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Lot 1510
DIEGO MARADONA SIGNED ARGENTINA FOOTBALL SHIRT mounted with photos, framed and under glassNote: Whilst McTear's has no reason to doubt the authenticity of this shirt, we offer no guarantee in that respect.94.5cm x 74cmUnfortunately we do not offer a verification service, and note that, whilst McTear's has no reason to doubt the authenticity of this shirt, we offer no guarantee in that respect.Condition is generally good, with light wear to frame - which would benefit from light clean.
Lot 1578
CELTIC F.C. VS. INTER MILAN PROGRAMME EUROPEAN CUP FINAL, 25TH MAY 1967 Note: Celtic famously beat Inter Milan 2-1 to lift the European Cup. Condition good to fair. Light age and leafing related wear including some minor creases and yellowing of pages - this more notable to front and reverse. Scores and scores noted to centre page. Additional images now available.
Lot 104
SHIGEMASA: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAIL ON BUCKETBy Shigemasa, signed Shigemasa 重正 and kakihanJapan, Nagoya, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved from a single block of wood and masterfully stained in various subtle tones. The snail slithers across an upturned bucket, its body arched (forming the himotoshi) over the edge of the bucket, its feelers extended. The finely polished shell is stained in two different colors, with stippling and minute incision work used to achieve the heterogenous surface of the shell as naturalistically as possible – to great effect! The mollusk's body and inside of the shell is worked with further minute stippling and even the pneumostome (breathing hole) is accounted for. The bucket, as well, is carved true to life, showing the various hues of the wood and grain. Signed on top of the bucket SHIGEMASA with the artist's kakihan.HEIGHT 3.4 cmCondition: Excellent condition. Only very minor wear, some light surface scratches.Provenance: Dutch private collection, purchased from Kunsthandel Klefisch, Cologne, in 2013.The artist excelled at the carving of snails and was superior in the staining of his work.Literature comparison:For a similar netsuke by Shigemasa, signed with the same kakihan, see Lazarnick, George (1982) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, Vol. 2, p. 946.Auction comparison:Compare to a related wood netsuke of a snail on a bucket by Shigemasa, sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 120 (sold for 8,216 EUR).
Lot 108
HIDEHARU: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF THREE SNAILSBy Hideharu, signed Hideharu 秀晴 Japan, Nagoya, c. 1880Published: Wilhelm, Gabor (2004) Bulletin Franco-Japonais, no. 83, p. 44-45.Wilhelm, Gabor (Spring 2004) On the Continent, International Netsuke Society Journal, Vol. 24, No. 1, p. 35.Exquisitely carved as two adults and a smaller snail clustered together, the top snail having emerged from its shell, its optical tentacles fully extended and touching the shell, the small snail fully retreated into its shell, the subtle incision work creating a striking contrast between the varying textures, heightened by the superb staining (allegedly made using powdered turtle shell), the tail of the other adult forming the base and the himotoshi of the netsuke and signed HIDEHARU.HEIGHT 3.9 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few light surface scratches. Provenance: Christie's, 19 November 2003, Paris, lot 48 (sold for 11,163 EUR). French private collection, acquired from the above.Unlike other netsuke carvers, who preferred the much more common subject of a single snail, Hideharu favored larger groups of two or three.Museum comparison:Compare a related snail group by Hideharu, formerly in the collection of Raymond Bushell and now in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, accession number AC1998.249.196.Auction comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke of two amorous snails by HIdeharu at Christie's, 16 May 2007, London, lot 319 (sold for 10,200 GBP). Compare a closely related wood netsuke of three snails by Hideharu at Lempertz, 11 June 2022, Cologne, lot 413 (sold for 11,340 EUR).
