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Click here to subscribeAN IVORY OKIMONO OF OGURI HANGAN Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) A fine okimono depicting Oguri Hangan balancing his horse Onikage on a go board. Note the high quality of staining and fine carving. HEIGHT 12 cm Condition: The tip of the horse's tail and one of the reins broken, otherwise good condition. Provenance: British collection.
NOBUMITSU: AN IVORY OKIMONO OF A SAMURAI CRADLING AN INFANT By Nobumitsu, signed Nobumitsu saku Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Depicting a kneeling samurai, dressed in full armor and cradling a young infant wrapped in a cloth. The details finely executed and the ivory attractively stained. Signed NOBUMITSU saku (made) to the underside. HEIGHT 5.5 cm Condition: Excellent condition. Provenance: British collection.
INADA ICHIRO: A MOTHER-OF-PEARL INLAID IVORY OKIMONO OF OKUBO TADATAKA By Inada Ichiro (1891-1979), signed Ichiro to the underside. Japan, first half of 20th century The okimono is skillfully stained to achieve contrasting colors, depicting Okubo Tadataka wearing an elegant robe with inlaid and incised mother-of-pearl platelets, both wakizashi and katana fastened with a belt, a distinctive inro attached on the back. His hair is white and worn in the traditional chonmage. The warrior is standing on a flat oval base, signed ICHIRO to (carved) in a rectangular mother-of-pearl cartouche. HEIGHT 12.5 cm Condition: The head has been re-attached and a part of the wakizashi saya is missing. Provenance: German private collection.
A LOT WITH NINE SMALL IVORY MASKS Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) All nine masks with incised and inked details and openwork carving at the eyes and nostrils. Depiction of various lucky gods, folkloric and legendary figures such as Hotei, Okame, Ebisu or Daikoku. HEIGHT 4.5 – 5 cm Condition: All masks are in excellent condition with minor traces of wear. Provenance: British collection.
A LOT WITH NINE IVORY MASKS Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) All nine masks with incised and inked details, openwork carving at the eyes, nostrils, and few mouths. Depicting grimacing faces. HEIGHT 5.4 – 6.5 cm Condition: All masks are in excellent condition with minor traces of wear. One mask with one eye inlay missing. Provenance: British collection.
GYOKUZAN: AN IVORY OKIMONO OF A REPENTING ONI IMITATING DARUMA AWAKENING By Gyokuzan, signed Gyokuzan Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The repenting oni seated in front of a mokugyo and mallet on a naturalistically carved base, wearing an elaborate robe with gilt-rimmed inlays of stained ivory, clearly imitating Daruma awakening by stretching his arms above his head and yawning, showing his sharp tongue and fang-like teeth. A small pouch rests on the ground beside the demon. Note the fine incision work to the fan and garment as well as the well-executed expression and facial features of the oni. Signed Gyokuzan within a red-lacquered rectangular reserve to the base. HEIGHT 7.6 cm Condition: Excellent condition with only few minor traces of wear. Provenance: British collection.
AN IVORY OKIMONO OF A NIO GUARDIAN AND PAINTERS Signed Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The guardian statue holding a kongo (vajra) in one hand and wearing a neatly incised skirt under his protruding belly and a finely carved garland draped around his shoulders. His expression is wrathful with the mouth wide open. The statue is surrounded by four painters, two standing on platforms and painting the much larger statue with their paintbrushes, while one painter hands a bowl to another. Signed. HEIGHT 8.7 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor traces of wear. Provenance: British collection.
AN IVORY OKIMONO OF A NIO STATUE AND CHILDREN Signed Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The guardian statue holding a kongo (vajra) in one hand and wearing a neatly incised skirt under his protruding belly and a finely carved garland draped around his shoulders. His expression is wrathful, particularly the eyes, although his open mouth seems to form a smile. Several children are playing around the statue, with one child having fallen under it, his mother holding his hand to lift him back up. Signed. HEIGHT 7.8 cm Condition: The Nio’s right hand has been reattached, otherwise in good condition with minor traces of wear and a fine honey-yellow patina. Provenance: British collection.
