apparent irritation. The ribs are well rendered, and the vertebrae of the spine are neatly articulated. On the naturalistically carved base stands an openwork cage containing a loose ball. One himotoshi to the base, the other between the base and bushy tail.HEIGHT 4.4 cmCondition: Very good condition with some wear, minor age cracks, few minuscule nicks. Fine, cream-colored patina.Provenance: Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, Zodiac Beasts and Distant Cousins, 1993, no. 13. Stolen from Sydney L. Moss Ltd. at the time of the aforementioned exhibition and found 18 months later with a South London fence (a reseller of stolen goods). Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, More Things in Heaven and Earth, 2006, no. 25. A notable private collection, acquired from the above.Literature comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke of a shishi climbing a dead tree, with similar expression and features, also unsigned, illustrated in Hurtig, Bernard (1973) Masterpieces of Netsuke Art: One Thousand Favorites of Leading Collectors, p. 156, no. 642. Two closely related netsuke from the June Schuerch collection are illustrated in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2006) More Things in Heaven and Earth, p. 66, no. 25 (the catalog entry for the present lot). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 SHUNGA NETSUKE OF ONNA DARUMAUnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved as Onna Daruma enveloped in the characteristic robe and cowl, her voluptuous breasts partly exposed, a hossu carved in relief to one side, the fine incision work very effectively and appealingly heightened with sumi, the circular cover can be unscrewed to reveal Onna Daruma pleasuring herself, the back with two himotoshi.HEIGHT 4 cmCondition: Good condition with some wear, minor age cracks, natural imperfections to the material, traces of use, the interior of the base with a small chip. Fine, smooth, honey-yellow patina. Provenance: Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 17 May 2012, London, lot 66 (part-lot). Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt, acquired from the above.This subject is sometimes referred to as Onna Daruma (Daruma's wife) and was meant to poke fun at Bodhidharma who was reputed to frequent brothels. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 SUPERB KYOTO SCHOOL EBONY WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT COW WITH CALFUnsignedJapan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A delicate, remarkably powerful, and superbly carved ebony wood netsuke depicting a recumbent cow baying her head with a sensitively crafted expression, her calf nestling up to her below and affectionately licking her chin. The hairwork is neatly incised, appropriately worn at the high points, and the ridged spine and ribs are subtly expressed. The rope halter which passes through the cow's nose ring, the curved horns, as well as all other details are achieved with exceptional detail. The underside shows the many well-carved hooves, as well as the generously excavated himotoshi, the larger hole oval and the smaller bean-shaped.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition, only very minor wear.Provenance: European collection. This carving certainly holds up to the greatest of the ivory Tomotada oxen, although attributions to this master, who very infrequently carved in ebony wood, are difficult to make.Auction comparison:A related ivory netsuke of a cow and calf, signed Tomotada, was sold at Lempertz, Asian Art, 16 December 2020, Cologne, lot 866 (sold for 20,000 EUR).

A GOOD IVORY NETSUKE OF A DUTCHMAN WITH DOGUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2000) Myth, Reality and Magical Transformation, no. 4.Well-carved as an unnaturally happy Dutchman wearing an unusual and ornately decorated, cloud-pattern robe and flower-petaled hat, the coat opened in the front revealing a somewhat strange shirt and bib arrangement. The foreigner's head is twisted sidewards in a striking pose, his mouth is opened with cacophonous laughter as he points to a spot which has been soiled by a piglet-like, smooth dog which he holds in his other hand, nestled against his shoulder, studiously ignoring the scene of its recent crime. Large himotoshi to the back, the ivory bearing a superb patina.HEIGHT 8.6 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few expected age cracks.An unusually humorous, striking, and pleasingly individual netsuke, signifying both the fascination and distaste held by the Japanese of the Dutch, who were the only foreigners permitted in Japan during the Edo period, confined to the island of Deshima. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF THREE GINKGO NUTSBy Ohara Mitsuhiro (1810-1875), signed Mitsuhiro 光廣 with kakihanJapan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved from core ivory of superior quality, depicting three ginkgo nuts laid end to end, the central nut pegged to the other two, the central nut signed MITSUHIRO with a red-inked kakihan. The ivory bearing a superb, lustrous finish.LENGTH 5.4 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear to inking. Tiny imperfection to the edge of the central nut where it is pegged.Literature comparison: The depiction of three ginkgo nuts by Mitsuhiro is rare. Compare a related ivory netsuke of a ginkgo nut by Mitsuhiro, illustrated in Mitsuhiro / Mikoshiba, Misao (transl.) (2001) Takarabukuro: A Netsuke Artist Notebook, p. 94, formerly in the collection of Raymond and Frances Bushell and now in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, accession number AC1998.249.305. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 FINE IVORY OJIME WITH A BIRD AND BAMBOOBy Ohara Mitsuhiro (1810-1875), signed Mitsuhiro 光廣 with kakihanJapan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of slender, cylindrical form, finely engraved in katakiri and kebori with a small bird in flight above a bamboo spray, superbly heightened with sumi, the reverse with the signature MITSUHIRO with a kakihan. The masterful use of sumi-e (ink) is highly characteristic of this important artist.LENGTH 2.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear and little loss of ink.Provenance: Ex-collection Elinor “Elly” Nordskog (1919-2013).Literature comparison: Compare two related ojimes similarly carved with bamboo by Mitsuhiro, one also with a bamboo, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 542. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 SUPERB TALL STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A SAGE WITH CRANEUnsignedJapan, Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a Taoist sage stroking his long beard with a fierce expression, his free hand lowered to meet the beak of a crane which raises one foot and its head obediently. The sage is cloaked in a voluminous robe with long draping sleeves, decorated with a regularly spaced 'punctured pattern'. The surface bearing a gorgeous, lustrous patina turning caramel-brown in some areas. At first glance, it appears as if carved from ivory, except for the telling plugs at the bottom and top. Large, functional himotoshi through the back.HEIGHT 8.6 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear, superb patina.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.This work can be attributed to one of the early Kyoto masters, who apparently never signed their stag antler pieces.Literature comparison:Compare to a stag antler netsuke of a Chinese man, attributed to one of the early Kyoto masters, in Moss, Sydney L. (2016) Kokusai The Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. I, p. 35, fig. 20.Auction comparison:Compare to a related ivory netsuke of a Chinese sage with crane, sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 13 May 2008, London, lot 365 (sold for 3,240 GBP).