Lot 109
HIDEHARU: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A KAPPA TRAPPED BY A HAMAGURI CLAMBy Hideharu, signed Hideharu 秀晴Japan, Nagoya, mid to late 19th centurySeated on a giant clam and trying to extricate one foot caught in the jaws of the shell, the mythical creature with an amusing expression, the pupils inlaid at the corner of the eyes in dark horn, the beaked face framed by long, finely incised hair, and the entire body covered in meticulously incised scales. The underside with two asymmetrical himotoshi, the signature HIDEHARU within a rectangular recessed reserve between the two cord holes.HEIGHT 4 cm, LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor associated surface wear, some very light chipping to the spine spikes. The stained wood with some typical wear to the exposed areas.Provenance: A noted private collection, USA.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related, larger wood netsuke of a kappa on clam, by Hideharu, at Lempertz, The Kolodotschko Collection of Netsuke I, 14 June 2014, Cologne, lot 133 (sold for 6,710 EUR).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.
Lot 116
NOBUKAZU: A WOOD SHUNGA NETSUKE OF OKAME WITH TENGU MASK By Nobukazu, signed Nobukazu 信一 to 刀Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Hurtig, Bernard & Wilhelm Gabor (1983) What's New at Auctions, International Netsuke Collectors Society Journal (INCSJ), vol. 10, no. 4, p. 10.The Shinto goddess of mirth depicted here with long, finely incised hair, wearing an elaborately decorated kimono, all in the manner of a shojo (drunken sprite), hiding her grin behind her sleeve as she caresses the long nose of a Konoha-tengu mask. The eyes are large and enigmatic inlays of pale, translucent horn with dark pupils. Natural himotoshi and signed underneath NOBUKAZU to [carved by Nobukazu].LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, some light surface scratches to the underside.Provenance: French private collection, purchased at Pechon-Delavenn-Lafarge, Hotel Drouot, 19 November 1982, Paris, lot 32 (sold for 9,478 FRF).
Lot 122
CHIKUUNSAI: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A BABY BOY EATING MOCHIBy Chikuunsai, signed Chikuunsai 竹雲齋Japan, Yamada, Ise Province, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The crawling, chubby boy of simple yet charming design and with a smooth surface, clad in a bib incised with a diapered hexagonal pattern and tied with a ribbon at the back, his plump naked behind showing and the genitals visible underneath. The boy is holding in front of him with both hands a rice cake (mochi) from which he has just taken a large bite. Natural himotoshi between the body and the arms, feet, and ribbon. Signed diagonally to the bib on the underside CHIKUUNSAI.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few light surface scratches.The artist appears to be unrecorded, however clearly worked in the style of the Masanao family, his craftsmanship closely resembling Masakatsu of Yamada.Literature comparison:Compare a related wood netsuke of a baby boy by Masanao, circa 1860, illustrated in Bandini, Rosemary (2020) The Larry Caplan Collection of Japanese Netsuke, no. 14. Also compare a closely related boxwood netsuke by Masakatsu, mid-19th century, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 419.
Lot 123
MASANAO: A SMALL WOOD NETSUKE OF A BEAN VENDORBy Miyake Masanao II (1848-1922), signed Masanao 正直Japan, Yamada, Ise Province, late 19th centuryA finely carved wood netsuke of relatively small stature, possibly intended for a child, depicting a traveling salesman carrying a closed umbrella in one hand and a box around his neck which is inscribed omame ('beans') on the front. The folds of his robe and headscarf are well-carved and skillfully stained. Perhaps it has just stopped raining, explaining not only the closed umbrella but also his long robe being tucked into his belt at the back, to avoid it getting wet and dirty. Two subtly placed himotoshi to the back and underside.HEIGHT 4.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few light surface scratches.Provenance: Galerie Yamato, Paris, 2005. French private collection, acquired from the above.Legumes such as beans (mame) and peas (endo) symbolize female fertility in East Asia. The fruits that appear in the swelling of the pod are considered to be the unborn child in the womb. Mame, written with different characters, also means health and efficiency. Bean netsuke were therefore worn as a talisman.