A WOOD AND IVORY OKIMONO OF HOTEI Signed Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The Laughing Buddha standing, carrying his cloth sack on a stick over his shoulder, wearing a long flowing robe opening at the chest and revealing his protruding belly, and holding a scroll in one hand, his face with a cheerful expression. The robe is mostly carved from wood, while the rest of the piece is carved from ivory. Signed within a rectangular reserve on the underside. HEIGHT 9.7 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor traces of wear. Provenance: British collection.
TWO VERY LARGE INLAID IVORY OKIMONO OF LUCKY GODS Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) One depicting Jurojin holding a gnarled staff with a scroll and a reishi fungus attached to it, his left hand extended towards the deer which is standing by his feet. The ivory okimono is set on a base and the details are finely carved. A double gourd is suspended from his obi in the back and his robe is incised with fine patterns and adorned with Shibayama style inlays. The other large okimono depicts the lucky goddess Benten wearing a phoenix headdress and holding a fan. Her robe is similarly inlaid in Shibayama style. Each marked to the base. HEIGHT 31 & 35 cm Condition: Each in good condition with minor losses to inlays. Provenance: British collection.
AN IVORY OKIMONO OF BUDDHA WITH SAGES Signed with seal Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Buddha standing on a small lotus dais, wearing a long flowing robe, his hair in tight curls, the face showing a calm expression with downcast eyes and an urna, surrounded by three sages, one seated on a lion, another seated on a lotus pedestal and the third examining a scroll, and a dragon coiled around Buddha, all on a lotus base. Signed with seal to the underside. HEIGHT 9.6 cm Condition: Good condition with minor traces of wear, a small chip to the tiger’s tail. Provenance: British collection.
GYOKUSEN: AN IVORY OKIMONO OF KANNON SEATED ON A GIANT CARP WITH BOY By Gyokusen, signed Gyokusen Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The bodhisattva seated in royal ease on a gigantic carp rising from forcefully crashing, pierced waves. She is wearing a long flowing robe and a large cowl, both finely incised with floral patterns, and holding two lotus stems with buds in one hand, the other hand resting on her raised knee. The carp’s large eyes are lacquered black. Next to the carp stands a young boy holding a miniature stone lantern in one hand and a fan in the other. HEIGHT 16.6 cm Condition: The lotus bud she is holding in the back has been reattached. Very tiny age cracks, otherwise good condition. The piercing to the back of Kannon’s head was possibly added at a later stage. Provenance: French collection.
KOKU: AN IVORY OKIMONO OF ONI NEMBUTSU AND FUJIMUSUME Signed Koku/Tani with seal Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The repentant oni wearing geta and a long flowing robe, holding a mallet in one hand and carrying Fujimusume, holding a wisteria branch over her shoulder and wearing a large straw hat, on his back. A small dog is seated at their side and smelling the oni’s mallet. Signed Koku/Tani in seal form to the inside of the oni’s robe. HEIGHT 5.6 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor traces of wear. Provenance: British collection.
HIDEKAZU: AN IVORY OKIMONO OF A TREASURE SHIP By Hidekazu, signed Hidekazu with seal Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The ship sailing amid crashing waves, with several Otsu-e characters and other figures, including two oni nembutsu (repentant oni) standing towards the edge, one lifting up a water bucket, Fujimusume holding a wisteria branch in the center of the ship, Daikoku carrying his large sack and wish-fulfilling mallet towards the front, two oni trying to save another oni drowning in the waves, and another oni being swept up by a crashing wave. Signed HIDEKAZU with a seal to the underside. HEIGHT 4.9 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor traces of wear. Provenance: British collection.
KIKUTEI TOMOYUKI: AN IVORY OKIMONO OF A SAMURAI SLAYING TWO ONI By Kikutei Tomoyuki, signed Kikutei Tomoyuki Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912) Depicting a samurai warrior, possibly Momotaro, slaying two oni with his katana, with one foot placed on the back of a cowering oni underneath him and pulling the ear of another oni armed with a club beside him. The details finely incised inked and red coloring used for the blood. Signed within a wavy reserve to the back KIKUTEI TOMOYUKI – a member of the Tomochika school. HEIGHT 7.8 cm Condition: Very good condition. Provenance: British collection.
AN IVORY OKIMONO DEPICTING THE SEVEN LUCKY GODS Signed Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The okimono carved with the Seven Lucky Gods around a craggy rock and gnarly pine tree on a flat naturalistic base. Signed to the base. HEIGHT 8.1 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.