A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A CAT EATING A FISHUnsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The mischievous feline clambering on an upturned mortar, a fish caught in its mouth with one paw placed on the scaly body, the cat wearing a collar, the fish with a pupil inlaid with dark horn, the underside well carved with bamboo leaves and two himotoshi.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: Good condition, appealingly worn, expected age cracks, few small chips, traces of use, occasional light scratches. Fine and smooth honey-yellow patina.Provenance: Old Viennese private collection, acquired from Galerie Zacke, Vienna, on 10 July 1992. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

CHIKUYOSAI TOMOCHIKA: A LARGE IVORY NETSUKE OF EGUCHI NO KIMI AS FUGEN BOSATSUBy Chikuyosai Tomochika, signed Chikuyosai Tomochika 竹陽齋友親 with kakihanJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The courtesan reading a long calligraphic scroll held with both hands, her long hair tied at the back and falling over her loose robe, finely incised with a foliate design, as she sits on the recumbent elephant visibly delighted by her presence, smiling benevolently. Her facial features are finely carved with pronounced feminine features showing her beauty, while at the same time radiating tranquility and Buddhist compassion. The underside with two asymmetrical himotoshi and the signature CHIKUYOSAI TOMOCHIKA with a kakihan.LENGTH 7.2 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear. Provenance: French private collection. The underside with old inventory number, '123'.According to legend, Kimi was a courtesan in the village of Eguchi and was so devoted to Buddhist scripture that she became the incarnation of Fugen Bosatsu (Boddhisattva Samantabhadra). The imagery satirizes the Buddhist bodhisattva Fugen (Samantabhadra), whose mount is the elephant, by replacing the deity with a beautifully coiffed modern courtesan. Such a visual pun (mitate) was an artistic trope, popular in the Edo period.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of Eguchi no Kimi by Tomochika, 7.7 cm wide, also dated mid-19th century, with the same signature and kakihan, at Lempertz, The Papp Collection of Netsuke, 16 June 2018, Cologne, lot 1057 (sold for 8,060 EUR). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 FINE IVORY AND EBONY NETSUKE OF A KARAKO ON DRUMBy a member of the Kikugawa family, signed Kikugawa 菊川 saku 作Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The boy almost naked, wearing only a bib, crawling over the top of large drum and holding a rope attached to a colored ivory ball. The drum is carved from ebony wood, the studs on the side minutely inlaid with dark horn, and with a looped ivory ring to the top. The boy is finely carved from ivory bearing a lustrous polish, the details inlaid in variously stained materials. Large himotoshi underneath, the smaller hole ringed in green-stained ivory and the larger hole generously excavated to accommodate the knot. Signed KIKUGAWA saku [made by Kikugawa].LENGTH 4.6 cmCondition: Very good condition, some losses to the horn-inlaid studs of the drum.Provenance: French private collection acquired from Guffroy, Amiens, on 5th April 2003. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

KOKUSAI: A SUPERB STAG ANTLER CHAIRE (TEA CADDY)By Ozaki Kokusai (1835-1892), signed Koku 谷Japan, Shiba, Tokyo, c. 1860-1880Published: Moss, Sydney L. (2016) Kokusai The Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. II, pp. 168-169, no. 167.Masterfully carved in imitation of a potter chaire (tea caddy) with a beautifully stippled and ink-engraved design of grasses, some of the design using the naturally markings of the antler. The lid is of ivory, again in imitation of the typical pottery chaire lid, which are usually carved from ivory. The underside with a plugged spiral-ridged base, showing a circular seal KOKU, where one might typically expect the potter's mark (typically, Raku), deliberately half obscured as if partially glazed over. One himotoshi to the side, the cord attachment to the underside of the flush-fitting ivory lid, which shows a firing flaw in the form of a simulated crack.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Ex-collection June Schuerch.Literature comparison:A similar stag antler ojime of a chaire, also with ivory lid and by Ozaki Kokusai, is illustrated next to the present lot in Moss, Sydney L. (2016) Kokusai The Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. II, pp. 168-169, no. 168. Another smaller stag antler netsuke of a chaire, also with ivory lid and by Ozaki Kokusai, is illustrated in Moss, Sydney L. (1982) Eccentrics in Netsuke, pp. 112-113, no. 71. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

GYOKUHOSAI RYUCHIN: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF MOMOTARO'S LOOTBy Gyokuhosai Ryuchin, signed Gyokuhosai 玉宝斎Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Superbly carved as the loot of Momotaro after vanquishing the demons on Onigashima, including the severed head of the three-eyed demon chief in the form of rokurokubi with outstretched tongue, a large treasure box with a banner on top incised with a peach design and the inscription Nihon'ichi ('number one'), an openworked peach carved with a figure and hut in anabori, the top showing a finely carved crab (one of Momotaro's allies) and incised with the inscription Tamagawa (referring to the scenic Tama Rivers), a tray and openworked stand filled with treasures (takaramono) next to a bundle of coral, and a small plaque inscribed Nihon ('Japan'). The underside well carved and with two himotoshi as well as the signature GYOKUHOSAI. A remarkably intricate carving.LENGTH 5 cmCondition: Good condition with some wear, minor age cracks, few minuscule nicks, occasional scratches. Fine patina.Provenance: Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 10 November 2016, London, lot 239 (sold for 3,750 GBP; part-lot, together with an unsigned ivory netsuke dated mid to late 19th century).Momotaro is a popular hero of Japanese folklore. His name translates as Peach Taro, a common monkey name, and is often translated as Peach Boy. The present netsuke alludes to the tale of Momotaro in several ways or could also be interpreted as a theatre prop set for a travelling entertainer to perform the tale.When he matured into adolescence, Momotaro left his parents to fight a band of oni, who marauded over their land. He sought them out in the distant island where they dwelled, a place called Onigashima or 'Demon Island'. En route, Momotaro met and befriended a talking dog, monkey, and pheasant, who agreed to help him in his quest in exchange for a portion of his rations. At the island, Momotaro and his animal friends penetrated the demons' fort and beat the band of demons into surrendering. Momotaro and his new friends returned home with the demons' plundered treasure and the demon chief as a captive.Gyokuhosai Ryuchin was regarded by Frederick Meinertzhagen as one of the most brilliant netsuke carvers of his time. His designs were original and often displayed his superior use of sukashibori (openwork technique). Gyokuhosai also excelled in the anabori (open cave-like carving) technique and often wrote inscriptions referring to scenic locations in Japan such as Mount Fuji, the Tamagawa Rivers, or Enoshima beach on simulated acorns and shells.Auction comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke by Gyokuhosai, 3.5 cm wide, showing a similar use of anabori, at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 75 (sold for 2,000 GBP). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A PARROT ON PINE TREEUnsignedJapan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Perched on a short section of a leafy pine branch, its head lowered, and the large wings folded for compactness. The large eyes are inlaid in reddish horn. Himotoshi through the branch.HEIGHT 4.3 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Auction comparison:Compare to a very similar stag antler netsuke of a parrot, likely from the same hand/workshop, sold at Lempertz, Asian Art, 6 December 2019, Cologne, lot 222 (sold for 1,736 EUR). Another closely related example carved from ivory was sold at Bonhams, The Julius & Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 148 (sold for 2,250 GBP).