Lot 126
MASAKATSU: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A PIEBALD HARE WITH AMBER EYESBy Suzuki Masakatsu, signed Masakatsu 正勝Japan, Yamada, Ise Province, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Superbly carved, of ideally compact form, depicting a seated rabbit with piebald fur achieved by clever staining, the large eyes inlaid with pure amber, the animal further detailed with long floppy ears and subtly incised and darkly stained whiskers and hairwork, the himotoshi between the left hind paw and the body, the right haunch with the signature within a polished oval reserve MASAKATSU.LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Good condition, appealingly worn, distinct wear to the cord channel, few light surface scratches. One tiny chip to left fore paw.Provenance: Ex-collection Paul Althier, Zurich. Sotheby's London, 6 December 1972. Douglas J.K. Wright Ltd., London, acquired from the above. Ex-collection Martin Newstead, acquired from the above. Sotheby's, 24 October 1984, London, lot 76. A noted private collection, USA, acquired from the above.Suzuki Masakatsu was the son of Masanao I, the founder of a remarkably prolific netsuke carving school which is active to this very day. Masakatsu's output is fairly limited as he did not enjoy good health, however he is widely regarded by scholars as the most talented of Yamada carvers and often came up with new and original designs or carved existing designs according to his own image and imbued with his own special character.Auction comparison:Compare to a related wood netsuke of a hare, by a member of the Masanao family, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 11 May 2017, London, lot 3 (sold for 2,250 GBP).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.
Lot 146
MINKO: A WOOD TRICK NETSUKE OF A DARUMA DOLLBy Tanaka Juntoku Minko (1735-1816), signed Minko 岷江 with kakihanJapan, Tsu, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A beautifully rounded and compact wood netsuke, the light-toned wood superbly polished and attractively tactile, depicting a daruma doll with stern expression and incised beard, the eyes switching when lightly tapped. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi underneath, the smaller hole ringed, and signed MINKO with a red-inked kakihan.HEIGHT 2.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with only very minor wear. The mechanism slightly loose. Provenance: A noted private collection, USA.Literature comparison:A similar, yet larger netsuke by Minko in a similarly toned wood is illustrated in Bandini, Rosemary (2019), The Larry Caplan Collection of Japanese Netsuke, no. 3.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.
Lot 152
A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A TOAD ON A LOTUS LEAFUnsignedJapan, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved and attractively stained, the toad clambering on an upturned furled lotus leaf well-executed with both raised and subtle ukibori veins, one of its hands placed on the stem, the other superbly carved splayed across the leaf, the toad's warty skin carved in masterful ukibori. Natural himotoshi through the curved stem. The large eyes of the amphibian are inlaid in lustrous, dark buffalo horn. LENGTH 4.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, few light scratches. Provenance: Bondu, Paris, December 1986. French private collection, acquired from the above. Bonhams, Fine Netsuke from a French private collection, 4 November 2020, London, lot 112. German private collection, acquired from the above.The present netsuke is difficult to place in a particular school, but perhaps Nagoya fits best due to the type of wood and staining used. The superior level of ukibori, particularly the subtle veining to leaf, however, strongly suggests the Iwami school.
Lot 155
SUKETADA: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A KAPPA TRAPPED BY A CLAMBy Suketada, signed Suketada 亮忠Japan, Takayama, Hida Province, early to mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A very finely carved study of a kappa with one hind foot caught in the jaws of a hamaguri clam as it climbs over it. The subject references, quite humorously, a parody of the seduction of feminine wiles, the clam representing the female here. The warty skin of the kappa is masterfully rendered, the eyes are inlaid, the shell is finely carved and the long hair surrounding the kappa's swirling vital fluids on the head is minutely incised. Large, asymmetrical and generously excavated himotoshi through the underside, signed SUKETADA.The present netsuke is much more worn than other examples of this subject by Suketada and shows a distinctly beautiful patina. It is likely that this is one of the earliest netsuke of this type.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition, the wood beautifully worn with a fine patina. Some light surface scratches.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a kappa by Suketada at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 54 (sold for 8,125 GBP). Another closely related wood netsuke of a kappa by Suketada at Bonhams, The Julius & Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part I, 8 November 2016, London, lot 188 (sold for 5,000 GBP).