MASANOBU: AN IVORY OKIMONO OF KANNON WITH CHILD By Masanobu, signed Masanobu Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The Goddess of Mercy carved with a calm expression, wearing an elaborately decorated long flowing robe with a cowl, holding a bottle vase in one hand an a gnarled leafy branch in the other, the young attendant girl at her side wearing a neatly incised patterned robe with a garland around her shoulders, holding up a scroll, their hair and other details finely inked. Signed MASANOBU to the underside. HEIGHT 12.7 cm Condition: Excellent condition with only few minor traces of wear. Provenance: British collection.
A WOOD AND IVORY OKIMONO OF GAMA SENNIN ON GIANT TOAD Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The famous hermit Gama sennin is holding a toad in his left hand while pointing at the sky with his other. His emaciated rib cage is showing, and he is joyfully laughing while dancing atop a finely carved wood toad with double-inlaid eyes of mother-of-pearl and dark horn. HEIGHT 17.5 cm Condition: The right hand with a chipped finger and some damage to the back of the hand. Some losses to staining. One of the webbed feet of the large toad is chipped. Provenance: British collection.
A RARE IVORY OKIMONO OF A GROUP OF ONI AND A MAN Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) A rare okimono depicting a group of three oni probably on pilgrimage, walking through swirling clouds and carrying an axe, a scroll and an oi, a man on top looking into distance, finely stained. HEIGHT 15 cm Condition: Very good condition with hardly noticeable wear, the man´s staff broken and a microscopic chip to his finger. Provenance: British collection.
AN IVORY OKIMONO OF GAMA SENNIN WITH MANY TOADS Signed Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The immortal wearing a characteristic artemisia leaf cloak and carrying a lotus leaf sack on his back from which several toads emerge. The expression on his face is one of surprise and he has just raised his right foot in shock as he has noticed a larger toad beside him, likely having almost stepped on it. Signed. HEIGHT 7.9 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor traces of wear and some natural age cracks. Provenance: British collection.
AN IVORY OKIMONO OF GAMA SENNIN WITH TOADS AND SNAKE Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The immortal kneeling one leg, holding a small basket with a toad inside, a larger toad has climbed on his back. Gama sennin however is far more perturbed by the snake slithering around his back, showing a frightened look on his face with the mouth wide open. HEIGHT 6.2 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor traces of wear. Provenance: British collection. Old collector’s label to the underside.
AN IVORY OKIMONO OF MOMOTARO CONQUERING THE DEMON ISLAND Signed Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The elaborately carved ivory okimono depicting Momotaro with his talking animal companions conquering the island of Onigashima, pulling their plundered treasure on a cartwheel, two frightened and cowering oni carved on each side. HEIGHT 4.4 cm Condition: Very good condition. Provenance: British collection.
MASATOMO: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF HOTEI WITH TREASURE BAG By Masatomo, signed Masatomo Japan, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Depicting the lucky deity Hotei with finely crafted facial features and holding a very large bag draped over his shoulder. Large, generously excavated himotoshi through the bag and signed within a wavy reserve MASATOMO. HEIGHT 3.5 cm, LENGTH 4.4 cm Condition: Good condition with age cracks. Provenance: Ex collection Jury Kolodotschko.
AN AMUSING IVORY NETSUKE OF DAIKOKU WITH RAT AND MOCHI Unsigned Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Depicting the lucky god Daikoku with his hammer climbing on top of a two mochi cakes, a rat looking up towards him underneath. The base with asymmetrical himotoshi. HEIGHT 2.9 cm Condition: Good condition, age cracks. Provenance: German private collection, acquired in Japan in the 1980s/90s.
A RARE AND EARLY MARINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A BIZEN MODEL OF HOTEI Unsigned Japan, 17th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Faithfully modelled after a Bizen-ceramic figure of Hotei. The pot-bellied lucky god holds an uchiwa fan in one hand and the cord of his sack in the other. The marine ivory is worn and shows a stunning patina in playful combination with the natural inclusions of the material, creating a unique surface. The underside is hollow, as is usual for ceramic figures, and functions as the natural himotoshi, the other being in the backside. HEIGHT 4.4 cm Condition: The surface is worn with some discoloration to the crevices. A small chip to the underside. Generally, in good condition with a stunning patina. Provenance: Old Zagreb private collection.