OKATORI: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A RAT EATING A FRUITBy Yamaguchi Okatori, signed Okatori 岡隹Japan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A larger than usual model, finely carved and stained, the rat crouching and gnawing at a fruit held in its front paws, the fur masterfully incised and appealingly worn, the large eyes inlaid in dark horn, the well-carved paws grasping the thick tail which curls around underneath forming the himotoshi, the signature OKATORI to the back at the base of the tail within a rectangular reserve.LENGTH 4.9 cmCondition: Very good condition, expected surface wear with associated age cracks, one ear with a tiny chip.Provenance: Dutch private collection.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related ivory netsuke of a rat gnawing at a fruit by Okatori, measuring 4.2 cm in length, sold at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 48 (sold for 13,750 GBP). Another closely related ivory netsuke of a rat gnawing at a candle by Okatori, measuring 3.9 cm in length, was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 46 (sold for 13,904 EUR). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

SHUNSUI: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SLEEPING HAREBy Shunsui, signed Shunsui 春水Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)The rabbit curled up in a fetal position with all limbs placed close together, the eyes closed and the long floppy ears relaxed, the smooth body with subtle incision work, the back with two asymmetrical himotoshi and the signature SHUNSUI.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Good condition with some surface wear, few minor age cracks, traces of use.Provenance: A private collection in the Rhineland, Germany, acquired between 1960 and 1990.While some animals are commonly depicted sleeping, such as cats, the depiction of a sleeping hare appears to be extremely rare. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

HOSHUNSAI MASAYUKI: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A BOY WITH HOZUKIBy Hoshunsai Masayuki, signed Masayuki 正之Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa District, late 19th centuryPublished: Virginia / Davey, Neil (2006) The Virginia Atchley Collection of Japanese Miniature Arts, p. 202, IN15.Moss, Sydney L. (2016) Kokusai The Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. III, pp. 118-119, no. 405.Finely carved, the ivory stained and polished, depicting a seated boy wearing a loosely-fitted monk's robe, and opening a giant hozuki (winter cherry) from its translucent and semi-transparent veined, papery skin to reveal the full glory of the fruit inside. The fruit is inlaid in bright red coral, the contrast between the ivory and coral producing a striking effect. The underside with large himotoshi, the smaller one hidden away in a fold of the robe and signed in running script MASAYUKI.HEIGHT 3.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Virginia Atchley.Hozuki proliferate during the Summer Hozuki-ichi fair held on the grounds of the Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. The fair is associated with Atago Gongen who is believed to be the local avatar of the boddhisattva Jizo, a revered deity and protector of children. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 WOOD NETSUKE OF A DUTCHMAN WITH CHILDUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Typically depicted with shoulder-length, curling hair and exaggerated features, clad in a coat of finely detailed texture with a pleated collar, carrying a boy on his back and a trumpet in his right hand. The expression of each is very finely crafted, the eyes with minutely carved pupils. The wood bearing a fine patina, large himotoshi through the back.HEIGHT 8.2 cmCondition: Very good condition, appealingly worn, with minor surface wear. Fine, naturally grown, dark patina.Provenance: European collection.In the Edo period Dutch merchants were the only Europeans admitted to Japan, where they were confined to the island of Deshima. Netsuke representing foreigners were popular in this period, and a number of examples in ivory are in museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of New York (no. 10.211.1506) and the British Museum (F.558). Interestingly, the lapa (trumpet) in this Dutchman's hand is also foreign, being of Chinese origin.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a Dutchman with child, sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 4 (sold for 3,286 EUR).

A WALRUS TUSK INGYO (SEAL) NETSUKE OF A FROG AND TORTOISE ON A LOTUS LEAFIn the manner of Rensai, unsignedJapan, Tokyo, Asakusa District, late 19th centurySuperbly carved in openwork with a small tortoise and a frog, the two animals of similar size, each clambering on a worm-eaten lotus leaf with stems issuing neatly incised buds, the tortoise and frog approaching each other as if about to fight, the seal face with a single himotoshi encircled by flower petals and carved with the inscription Kayu 華友.LENGTH 4.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and expected age cracks.Provenance: Collection of Adalbert and Thilda Colsman, thence by descent in the same family. Adalbert Colsman (1886-1978) was a German businessman and art collector. From 1915 to 1958 he was the managing director of Conze & Colsman, a long-standing German silk producer. He was friends with several German painters and a patron of the Museum Folkwang in Essen. In 1964, he founded an art foundation together with his wife Thilda.Auction comparison: Compare to an ivory netsuke of a frog and lotus by Rensai (unsigned), sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 241 (sold for 2,275 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 this item can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

TOMOCHIKA: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF BENTEN WITH DRAGONBy Tomochika, signed Tomochika 友近Japan, Edo (Tokyo), c. 1830, Edo period (1615-1868)The goddess of music standing on top of a dragon, engulfed by billowing clouds, and playing the koto. The eyes of the dragon are inlaid in dark horn. Natural himotoshi through the swirling clouds in the back and signed within a rectangular reserve TOMOCHIKA. Beautiful, deep patina.HEIGHT 4.8 cmCondition: Good condition, some minor wear, tiny nicks to edges. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.The kanji Chika 近 used here is usually associated with Gyokusen Tomochika, as Chikuyosai Tomochika used Chika 親. The style is undoubtedly that of Chikuyosai Tomochika of Edo.Auction comparison:A similar ivory netsuke of Benten by Tomochika, formerly in the M. T. Hindson collection, was sold at Quinn's Auction Galleries, The Helen and Jack Mang Collection of Netsuke, 7 December 2012, Falls Church, lot 133 (hammer price 3,000 USD). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