Lot 164
MIWA KATSUSUKE: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF GAMA SENNIN WITH HUGE TOADBy Miwa Katsusuke, signed Miwa Katsusuke 三輪勝助 with kakihanJapan, Edo (Tokyo), c. 1800, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 572 (not illustrated).International Netsuke Society Journal (2001) Vol. 21, No. 3, p. 28. (advert by Sydney Moss Ltd.)Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2004) Outside the Box, p. 42, no. 18.A remarkably powerful netsuke carved from plum or isu wood, of an attractive grain and color, depicting a seated Gama Sennin wearing a thick mugwort leaf skirt spreading about him and leaning against the gigantic toad behind him, the expressions of both forcefully dyspeptic and disagreeable. The flattened base with large asymmetrical himotoshi and the signature MIWA KATSUSUKE, the last character of which is written to resemble a kakihan.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Very good condition, appealingly worn, few tiny nicks, few light surface scratches.Provenance: Ex-collection W.W. Winkworth. Sotheby's, 27 June 1979, London, lot 99. Ex-collection Raymond Bushell. Sydney L. Moss, London, 2004. French private collection, acquired from the above.The present netsuke was recorded by Frederick Meinertzhagen in his Card Index, wherein he noted, very interestingly, that it was shown to him on 27 June 1951 “by Winkworth who wrote this characteristic commentary:'… a small seated Gama looking rather like a determined Rationalist standing up for Individualism and the 'scientific approach' in controversy with a bigoted Catholic; I and my toad don't believe any nonsense about Transubstantiation! My toad says if you'd been a tadpole once you'd have more sense than to believe in Purgatory!' (too profound for my understanding, F.M.)”Katsusuke, or Shojo, can be translated as 'worthy follower', and those enthusiasts who study the early masters have concluded that in the few work's signed 'Miwa's worthy follower' we very probably see a hand which may be categorized as a direct pupil of the master. Indeed, Meinertzhagen's estimation of the carver seems to have been ratcheted up a notch between his June 1951 introductory card, explaining that only three works were known, which “show true artistic feeling, but lack originality of design, subtlety and fine craftsmanship”, and his handwritten note of May 1955, “Might this carver be Miwa 2nd, or even the first Miwa?”Literature comparison:Compare two related wood netsuke by Miwa Katsusuke, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 572.
Lot 182
MUGAI: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A BLIND FISHERMAN TAMING THE NAMAZUBy Mugai, signed Mugai 夢外Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)An unusual and spirited carving, depicting a blind fisherman clad only in a fundoshi, his enlarged testicle slipping out, his face with an amusingly distorted expression, one eye closed and the other bulging, as he tries to tame the namazu with his tiny gourd – an amusingly futile attempt. The gigantic namazu appears to be smiling, the expressions of the two providing a humorous contrast. The namazu's eyes are inlays of black wood. Large, asymmetrical, and generously excavated himotoshi underneath and signed MUGAI - The artist is exceedingly rare with only very few examples recorded. The well-toned wood bearing a beautiful, dark patina.LENGTH 5.2 cmCondition: Very good condition, some fine age cracks and light surface scratches. Good patina.Provenance: From an old Swiss private collection, Geneve, purchased at Sotheby's, 16 July 1973, London, lot 153.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.
Lot 198
HOKOKU: A SHIBAYAMA-INLAID IVORY NETSUKE DEPICTING DAIKOKUBy Hokoku, signed Hokoku 峯谷 Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)The netsuke formed as Daikoku's treasure bag slung over the lucky god's back, Daikoku with a cheerful expression and pointing at a small rat which has escaped from the bag along with two coins, the reverse with Daikoku's hammer with a tasseled cord, all detailed with subtle incision work and finely inlaid in the Shibayama style with mother-of-pearl, lacquer, bone, wood, gilt metal, silver, pewter, and hardstone.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, fine age cracks, few light scratches.Museum comparison:Compare a closely related inlaid ivory netsuke by Hokoku in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 10.211.116.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 22NL306306/20). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 206
JUGYOKU: A FINE INLAID WOOD NETSUKE OF BENKEI INSIDE HORAGAI By Ryukosai Jugyoku, signed Jugyoku 壽玉Japan, Edo (Tokyo), first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The hero Benkei nestled within a large horagai conch, wearing traditional yamabushi garments and a tokin cap, embellished with inlays of bone and ebony, holding prayer beads, one of the beads inlaid in coral. The expression with minutely inlaid eyes is expertly crafted and the surface of the conch is naturalistically rendered with ridged and polished areas. Large himotoshi, the smaller hole rimmed with ebony wood in the form of floral medallion and signed within an inlaid ebony plaque JUGYOKU – the artist was a master of combining various materials.LENGTH 5.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor expected surface wear and traces of use, some light surface scratches and age cracks.The yamabushi were renegade mountain priests of the Shingon Tantric Buddhist sect, who used the conch to communicate their movements in the mountain wilderness.