TOMOAKI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF HOTEI CARRYING A KARAKO By Tomoaki, signed Tomoaki Japan, Edo, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The Laughing Buddha standing, carrying his characteristic cloth sack and a small karako with the help of a gnarly cane and wearing a finely incised long flowing robe, his face showing a joyous expression. Signed TOMOAKI to the cloth sack. HEIGHT 4.6 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko, purchased at Nagel, 13 November 2004, Stuttgart, lot 2617.
KOGYOKU: A TOKYO-SCHOOL STAINED IVORY NETSUKE OF HOTEI READING A BOOK By Kogyoku, signed Kogyoku Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912) Carved as Hotei seated, holding a book in one hand, the other resting on his knee, and wearing a finely stained long flowing robe opening at the chest. His expression is, as always, cheerful with a joyous smile. Signed KOGYOKU within an oval reserve to the underside. HEIGHT 3.3 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.
A WOOD KARAKURI NETSUKE WITH HOTEI AND KARAKO PLAYING SUGOROKU Unsigned Japan, 19th century to Meiji period (1868-1912) The exterior carved and neatly incised as Hotei’s treasure sack, opening to reveal the Laughing Buddha and a karako seated at a table playing sugoroku. Ivory-ringed himotoshi to the underside. HEIGHT 3 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko, purchased at Christie’s Amsterdam, 28 September 2000. Auction comparison: For a similar netsuke with Hotei and Fukurokuju playing go, see Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 9 November 2017, London, lot 2 (sold for 1,500 GBP).
AN IVORY NETSUKE OF HOTEI Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) An amusing, early ivory netsuke of triangular shape when viewed from the top, characteristically flattened in the reverse. Depicted is a jolly bare-chested Hotei, standing with his treasure bag draped over his shoulder, his belly typically protruding from his robe. Himotoshi and beautiful glistening yellow-orange patina to the reverse. HEIGHT 7.2 cm Condition: Age cracks, expected wear, beautiful patina. Good, complete condition. Provenance: French private collection, old collection number ‘3.218’.
A VERY RARE 17TH CENTURY IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO CHINESE BOYS WITH HOTEI’S SACK Unsigned Japan, 17th century, Edo period (1615-1868) This netsuke shows a popular theme, adopted from China, and used for some of the earliest Japanese netsuke which derived from Chinese toggles. The present netsuke shows a very deep patina, several age cracks and large and well hollowed-out himotoshi, the edges smoothed from wear. Depicted are two Chinese boys, their facial expressions executed very much in the style of the Ming-dynasty, dressed in Chinese robes and holding a fan together above a tied sack – an allusion to the lucky deity Hotei (in Chinese Budai). HEIGHT 3.5, LENGTH 4.4 cm Condition: Worn condition, very appealing patina, age cracks and the fan is slightly chipped´. Provenance: Austrian private collection.
AN IVORY NETSUKE OF DAIKOKU AND EBISU BOOKKEEPING Signed Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The god of wealth and the god of fishermen and luck seated together with a soroban (abacus) and a book. Signed to the underside. HEIGHT 3.1 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: French private collection.
HOMIN: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF FUKUROKUJU AND OKAME DRINKING SAKE By Homin, signed Homin with kakihan Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912) Depicting the lucky god Fukurokuju being served sake by the naughty Shinto deity Okame. The details finely rendered and treated with red color and ink. Himotoshi through the underside and signed HOMIN and kakihan. HEIGHT 3.6 cm, LENGTH 4 cm Condition: Good condition with age cracks. Provenance: Ex collection Jury Kolodotschko.
OHARA MITSUHIRO: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF TSUITATE WITH DARUMA AND PINE TREE By Ohara Mitsuhiro (1810-1875), signed Mitsuhiro 光廣 Japan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The tsuitate (standing screen) carved on one side with an image of a grim, pensive Daruma against a finely stippled ishime ground. The other side with a beautifully carved pine tree, against the same stippled ground, and next to the signature in a wavy polished reserve MITSUHIRO. The ivory is typically stained, and the area separating the two sides of the screen is executed in ishime as well. The underside shows the two arched feet on which the screen stands on and one himotoshi, the other ingeniously worked into a ‘natural’ opening of the pine tree. HEIGHT 3.5 cm Condition: Excellent condition. Provenance: French private collection, acquired from an Anonymous Sale, Sotheby’s, 12 December 2002, London, lot 323. Auction comparison: For a related netsuke, showing the same stippled pattern and an identical style of the signature see Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part I, 8 November 2016, London, lot 154 (sold for 10.000 GBP).