MINKO: A FINE INLAID WOOD NETSUKE OF KIYOHIME WITH THE TEMPLE BELL OF DOJO-JIBy Minko II, signed Nidai Minko 二 代 珉江 and kakihanJapan, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The vengeful, serpentine monster Kiyohime wrapped around the temple bell of Dojo-ji, her extraordinarily well carved face and claws are inlaid in ivory. The hair and scaly body are finely carved and expressive. The slightly curved horns are inlaid in horn. The handle of the bell can be turned to alternate between the two expressions of Anchin, one showing a pale, frightened expression and the other burnt-red from fire. Two himotoshi underneath, one ringed in ivory, next to the red-inked signature Nidai MINKO and kakihan.HEIGHT 4.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: French private collection.This model belongs to one of the true classics of netsuke. It was treated by all members of the Tsu school founded by Tanaka Juntoku Minko (1735-1816). The present netsuke bears the signature Minko but also the additional characters Nidai, meaning second generation. There is no information on Minko II, however it is known that Tomin, a pupil of Minko, signed Minko in the earlier stages of his career.Auction comparison:A closely related netsuke by Minko was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 24 November 2018, Vienna, lot 70 (sold for 8,670 EUR).The tale of Anchin and Kiyohime forms the basis of a collection of plays termed Dojoji mono (Dojo-ji Temple plays), depicting an event some years after the temple bell was destroyed. These plays include the Noh play Dojoji and the Kabuki dance drama Musume Dojoji. The legend, connected with the founding of the Dojo-ji temple in Kii Province (modern-day Wakayama Prefecture), relates how a priest named Anchin from Shirakawa in Oshu province made a pilgrimage to the Kumano Shrine lodged at the home of a shoji (steward of a shoen manor) of Manago/Masago, where the manor official's daughter Kiyohime fell in love with the young monk. In order to avoid her, he deceived her with a false promise to return and continued his journey. Kiyohime became furious by his rejection and pursued him in rage. At the edge of the Hidaka River, Anchin asked a ferryman to help him to cross the river, but told him not to let her cross with his boat. When Kiyohime saw that Anchin was escaping her, she jumped into the river and started to swim after him. While swimming in the torrent of the Hidaka river, she transformed into a serpent or dragon because of her rage. When Anchin saw her coming after him in her monstrous new form, he ran into the temple called Dojo-ji. He asked the priests for help and they hid him under the bonsho bell of the temple. However, the serpent smelled him hiding inside the bell and started to coil around it. She banged the bell loudly several times with her tail, then gave a great belch of fire so powerful that it melted the bell and killed Anchin. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 NETSUKE OF A FOREIGNER FROM SENHA LEADING A SHISHIUnsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Boldly carved as a curly-haired and bearded foreigner wearing a long robe and leading a huge shishi by a rope, which he has to hold with both hands, a strained expression on his face due to the effort needed to move the gigantic beast, the shishi with wild mane and bushy tail, a fierce expression, the mouth agape in a roar revealing tongue and teeth. Himotoshi through the side and belly of the shishi.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear and expected age cracks. Fine, smooth, and warm patina.Literature comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke illustrated in Sagemonoya (2004) Ninety-Nine Netsuke & One Inro, p. 30, no. 40. For a different treatment of the same subject in ivory, dated 18th century, see Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 344, no. 1040. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

ONO RYOMIN: AN IVORY MANJU NETSUKE DEPICTING BOYS AND TOYSBy Ono Ryomin, signed Ryomin 陵民 with kakihanJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of circular form, the two-part manju finely carved in shishiaibori with two boys, one seated and beating a drum, the other dancing while holding a rattle and wearing a kitsune (fox mask), their robes neatly incised with diapered designs, and to the reverse with a group of children's toys including a duck and fishing rod, further with the central himotoshi and the signature RYOMIN with a kakihan.DIAMETER 4.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear.According to Neil Davey, Ono Ryomin was a “fine maker of sukashi netsuke and manju, invariably of ivory. He was the founder of a fairly large school, most of whom took the name Ono. The signature is clearly written in kaisho, without reserve.” See Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 314. Ono Ryomin was particularly fond of carving netsuke of boys, however manju netsuke with such depictions appear to be rare.Literature comparison: Compare a related kagamibuta netsuke by Ono Ryomin depicting a boy beating a drum, illustrated in Dieuwke Eijer (1994) Kagamibuta, Mirrors of Japanese Life and Legend, Leiden and Geneva, p. 26, no. 18.Auction comparison: Compare another ivory two-part manju netsuke by Ono Ryomin, 4.2 cm diameter, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 7 November 2013, London, lot 18 (sold for 4,750 GBP; part lot, together with an ivory manju netsuke by Hojitsu). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 NETSUKE OF A SEATED HOTEIUnsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. I, no. 29.The lucky god seated with his sack wrapped around his back, supporting him, his loose-fitting robe falling off the shoulders and decorated with neatly incised cloud scroll and peach sprays. His face with a curious expression, the inked xx pupils glancing sideways, flanked by huge earlobes, his hands resting on his knees. Large himotoshi to the underside and back.HEIGHT 4.4 cmCondition: Good condition, appealingly worn, expected age cracks, few minor nicks, traces of use, fine honey-orange patina.Provenance: Ex-collection June Schuerch.The expression is certainly reminiscent of the carvings by members of the Yoshi- school in Kyoto, notable members being Yoshitomo, Yoshinaga, etc. The present carving may very well be the precursor to these. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

MITSUHARU: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF SHOKI AND ONIBy Mitsuharu, unsignedJapan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Dynamically and expressively carved in the typical manner of Mitsuharu, the demon queller dressed in a voluminous robe incised with cloud designs and with long draping sleeves, his downward-pointing sword at the ready, and holding on to the brim of his hat on which a boldly carved oni hides. Shoki's expression is typically carved - his mouth is open, his beard is flowing in the wind, the ringed eyes with horn-inlaid pupils. The back with large himotoshi between the sword's scabbard.HEIGHT 8.2 cmCondition: The feet are probably restored. Some general wear, minuscule nicks. Otherwise fine condition, beautiful patina.Provenance: French private collection.Literature comparison:For a discussion of the carver see INSJ, vol. 39, no. 1, pp. 11-23, A similar example in ivory (also unsigned) is illustrated in fig. 29 (and illustrated on the cover of the journal). For a related example in wood see Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 532.