Lot 230
A SUPERB STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF EDAMAME BEAN-PODSUnsigned Japan, 19th centuryFinely carved from a branch section of purely white antler, much of the natural orientation dictating the shape of the netsuke. Depicted is a group of overlapping edamame bean pods with subtly carved undulations to indicate the beans within. Two ends of the netsuke with stag antler plugs. One side with two generously excavated himotoshi.The stag antler is of a deceivingly pure color and quality, the material revealed only by the two plugs and small areas of natural imperfections. LENGTH 5.6 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few light surface scratches. Provenance: Old Dutch private collection. Collection Prof. Dr. Henk C. Hoogsteden, Rotterdam, acquired from the above.Edamame literally means stem beans because the soybeans were boiled while still attached to the stem. Legumes such as beans (mame) and peas (endo) symbolize female fertility in East Asia. The fruits that appear in the swelling of the pod are considered to be the unborn child in the womb. Mame, written with different characters, also means health and efficiency. Bean netsuke were therefore worn as a talisman.
Lot 241
A LARGE WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF USOFUKIUnsigned Japan, 19th centuryWell carved with an amusing expression, the elongated lips puckered in a whistle and twisted to one side, the wrinkles deeply carved and accentuated by skillful staining, one eye narrowed, both with pupils inlaid in dark horn, the ears pierced, the forehead with a prominent circular bump. The reverse deeply incised with a kakihan (artist's cursive monogram) below the vertically pierced himotoshi bar.HEIGHT 7.1 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, the reverse with few light scratches, tiny repair to the edge above the right ear. Provenance: Parisian private collection. European collection P. Jacquesson, acquired from the above in May 2002.Usofuki (or Usobuki) is a Kyogen mask type which is not well standardized, but easily identifiable by the pursed or puckered lips, lending the mask (and the actor wearing it) a highly comical expression. The noun usobuki or usofuki is a gerund of the verb usobuku, which has many meanings: exhale sharply, whistle, hum, intone, howl or bay, pretend ignorance, and brag. A highly regarded ethnographer and linguist, the late Shinobu Orikuchi assigned a much earlier meaning to usobuku: taunt, oppose, and rebel. He specifically interpreted the pursed lips of old indigenous masks as signifying imminent speech, as the expression of seirei determined to speak out in defiance but constrained by the consequences of thereby acknowledging the authority of the kami.