AN IVORY NETSUKE OF DARUMA LAUGHING Unsigned Japan, 19th century The patriarch of Zen Buddhism standing, wearing a long flowing robe and cowl, letting out a big laugh with the mouth wide open and pointing towards the side with one extended finger. HEIGHT 5.2 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: French private collection.
AN OSAKA SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF DARUMA Unsigned Japan, Osaka, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) An amusing and tactile ivory netsuke depicting Daruma almost completely enveloped in his robe, only his face is visible with a slightly disgruntled expression and inlaid eyes of dark horn. The ivory is finely stained, and his robe is incised with scrolling leafy vines. The underside with himotoshi. LENGTH 3.5 cm Condition: Good condition with age cracks. Provenance: British collection.
AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A NIO GUARDIAN WITH LARGE WARAJI Signed Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The temple guardian standing upright and carrying a large waraji sandal on his back, wearing a finely incised garment with the torso left bare, the face showing a fierce expression with the eyes inlaid in mother-of-pearl. Finely stained details. Himotoshi to the back. Signed within a rectangular mother-of-pearl reserve. HEIGHT 9.4 cm Condition: Good condition with minor surface wear, some staining to the back. Provenance: Czech private collection.
A STAINED IVORY ‘IMITATION STAG ANTLER’ RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE OF A SHISHI AND PEONY Unsigned Japan, Tokyo, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) The netsuke finely carved in openwork with a shishi, ist flaming tail and mane neatly incised, in a forest with craggy rockwork and peony blossoms with leaves, a central lozenge with a single himotoshi to the reverse, the netsuke providing ample natural himotoshi. LENGTH 4.5 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: US private collection.
AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A HATCHING TENGU Unsigned Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Depicting a tengu hatching from an egg with half of its body protruding from the shell, the eyes inlaid producing a humorous expression. Good himotoshi through the back and underside. Beautiful patina. HEIGHT 3.5 cm Condition: Good condition, expected age cracks. No damages. Provenance: German private collection, acquired in Japan in the 1980s/90s.
AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A TANUKI AS A SAKE VENDOR Unsigned Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The clothed tanuki is standing with its head reared upwards to the left and holding a sake bottle in one paw and an accounting book in the other. Himotoshi through the back. HEIGHT 4.6 cm Condition: Excellent condition. Provenance: German private collection, acquired in Japan in the 1980s/90s.
AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A BAKU HEADED MOKUGYO IN THE STYLE OF GYOKUMIN Unsigned, style of Gyokumin (1800-1868) Japan, Asakusa, mid to late 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Depicted is a mokugyo temple bell with the handle shaped like the head of a baku with large inlaid eyes, small tusks, its tongue sticking outwards and a dominant long curling snout. Swirling flame-like curls trail down from its neck to both sides of the temple bell. The underside with the characteristic opening of the mokugyo. Natural himotoshi. HEIGHT 5.3 cm Condition: Generally good but used and worn condition with age cracks. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection. Literature comparison: For similar works by Gyokumin see Kokusai the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, Sydney L. Moss, Ltd., 2016, nos. 473-478.