A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF BASHIKO SENNIN, ATTRIBUTED TO MITSUHARUAttributed to Mitsuharu, unsigned Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Barry Davies Oriental Art (1995) 100 Selected Pieces from the Netsuke Collection of Scott Meredith, no. 6.Well carved, the sennin standing and grabbing the claw of the ferocious dragon writhing above him, wearing a long flowing robe as well as leafy skirt and apron, a double-gourd attached to his belt, the dragon displaying all the signature traits of Mitsuharu with a long snout, the mouth agape revealing teeth and tongue, further detailed with two horns, funnel-shaped ears, and neatly incised scales. The back with one himotoshi, the other between the sennin's right arm and body.HEIGHT 7.3 cmCondition: Good overall condition with some wear, expected age cracks, natural imperfections to the material, few minuscule nicks. One foot is likely restored.Provenance: Dutch private collection.The subject is quite rare in netsuke art and usually misidentified as Chinnan Sennin or Rakan Handaka Sonja, who are both usually depicted with alms bowls from which they conjure the dragon. Bashiko Sennin was a healer of animals who came upon a sick dragon and remedied the dragon's ailments with acupuncture.Literature comparison:There does not appear to be any netsuke of dragons which are in fact signed Mitsuharu, however a number can be confidently attributed to the artist. See for example two dragons in International Netsuke Society Journal (Spring 2019) Vol. 39, no. 1, p. 20, nos. 25-26. Compare a closely related figure of a sennin with a dragon, also unsigned, dated early 18th century, illustrated in Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 336, no. 1024.Auction comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke of a dragon, also attributed to Mitsuharu and dated late 18th century, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 58 (sold for 3,286 EUR). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 MAN WITH A COIN IN HIS MOUTHSigned Okatomo 岡友Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sagemonoya (2011) Netsuke Opus 20, no. 27.A finely carved ivory netsuke of a man clad only in a fundoshi and cowering over a tub, his hands gripping the edge, a large coin visible in his mouth. The expression is superbly carved, this mysterious act seems to be causing the man great pain. The subject itself appears to be unique, or at the very least seen very rarely and there is no immediately plausible explanation. Gabor Wilhelm writes in the 2011 Sagemonoya “Netsuke Opus 20” publication: “Is this man spitting gold coins into his basin? Or is he attempting to win a wager consisting of trying to retrieve a gold coin without using his hands? To the French it could be a literal depiction of cracher au bassinet, a loose English translation would be “paying through one's nose” [or in this case mouth]". Natural himotoshi and not entirely convincing signature OKATOMO underneath.HEIGHT 3.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface wear.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 NETSUKE OF A RECLINING HOTEI WITH HOSSU (FLYWHISK)Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. I, no. 34.Finely carved in a reclining posture, holding a flywhisk (hossu) in his right hand, his loose-fitting robe with neatly carved folds, opening at the chest to reveal his rotund belly and ample chest, a cheerful expression on his chubby face, the mouth agape in a laugh, the back with two generously excavated asymmetrical himotoshi.LENGTH 6.2 cmCondition: Good condition, appealingly worn, expected age cracks, few minor nicks, traces of use, fine patina to reverse.Provenance: Lempertz, Cologne, 7 December 2007, lot 344. Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko, acquired from the above. Lempertz, Cologne, The Kolodotschko Collection of Netsuke II, 12 May 2014, lot 662. A notable private collector, acquired from the above.Netsuke such as the present lot and no. 2 are of unusually high quality for early figural ivory netsuke. Unlike the seated Hotei types, which tend to follow earlier Chinese models, these horizontal variants are purely Japanese in concept. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 MARINE IVORY RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE DEPICTING TEKKAI SENNIN EXHALING HIS ANIMAUnsignedJapan, Tokyo, Asakusa District, mid to late 19th centuryPublished: Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. III, p. 420-421, no. 590.Of circular form, finely worked to imitate stag antler, delicately carved in openwork to depict Tekkai sennin seated with gourd and staff on an old pine trunk, the tree's clusters of pine needles practically encircling him as he blows out his soul in the form of a small figure trudging dutifully along in mid-air, suspended in a cloud-scroll vapor trail above swirling clouds to the reverse. The reverse with a central himotoshi above a five-lobed aperture.DIAMETER 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with expected surface wear as well as minor age cracks and splits.Provenance: Ex-collection June Schuerch.Literature comparison: Compare a related ivory ryusa manju netsuke depicting Gama Sennin, signed Kyo, 4.2 cm diameter, carved in a similar manner, particularly evident in the pine needles, illustrated in Coullery, Marie-Therese and Newstead, Martin S. (1977) The Baur Collection, p. 95, no. C 154.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 this item can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A GOOD IVORY NETSUKE OF A BAYING KIRINUnsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Boldly carved, seated on its haunches with one front leg bent, the hooves placed on the naturalistically carved base, the beast finely detailed with a single curved horn, floppy ears, wild mane, and bushy tail, its head twisted upwards and the mouth agape in howl revealing tongue and teeth, the incision work heightened with sumi, the base with a central himotoshi.HEIGHT 5.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with expected surface wear, minor age cracks, and traces of use.Literature comparison: Compare a similar ivory netsuke of a kirin illustrated in Joly, Henri L. (1966) The W. L. Behrens Collection, Part 1, Netsuke, pl. XXVI, no. 1378.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. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 NARWHAL TUSK NETSUKE OF AN OXHERD AND OX, ATTRIBUTED TO GARAKUAttributed to Risuke Garaku, unsignedJapan, Osaka, second half of 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The small boy wearing a loose robe and holding the rope halter of a recumbent ox as he tries to clamber onto its back, the underside well carved with the boy's and ox's legs, two asymmetrical himotoshi, and a characteristic oban-shaped reserve.LENGTH 5.5 cmCondition: Wear, natural age cracks, a larger circumferential crack, the tail with a small loss. Overall good condition. Provenance: European collection.The oban-shaped reserve to one of the hind legs is an invention of Garaku. Raymond Bushell writes, “Garaku preserved a section of the spirally grooved bark in the shape of an oban (gold coin) on which he carved his signature – an innovation – […] The signed oban-shaped reserve in narwhal is distinctively the work of Garaku of the Soken Kisho. Unsigned narwhal netsuke with this characteristic oban-shaped reserve, and otherwise consistent, may be attributed to Garaku with the utmost confidence.” (Collector's Netsuke, 1971, p. 44).Literature comparison:A near-identical narwhal tusk netsuke attributed to Garaku I or II and depicting a herdboy and ox, with the same unsigned oban-shaped reserve as on the present netsuke, is illustrated in Moss (2008) Such Stuff As Dreams Are Made On, p. 56-57, no. 20. Compare also a near-identical marine ivory netsuke by Garaku at Sotheby's, The Carlo Monzino Collection of Netsuke, Inro and Lacquer, 21 June 1995, London, lot 167.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a boy oxherd, also attributed to Risuke Garaku, 5.4 cm wide, at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part IV on 6 November 2013, London, lot 60 (sold for 4,375 GBP). A closely related narwhal tusk netsuke of a baying Kirin attributed to Garaku, was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 61 (sold for 9,480 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 this item can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A LARGE WALRUS TUSK NETSUKE OF TWENTY FROGS ON LOTUS LEAF, ATTRIBUTED TO SEIMINAttributed to Seimin, unsignedJapan, Iwashiro, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved as a family of twenty (!) smooth frogs (kaeru) clambering on top of one another, the entire composition set on a large furled lotus leaf. The material is finely stained and polished to form a sumptuous colour, enhancing the natural depth of the material. Natural himotoshi through the stem of the lotus leaf.LENGTH 5 cmCondition: Very good condition, typical wear, few age cracks.Provenance: Austrian private collection.Literature comparison:A similar netsuke by Seimin of frogs on a lotus leaf is in the Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection, see LACMA, accession no. M.91.250.125.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 this item can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