Lot 243
HIDARI ISSAN: A RARE WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF SOJOBO, THE TENGU KING OF MOUNT KURAMABy Hidari Issan (1804-1857), signed Hidari Issan 左一山 with kakihanJapan, Iwashiro, c. 1840, Edo period (1615-1868)A well-sized wood netsuke, boldly carved as the Tengu King wearing the characteristic tokin cap of the yamabushi, his face with a stern expression, his bulging eyes with round gilt-ringed pupils, his prominent nose with recessed nostrils, flanked by strong cheeks, his long beard neatly incised and curling back to the reverse below the broad himotoshi bar signed HIDARI ISSAN with a kakihan based on the character Toku 篤. The well-toned wood bearing a fine, dark patina.HEIGHT 4.6 cm, LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Good condition with some wear, few light scratches, one larger scratch to the back of the himotoshi bar.Provenance: Ex-collection Dr. Walter Heihs. Sotheby's, 17 June 1998, London, lot 712. European collection P. Jacquesson, acquired from the above.Sojobo is the mythical king and god of the tengu. He has the appearance of a yamabushi and is often depicted wearing their tokin cap. The other distinctive physical characteristics of Sojobo include his long, white hair and unnaturally long nose. Sojobo is said to live on Mount Kurama. He rules over the other tengu that inhabit Mount Kurama in addition to all the other tengu in Japan. He is extremely powerful, and one legend says he has the strength of 1,000 normal tengu. He is perhaps best known for the legend of his teaching the warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune (then known by his childhood name Ushiwaka-maru or Shanao) the arts of swordsmanship, tactics, and magic.Literature comparison:Mask netsuke by Hidari Issan are rare with only very few examples recorded. A mask netsuke of Okame bearing a similar kakihan is illustrated in Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures (LNIA), Vol. 1, p. 519. Another mask netsuke depicting a comical mask of Emi-men is illustrated in Davey, Neil K. / Tripp, Susan G. (1993) The Garrett Collection, p. 293, no. 426.
Lot 252
A RARE AND UNUSUAL WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF A CICADAUnsigned Japan, 18th-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Bushell, Raymond (1985), Netsuke Masks, pls. 288A and 288B.Well carved as a resting cicada, the veining of its folded wings carved in low relief, the antennae partly covering the eyes, the legs supposedly tucked in; the reverse, however, is hollowed out like a mask netsuke and fitted with a himotoshi crossbar. The wood of a particularly attractive grain and color with distinct markings.HEIGHT 5.5 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, tiny nicks, light scratches.Provenance: Ex-collection Raymond Bushell. European private collection P. Jacquesson.In his book Netsuke Masks, Raymond Bushell chose to include this unusual netsuke in the chapter Trick Mask Netsuke, noting that the “actor who represents the spirit of an insect generally wears the Usofuki mask. In this case the carver apparently preferred a realistic portrayal of the insect to the symbolic Usofuki.”
Lot 286
A VERY FINE LACQUER MANJU NETSUKE WITH BLOSSOMING UME (PLUM)UnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The two-part manju netsuke magnificently lacquered with a rich nashiji ground and decorated with a blossoming ume flower, the three leaves each executed in a different technique of nashiji, gold fundame, and greenish lacquer. The plum blossom is worked in lustrous silver takamaki-e with hiramaki-e veins and lacquered dots resembling the stamen of the flower. The reverse with a silver-lined himotoshi, the cord attachment within, the interior of densely sprinkled nashiji.DIAMETER 4.1 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor and typical wear to lacquer. One tiny repair to the edge of the bottom section, some light crackling to the interior.Provenance: Ex-collection Shep Brozman, New York.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.
Lot 306
A RARE SENTOKU BRONZE NETSUKE OF A MINOGAMEUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Cast as a minogame with a bekko-patterned shell and seaweed tail on the exterior, the interior showing the mythical animal with elongated neck retracted into its carapace. Large himotoshi through the underside.The style, particularly of the peculiarly shaped larger himotoshi, is reminiscent of Karamono Kyubei, who is mentioned in the Soken Kisho published in 1781. Kyubei is described as making ashtrays, Chinese-style cast netsuke and kuwara (rings used for a priest's kesa). Other designs include gourds, incense burners, eggs, and clams. Many other shapes were used for his netsuke. Sophisticated designs such as rain dragons, arabesques, flowers, clouds, and spirals were skillfully combined to create an openwork finish. They are very high-quality, perfect netsuke, not too heavy, not too light, and are very comfortable to the touch.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: Very good condition. Minor surface wear and few tiny dents to edges.