A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF AN OCTOPUS Unsigned Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The octopus (tako) is crafted with a large and smooth bulbous head with elongated bulging eyes, his head resting on his tentacles which extend far behind him. The tentacles have pierced holes for suckers and form a dense bundle, overlapping and curling around. The composition of this octopus is quite unique. The underside with himotoshi through one S-shaped tentacle. Excellent patina, worn in all the right places. LENGTH 6.5 cm Condition: Very good complete condition, with expected age cracks and beautiful patina. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
SHUNGETSU: IVORY NETSUKE OF A TANUKI SUFFOCATING A HUNTER WITH HIS SCROTUM By Shungetsu, signed Shungetsu Japan, Tokyo, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) A well-carved, finely stained and compact ivory netsuke of a tanuki suffocating a hunter with his gigantic scrotum. Tanuki are known to have magical powers and are mischievous creatures. Though not always dangerous, they are especially hostile to hunters, as they beguile them by drumming on their bellies, subsequently crushing them with their enlarged testicles. The tanuki has well-carved fur and a smoothly polished scrotum with sparsely incised hair. The hunter is quite helpless and squirming in agony. Small himotoshi and signature SHUNGETSU 春月 on the underside. HEIGHT 3.3 cm, LENGTH 4 cm Condition: Very good condition. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
AN EARLY AND FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHISHIMAI DANCER Unsigned Japan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Carved as a boy with a drum tied to his obi in front him, holding a pair of drumsticks and wearing a festive cloak incised with three different geometrical patterns. He is lifting his Shishimai mask, revealing his face. The boy has very finely crafted facial features with full cheeks, a sensitively crafted nose and a charming smile. The Shishi mask at the top is equally well-carved with expressive features and finely carved curls. The icing on the cake is the patina – honey orange in the back and coherently worn in just the right places, indicating a well-used and loved piece. The generous himotoshi, as well, are perfect. HEIGHT 7.6 cm Condition: Expected age cracks, beautiful patina. One foot is restored very well. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.
AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A CONVERTED ONI Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Östasiatiska Museet (1999) Netsuke, p. 50. Exhibited: Östasiatiska Museet, Sweden, Stockholm, 16 October 1999 – 9 January 2000. The oni, converted to Buddhism, depicted here with a thick belly which partially hangs over the temple gong before him. He looks up to the heavens, screaming dramatically, the eyes double inlaid in reddish and dark horn. In one hand he holds a rosary and with the other he holds the mallet behind his back, scratching himself instead of striking the gong. The oni wears only a tiger skin loincloth, the fur coat pattern partially worn, as are the hairs on his body. The ribs in the back are expressed very well. The deep, perfectly placed himotoshi are indicative of the period. HEIGHT 4.2 cm Condition: The inked features partially worn; expected age cracks, an old filling to the front of the teeth and one horn is replaced. Good, age-related condition. Provenance: Ex collection Mrs. Gunvor Bjorkman. Old museum number.
A STAINED IVORY NETSUKE OF A CONVERTED ONI Unsigned Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) An unusual netsuke stained a reddish black and attractively worn. Depicted is an oni scratching his back with a mallet, a gong is placed before him. LENGTH 3,5 CM Condition: Old fracture to the oni’s arm. Provenance: Old Austrian private collection.
GYOKUSAI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF EMMA-O FEEDING TWO ONI By Gyokusai, signed Gyokusai Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The king of hell seated and holding a bowl of grains in one hand with the other hand inside the bowl, while two oni are on all fours beside him eating the grains. Himotoshi and signature GYOKUSAI to the flat oval base. HEIGHT 4 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.
NAOMASA: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF SHITA-KIRI SUZUME By Naomasa, signed Naomasa Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The tongue-cut sparrow with large inlaid eyes and finely incised wings and tail, an old man lying on its back. LENGTH 4.5 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, some loss of staining to the beak, and few natural age cracks. Provenance: French private collection.
AN IVORY HAKATA-STYLE NETSUKE OF ONO NO TOFU Unsigned Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Published: Schwarz, K. (1992) Netsuke Subjects, no. 199. The netsuke carved from ivory with finely stained details, depicting the famous calligrapher climbing on a large frog and holding a closed parasol in his left hand. Himotoshi to the back. HEIGHT 6.7 cm Condition: Very good condition with only minor surface wear. Provenance: Ex collection Dr. Karl Schwarz, exhibited at the MAK, Vienna, 1996. Sold at Kunsthandel Klefisch, Auction 98, October 2012, lot 254.
AN OLD IVORY NETSUKE OF AN ONI Unsigned Japan, 17th century, Edo period (1615-1868) This old and worn ivory netsuke shows an oni seated on a rock. Good himotoshi through the back and the base. Stunning patina. HEIGHT 4.5 cm Condition: Signs of age and wear. Deep honeycolored patina; age cracks and chipping. Provenance: Old Zagreb private collection.