RANTEI: A CHARMING IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO PLAYING PUPSBy Rantei, signed Rantei 蘭亭Japan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved in the typical manner of this master who gained the honorary title of Hogen. The two playful pups are huddled together, one clambering over the other, and each pulling at the rope in their mouths. The fur is neatly engraved, and the eyes are inlaid in dark horn. Himotoshi and the signature RANTEI within the typical oval reserve underneath.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: One small loss to the rope. Otherwise very good condition with minor wear and age cracks.Provenance: Ex-collection Conte Don Enrico Lucchesi Palli, Monarch of Campofranco. Purchased in 1889, when he accompanied his cousin Enrico (Henry), Prince of Parma, Earl of Bardi, on a tour of the world from 1887-1891. Thence by descent within the same family.Auction comparison:Compare to a single puppy by Rantei, sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 17 September 2013, New York, lot 3041 (sold for 1,750 USD). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 LARGE IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECLINING SARUMAWASHI AND HIS MONKEYUnsignedJapan, early 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A larger than usual model of unusual sculptural quality, depicting a monkey trainer sprawling on the ground and leaning on one elbow, his mouth agape in a tired yawn, his monkey pulling on his robe and bamboo taming stick in an effort to keep his trainer from falling asleep. Two asymmetrical himotoshi to the underside, the larger one generously excavated.LENGTH 8 cmCondition: Very good condition with some wear, due to extensive handling over a long period of time, many age cracks. Fine, smooth, honey-yellow patina.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.This superb and large ivory netsuke appears to be the precursor to the sleeping sarumawashi and thieving monkey model which is frequently seen in netsuke art. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 NETSUKE OF TWO SAGESUnsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Boldly carved as two sages with rather grotesque expressions, one standing and holding a hossu (flywhisk) in one hand, appearing to wake his reclining companion below him, both holding on to a baton, wearing long flowing robes opening at the chest, their mouths agape revealing teeth and tongue, the back with two asymmetrical himotoshi.HEIGHT 5 cmCondition: Very good condition, appealingly worn, expected age cracks, traces of use, one foot slightly chipped. Fine, smooth, honey-yellow patina.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

NOBUKAZU: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONKEY WITH KAKI (PERSIMMON)By Nobukazu, signed Nobukazu 信一Japan, Tokyo, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Well carved seated and holding a persimmon borne on a leafy stem, the face with a quizzical expression marked by small eyes with dark pupils, the fur neatly incised, the feet and hands with long fingers and toes, natural himotoshi between the monkey's limbs and the fruit, signed to one leg NOBUKAZU within an oval reserve.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with some wear and a minor age crack to the back.Provenance: French private collection, acquired at Toledano, Bordeaux, 19 December 1998. Literature comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke by Nobukazu of a monkey eating fruit, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 608. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

TOMOCHIKA: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A FARMER SHELTERING FROM THE STORMBy Chikuyosai Tomochika I, signed Tomochika 友親Japan, Edo/Tokyo, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well-carved as a farmer caught outside during a heavy storm, hiding beneath a huge mushroom which has just been struck by lightning, which has been executed by raised angular lines and a cracked opening to the cap, above the man's fearful face with the mouth agape in shock, the naturalistically carved base with the himotoshi (one to the underside and the other to the side) and the signature TOMOCHIKA.LENGTH 4.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, expected age cracks, few minuscule nicks.Provenance: Sotheby's, 23 February 1977, lot 532. Galerie Yamato, Paris, 2001. French private collection, acquired from the above.An early work by the prolific carver Chikuyosai Tomochika, the subject is most unusual. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

SHOKYUSAI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF AN EAGLE SNATCHING A FOXBy Shokyusai, signed Shokyusai 正久斎Japan, Edo (Tokyo), 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A fine ivory netsuke of an eagle firmly grasping a helpless fox in its talons. The reverent bird of prey has a fierce expression, its head is slightly tilted downwards, and its beak is opened. The feather-work of the eagle is executed masterfully. The little fox is crafted quite sensitively with a terrified expression, one claw covering its eye – one truly feels sorry for the little fox and hopes that perhaps it can trick itself out of its demise, as foxes are known to have magical powers. The himotoshi on the back of the eagle and the signature in a rectangular reserve on the underside of the fox SHOKYUSAI.LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear and expected age cracks.Provenance: European collection.Literature comparison:Compare a closely related ivory netsuke in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 29.100.796 (together with an inro).Auction comparison:Compare a closely related ivory netsuke by Tomochika at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part IV, 6 November 2013, London, lot 61 (sold for 1,625 GBP), and another at Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 27 April 2019, Vienna, lot 206 (sold for 1,643 EUR). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 A CORAL DIVERUnsigned Japan, Edo (Tokyo), c. 1830, Edo period (1615-1868)The lanky South Sea islander slightly stooping under the weight of the large piece of coral tied to his back with a braided rope, holding on to it with one hand, clad in a sarong with neatly incised floral decoration to the back, his face with curled hair and cheerful expression with the mouth agape in a smile, the back with two himotoshi.HEIGHT 7.6 cmCondition: Good condition, appealingly worn, possibly minor smoothened chips.Provenance: An important private collection in Bavaria, Germany, assembled during the 1950s and 1960s.This netsuke presents the rare motif of a coral diver returning with a huge bounty after a hard day of work, the present netsuke being even rarer due to the exclusive use of ivory, which appears to be almost unique. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 IVORY MANJU NETSUKE WITH BAKU, ATTRIBUTED TO RENSAIAttributed to Ishikawa Rensai or a close follower or associate, unsignedJapan, Tokyo, Asakusa District, late 19th centuryPublished: Moss, Sydney L. (2016) Kokusai The Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. III, pp. 28-29, no. 341.The solid ivory manju of sixteen-petaled kiku (chrysanthemum) shape, very finely carved in highly polished shishiaibori (sunken relief) to the center with a reclining dragon-horned baku facing backwards with an amusingly stern expression, the creature set against a finely incised hanabishi (lit. flower diamonds) ground. The finely stained verso with two himotoshi.LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor imperfection near the baku's horn (also visible in the back).Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko, sold at Lempertz, Cologne, 5th June 2015, lot 1207.Baku are Japanese supernatural beings that are said to devour nightmares. According to legend, they were made from the spare pieces that were left after the gods had finished creating all other animals. Baku heads are commonly placed under the eaves of Japanese Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines to ward off bad spirits. They are protectors against evil, devour nightmares, but cannot be summoned without caution, because - as legend tells - if the baku is not satisfied after consuming the nightmares, it may devour one's hopes and dreams too. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 EBONY WOOD INGYO (SEAL) NETSUKE OF A SINIUUnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The goat-like mythical being seated on an oval base, its plump body slightly contorted as it swings its head dynamically to look behind. The underside of the base cut in high relief with a kakihan (artist's cursive monogram). Natural himotoshi. Some remnants of red seal paste underneath. This seal was probably used by a painter.HEIGHT 4.8 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Auction comparison:Compare a related ivory seal netsuke, carved with a siniu in a similar posture, dated late 18th century, at Christie's London in Japanese Ceramics & Works of Art on 8 November 2007, lot 7, (sold for GBP 6,875).