Lot 307
AN IVORY KAGAMIBUTA NETSUKE DEPICTING PILGRIMS CLIMBING THE GREAT BUDDHA OF NARAUnsigned Japan, late 19th centuryPublished: Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 419, no. 1245.The shibuichi plate cast in relief with gilt details to depict a man standing on the shoulder of the giant Buddha statue at Todai-ji, lowering some rope for his companion to grab, of whom we can only see one arm as his head is obscured by his hat, the Buddha also only partly visible, his neck wrinkles, earlobe, hair locks, and facial features neatly incised. The ivory bowl superbly polished, the reverse with a central himotoshi.DIAMETER 4.4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, light surface scratches, some rubbing to gilt.Provenance: Ex-collection S.X. Constantinidi. Sotheby's, 26 November 1935, London. Ex-collection Mark T. Hindson, acquired from the above. Sotheby's, The M. T. Hindson Collection of Important Japanese Works of Art, Part VIII (Final), London, 20 October 1969, lot 512. Ex-collection Edward A. Wrangham, acquired from the above. Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part III, 15 May 2012, lot 125. Collection Prof. Dr. Henk C. Hoogsteden, Rotterdam, acquired from the above.The present netsuke depicts the giant statue of Buddha at Todai-ji, a Buddhist temple complex in Nara. The statue is the largest bronze seated Buddha in Japan at 15 m high and was completed in 751. The Great Buddha statue has been recast several times for various reasons, including earthquake damage. The current hands of the statue were made in the Momoyama Period, and the head was made in the Edo period. The Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden) has been rebuilt twice after fire. The current building was finished in 1709 and was the world's largest wooden building until 1998.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 22NL310832/20). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.
Lot 331
A FINE METAL-INLAID GOLD LACQUER FOUR-CASE INRO DEPICTING RATS AND HORSESUnsigned Japan, 19th centuryThe kinji ground finely decorated in gold and silver takamaki-e and hiramaki-e with kirikane, nashiji, and beautifully inlaid in gold, shibuichi, and shakudo to depict on one side a flowerpot with blossoming prunus branches, two rats eating beans from the ground, and a third rat gnawing on a branch bearing fruit, and to the other a pair of horses in a field with chrysanthemums and grasses. The interior of nashiji with gold fundame edges. HEIGHT 9.3 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear to lacquer and some occasional light scratches throughout. Some dents to the top and bottom caseThe rat and the horse represent opposite signs in the Asian zodiac and as such are considered incompatible. However, if the 'younger' of the two signs (the horse) submits to the 'older' (the rat), then the pairing can be successful. They two are occasionally depicted together in inro and netsuke art.
Lot 333
SHIOMI MASANARI: A FINE BLACK LACQUER FOUR-CASE INRO DEPICTING A SLEEPING WILD BOAR AND SILVER MOON, WITH A LACQUERED MANJU NETSUKEThe inro by Shiomi Masanari (1647-1722), sealed Shiomi Masanari 鹽見政誠; the netsuke by Kensai Tonei, signed Kensai 賢哉Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of rounded rectangular form, the superbly polished, lustrous roiro ground with sparse gold hirame, decorated in gold hiramaki-e and takamaki-e with aogai inlays to depict a wild boar sleeping amid autumnal flowers and foliage, its hooves, tusks, snout, and one eye subtly inlaid with mother-of-pearl, its fur well painted, continued on the reverse beneath the full moon in stunning silver togidashi-e. The interior of roiro with gold fundame edges. The reverse signed with two seals SHIOMI and MASANARI.The manju netsuke of circular form, bearing a rogin (shibuichi) ground decorated in gold takamaki-e with a leafy chrysanthemum, the reverse signed KENSAI. The dark lacquered bead ojime of globular form.HEIGHT 7.3 cm (the inro), DIAMETER 3.3 cm (the manju netsuke)Condition: Very good condition with minor wear. One tiny chip to the edge of one cord-runner, one small nibble to edge of one case. The manju netsuke with tiny nicks and few light surface scratches.Provenance: Ex-collection Harriet Szechenyi. Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 258 (sold for 3,500 GBP). A private collection in New York, USA, acquired from the above.Shiomi Masanari (1647-1722) was a talented painter of the Kano school, however he is better known for his lacquerwork and the important family of lacquerers that he founded. The Shiomi family also specialized in togidashi-e ('brought out by rubbing') lacquer of extremely high quality, as is exhibited in the present piece.Literature comparison:Compare to a closely related lacquer inro, by Shiomi Masanari, illustrated on the cover of Netsuke Kenkyukai Study Journal, Summer 1989, vol. 9, no. 2. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related black lacquer four-case inro depicting a sleeping boar by Shiomi Masanari, dated to the 18th century, lacking the aogai inlay, at Bonhams, 7 November 2013, London, lot 114 (sold for 4,000 GBP).