SHORAKU: AN IVORY AND MIXED METAL KAGAMIBUTA OF THE BUNBUKU CHAGAMA FOLKTALE Signed Raku Japan, 19th century The bowl is made of ivory and the lid of iron with gold details depicting the legend of the Bumbuku Chagama (badger tea kettle). According to Japanese folklore, a poor man sets a tanuki free, which in return transforms into a kettle, so that the man can perform with it on the street and become wealthy. DIAMETER 4 cm Condition: A crack to the ivory, otherwise good worn condition. Provenance: British private collection.
MASACHIKA: A TOMOCHIKA SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A GHOST By Masachika, signed Masachika Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The ghost with long, neatly incised hair falling over the shoulders, the two hands placed before the chest with the fingers extended downward. Signed MASACHIKA to the back. HEIGHT 11.2 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: French private collection.
HAKUUNSAI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A MAN WITH SHOJO By Hakuunsai, signed Hakuunsai Japan, second half of 19th century Depicting a seated man next to a laughing standing Shojo, both holding a fan. Finely rendered details and signed underneath HAKUUNSAI. HEIGHT 4.2 cm Condition: Very good undamaged condition. Provenance: Ex collection Jury Kolodotschko.
AN EDO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF ASHINAGA AND TENAGA Unsigned Japan, Edo, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The ivory finely stained and depicting Tenaga with his arms around his amusingly long legs, seated next to Ashinaga who placed his long arms on his companion’s knees. One himotoshi through the underside, the other ‘natural’. Tomochika/Ikkosai school. HEIGHT 3 cm Condition: Excellent condition. Provenance: German private collection, acquired in Japan in the 1980s/90s.
A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SENNIN WITH MONKEY Unsigned Japan, early to mid-18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A slender and rather tall ivory netsuke of a Sennin holding a monkey (saru). The monkey is small and tugging on the beard of the Sennin, who is wearing the characteristic mugwort leafcloak, adorned with swirling clouds. He is holding a taming stick in his left hand. Probably he is the precursor to the peddling sarumawashi (monkey trainer). The ivory has taken on a beautiful golden honey patina over many years of handling. Very good himotoshi in the back. HEIGHT 8.3 cm Condition: Very good condition, expected minor age cracks. Provenance: French private collection.
A TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF CHOKARO SENNIN Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The sennin standing tall and holding a large hyotan (double gourd) which is supported on his shoulders. He has an emaciated rib cage, a finely carved robe, and a good facial expression. Beautiful patina and color. Himotoshi through the back. HEIGHT 10 cm Condition: Very good undamaged condition with expected age cracks. Provenance: German private collection, acquired in Japan in the 1980s/90s.
KOZAN: A WOOD ‘IMITATION HAKO’ NETSUKE WITH A DRAGON Signed Kozan with inscription Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Carved as a rectangular box and cover (though one single piece) with a finely incised image of a dragon. Himotoshi to the underside. Signed KOZAN and with an inscription within an inlaid ivory reserve to the underside. SIZE 1.3 x 3.2 x 3.3 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.
MUNEMITSU: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO COILED SNAKES Signed Munemitsu Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Finely carved and skillfully stained as two coiled snakes on a craggy rock, their heads and scales neatly incised. Himotoshi and signed MUNEMITSU to the base. HEIGHT 3 cm, LENGTH 4.2 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: French private collection.
MASAYUME: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A BOAR AND SNAKE By Masayume, signed Masayume æ£å¤¢ Japan, 20th century The boar (inoshishi) and snake (hebi) are opposing animals in the Japanese zodiac and thus sometimes depicted in a struggle, as in the present netsuke. Fine hairwork, the boar with inlaid eyes. The underside with himotoshi and signed within a polished reserve MASAYUME. LENGTH 4.5 cm Condition: Excellent condition. Provenance: Private collection.
YOSHINAGA: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT OX By Yoshinaga, signed Yoshinaga Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Very finely carved as a recumbent ox with neatly incised fur and dark inlaid eyes, the rope halter elegantly curved over the back, with oval himotoshi that are characteristic of Yoshinaga. Signed YOSHINAGA to the underside. LENGTH 5.5 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Beautiful patina, worn in all the right places. Provenance: French private collection.
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