HOJITSU: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF AN INUBARIKO WITH SHUNGA INTERIORBy Meikeisai Hojitsu, signed Hojitsu 法實 with kakihan Japan, Edo (Tokyo), 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved in the form of an inubariko, a dog-shaped box – a symbol of fertility – and popular bridal gift, used for the storage of towels and accessories for intimate care. The dog is coyly smiling, seemingly knowing what is hidden within. The netsuke opens to reveal a minutely carved lady pleasuring herself with a harikata (artificial phallus). A little mechanism enables her hand to move back and forth. The exterior finely incised with shaped reserves enclosing various paintings. Himotoshi to the side and underside. Signed to one of the fan-shaped reserves to the exterior HOJITSU with a kakihan.LENGTH 3.7 cm, HEIGHT 3.4 cmCondition: Very good condition with surface wear, minor age cracks, traces of use, the interior with remnants of pigment.Provenance: French private collection, acquired from Galerie Yamato, Paris, in 2005.Literature comparison: Compare a closely related netsuke by Hojitsu at Sotheby's, The Cornelius V.S. Roosevelt Collection of Netsuke, 2 June 1992, New York, lot 257, and another illustrated in Severin, Mark F. (1976) Inubariko, INCS Journal Vol. 4, No. 2, p. 19, fig. 9.Auction comparison: Compare a related netsuke, unsigned, dated second half of 19th century, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 98 (sold for 4,298 EUR). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 BIWA (LOQUATS)By 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 branch with four loquats (biwa) and cradling one fruit with the other, the face with a fine expression, the eyes and fruit with dark horn inlays, the fur and other details neatly incised, the incision work heightened with sumi, natural himotoshi between the monkey's limbs and branch, the underside with the signature OKATORI within a rectangular reserve.LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Clive King, United Kingdom. Clive King was a nephew or cousin of the important netsuke scholar George Cohen and was introduced to collecting netsuke by him. According to Frederick Meinertzhagen, “[Okatori] was without doubt the most brilliant of Okatomo's pupils, his work (less often imitated than that of Okatomo) being in some respects perhaps even superior to that of the master. His animal models are hardly inferior in their delicate treatment, charm and vitality, to those by Tomotada, and in some cases they possess an individuality and character suggestive of Masanao's work […]”, see Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 622.Literature comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a monkey holding a leafy branch with three loquats by Oktatori, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 623.Auction comparison:A closely related ivory netsuke of a monkey by Okatori was sold at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part V, 5 November 2014, London, lot 80 (sold for 4,375 GBP). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

JUSHI: A FINE INLAID WOOD NETSUKE OF SHOKI WITH A BAG OF ONI By Jushi (Toshiyuki), signed Jushi with kakihan 壽之Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures (LNIA), Vol. 2, p. 1321.The amusingly grim-faced demon queller is dressed in typical attire and is shown tightly gripping a large bag behind his back with three mischievous oni peeking out, two of them inlaid in stained bone and antler. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi underneath, next to the signature JUSHI (Toshiyuki) and kakihan.The work is typical for the Jugyoku school, therefore the reading of Jushi is listed here rather than the reading Toshiyuki which is more commonly found in literature. Furthermore the idiosyncratic kakihan found on this piece has been recorded on one netsuke by Ryukosai Jugyoku (see the note by Lazarnick in LNIA vol. 2, p. 1178).HEIGHT 3.8 cm, LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: US private collection. With old collection or museum number written in white underneath: “85.0117”.Auction comparison:A very similar netsuke by Jugyoku was sold at Van Ham, Asiatische Kunst, 7 December 2017, Cologne, lot 2289 (sold for 5,547 EUR). Another similar netsuke by Ryusai in ivory was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 206 (sold for 5,056 EUR).

DORAKU: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A DRUNKARDBy Doraku, signed Doraku 道乐Japan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved and superbly stained as a smiling man clad only in a fundoshi, his naked back neatly incised with an ornate tattoo depicting floral and foliate designs, his body hair finely incised as well, the incision work heightened with sumi. He is holding up a stippled sake bottle, the label of which is found at the top of his head, inscribed Joshu Issho (one sho of high-grade sake) and with the sake maker's logo possibly reading Yama Isseki within a square. The back and underside with himotoshi. Signed to one leg within a wavy reserve DORAKU. HEIGHT 4 cmCondition: Good condition with minor surface wear, minimal age cracks, a tiny nick to the edge of one himotoshi. A cup or other object appears to have been held in the man's left hand but is now lost. Fine honey-yellow patina.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Auction comparison: Compare to an ivory netsuke of two wrestling drunks by Doraku, sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 71 (sold for 11,376 EUR). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 IVORY NETSUKE OF A SLEEPING SHOKI WITH ONIUnsignedJapan, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The demon queller in a deep slumber, seated in a relaxed pose atop an openworked stool, one hand supporting his weary head and the other resting on his lap, wearing voluminous robes with neatly carved folds, his trusty sword sheathed and tied to his back, his finely incised hair elegantly falling over his back. At his feet kneels a frightful oni with the mouth wide open, desperately trying to wake Shoki, although the reason – after all, they are mortal enemies – remains elusive.HEIGHT 4.6 cmCondition: Good condition, appealingly worn, expected age cracks, natural imperfections to the material. Superb, lustrous, deep honey-yellow patina.Provenance: French private collection.The present netsuke, especially in its treatment of the oni, which is expressively carved and has a characteristically wide face, is typical of the Hakata school of carvers, the most notable member being of course Matsushita Otoman.Compare the manner of the carving of the oni on the present lot with a related ivory netsuke of an oni, attributed to Otoman, illustrated in Bandini, Rosemary (2001) Expressions of Style, Netsuke as Art, Scholten Japanese Art, New York, p. 53, no. 67. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 TWO KOMUSUKE (TOKAIDO ROAD PORTERS)Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sagemonoya (2001) Netsuke That Never Left Japan, no. 40.Boldly carved as two komusuke standing side by side, each clutching the brim of their headgear with one hand, wearing plain shirts opening at the chest and a fundoshi, the fine incision work heightened with sumi. Natural himotoshi between the two porters.HEIGHT 4.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, appealingly worn, with expected age cracks and a fine honey-yellow patina.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.The kumosuke were men from a rough background who carried daimyo inside a palanquin along the Tokaido road, which connected Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto during the Tokugawa era. They had to be strong, but also needed to know how to sing to entertain the feudal lords. The subject is exceedingly rare (possibly unique) as a group of two.Auction comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke of a single komusuke, dated to the late 18th century, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 25 (sold for 10,112 EUR). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

BAIKO: A RARE MARINE IVORY KISERUZUTSU DEPICTING WINGED CHILDRENBy Baiko, signed Baiko 梅湖Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa District, late 19th centuryOf muso-zutsu form, well carved in relief with a European leather design of a winged child holding a bow beneath another holding aloft a large feather, amid fruit and falling leaves, continued on the reverse, carved with a bird in flight above a leaping squirrel, all against a finely stippled and stained ground, the insert with the seal-form signature BAIKO in relief to the lower end of the carved decoration.LENGTH 20.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with expected surface wear and few minor natural fissures.Provenance: Ex-collection Edward Wrangham (no. 2279), acquired at Bonhams London in 2008. Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part V, 5 November 2014, London, lot 86 (sold for 1,875 GBP). Edward A. 'Ted' Wrangham (1928-2009) formed one of the most important collections of Japanese Art in modern times. His reference book 'The Index of Inro Artists' (1995) is considered one of the most important English-language studies on Japanese lacquer ever published.The motifs are taken from a European leather design reproduced in Inaba Tsuryu Shin'emon, Soken kisho (Strange and Wonderful Sword-fittings), vol.7, Furoku netsuke-shi meifu narabi ni zu (Supplement with Illustrations and a List of Netsuke Artists), Osaka, 1781.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related ivory kiseruzutsu depicting the same subject by Kyo, also ex Edward Wrangham Collection, at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part III, 15 May 2012, London, lot 183 (sold for 2,750 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 this item can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A DOG WITH PUPPY AND DRAGONFLYUnsigned Japan, Osaka, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The mother in a recumbent posture, wearing a foliate-incised collar, a dragonfly resting on her back, the cub clambering on her tail and hind leg, its mouth agape in a charming snarl, both with eyes inlaid in dark horn, floppy ears, and neatly incised fur, the underside well carved with the animals' limbs and two himotoshi.LENGTH 5.3 cmCondition: Very good condition with some surface wear, minor age cracks, natural imperfections to the material.Provenance: Ex-collection Conte Don Enrico Lucchesi Palli, Monarch of Campofranco. Purchased in 1889, when he accompanied his cousin Enrico (Henry), Prince of Parma, Earl of Bardi, on a tour of the world from 1887-1891. Thence by descent within the same family.Auction comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke of a puppy with a dragonfly on its back by Ohara Mitsuhiro, an Osaka contemporary of the present netsuke's carver, at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 130 (sold for 13,750 GBP). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 NETSUKE OF A SARUMAWASHI WITH MONKEYUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The monkey trainer carved standing, holding his taming stick in both hands behind his head, his small monkey standing on his shoulders and holding on to the stick as well, the sarumawashi with laughing expression, wearing voluminous robes, a small wicker basket attached to his waist. The back with two large, generously excavated, asymmetrical himotoshi.HEIGHT 7.6 cmCondition: Good condition with some wear, natural age cracks, and minor nicks here and there. Fine honey patina to the back.Provenance: French private collection.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a sarumawashi and monkey, 8.3 cm high, attributed to Insai and dated to the 18th century, at Christie's, Japanese Art and Design, 12 May 2010, London, lot 4 (sold for 2,500 GBP). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued. 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.

CHOKUSAI: AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE MARINE IVORY NETSUKE OF BAREKISONJINBy Miyagi Chokusai (born 1877), signed Chokusai 直齋Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)Published: Sagemonoya (2011) Netsuke Opus 20, p. 70-71, no. 55 (the signature erroneously transcribed as Tokusai).The six-armed warrior deity on horseback atop a shaped base carved as swirling clouds, he is fully clad in neatly incised armor and wearing a fierce lion mask with long mane elegantly falling over his back, his face with a grim expression, his two principal hands holding on to the reins, one hand holding a sparrow, another a small monkey, the other two hands holding crossed swords above his head in front of the flaming mandorla, the underside pierced with two himotoshi flanking the oblong plaque incised with the signature TOKUSAI.HEIGHT 6.1 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, expected age cracks, natural imperfections to the material, loss to one inlaid eye of the horse.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.The design of this netsuke is based on a print by Katsushika Hokusai from the Hokusai Manga (sketches) series published in 15 volumes. The first volume of the series was intended as a drawing instruction manual but Hokusai almost immediately removed the text and republished the drawings alone. The series took Hokusai on an encyclopedic venture, from seemingly insignificant depictions of everyday objects to spirits and historical figures. The design shows Barekisonjin, a horse-riding warrior god travelling on a horse through the clouds.The subject appears to be unique in netsuke art.Auction comparison:Another netsuke by the artist was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 233 (sold for 5,056 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 this item can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.