Lot 347
A SUPERB LACQUER TONKOTSU DEPICTING A CUCKOO SINGING IN THE MOONLIGHTUnsigned Japan, 19th century Bearing a roiro ground, save for the side beneath the hinged cover which is lacquered silver to indicate the crescent moon when the cover is closed, finely decorated in gold and colored thick takamaki-e to depict a flying cuckoo (hototogisu) with its beak agape as it sings, the reverse with masterful togidashi grasses and lantern fruit, the sides with crickets and winged insects. The interior of roiro. The lacquer ojime of faceted form and decorated in gold hiramaki-e with stylized flowerheads and a paulownia design. A most charming tonkotsu, the shape ingeniously adding to the subject matter and the two main lacquer techniques used, togidashi and takamaki-e, beautifully contrasting with each other.LENGTH 10.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear and some light crackling to one edge underneath. The closing mechanism possibly with a repair, however this is invisible when the tonkotsu is closed. There is some light surface scratches from contact with the hinged lid to the surface, but this is also invisible when the tonkotsu is closed. Overall this object presents very well. Cuckoos are a popular subject of waka and haiku poets. A prominent characteristic of this bird is that it sings in the night as it flies, as depicted in the present lot. A poem by Sanesada no Fujiwara (1139-1191) on the cuckoo, from the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu, reads: Hototogisu Nakitsuru kata wo Nagamureba Tada ariake no Tsuki zo nokoreru. (The cuckoo's echo dies away, And lo! the branch is bare I only see the morning moon, Whose light is fading there Before the daylight's glare.)
Lot 348
A LARGE AND FINE INLAID AND CARVED WOOD TONKOTSU WITH DRAGON, TIGER AND SHISHIUnsigned Japan, late 19th centuryFinely carved and decorated with inlays of stag antler, mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshell, horn, and bone, depicting to one side a snarling tiger amid bamboo beside a three-clawed sinuous dragon amid swirling clouds over crashing waves, and to the other with two shishi with wild scrolling manes in a field with craggy rockwork and flowering peony, the top inlaid with a leafy peony spray and fluttering butterfly, the cord runners ringed in stained bone. HEIGHT 9.3 cm, LENGTH 10.6 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear, light scratches and small age crack to the underside, the inlays well preserved with no losses whatsoever. Provenance: Ex-collection Paul Doumer. Ex-collection Emile Goubert, thence by descent in the family. The base with an old label inscribed '100'. Joseph Athanase Doumer (1857-1932), commonly known as Paul Doumer, was the President of France from 13 June 1931 until his assassination on 7 May 1932. He was Governor-General of French Indochina from 1897 to 1902, and successfully lobbied the French government to approve construction of the Indochina-Yunnan railway in 1898. He served as Minister of Finance of France three times and as President of the French Senate from 1927 until the 1931 presidential election, which he won. He was one of the founders and the second president of the Friends of the Natural History Museum Paris.
Lot 63
MASATOSHI: A FINE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A COWERING ONI DURING SETSUBUNBy Masatoshi, signed Masatoshi 正利Japan, Nagoya, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The muscular oni cowered into a ball, forming a compact composition, trying to avoid the beans being thrown at him during the oni-yarai ceremony on Setsubun day. The three beans on his back are inlaid in light-stained wood. The underside shows the finely carved face with a grim expression and the two superbly carved feet forming the cord attachment. Signed within a rectangular reserve on the loincloth MASATOSHI.LENGTH 3.2 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear. Fine patina.Provenance: Collection Prof. Dr. Henk C. Hoogsteden, Rotterdam, purchased at Lempertz, The Kolodotschko Collection of Netsuke II, 6 December 2014, Cologne, lot 773.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke by Masakazu at Lempertz, The Kolodotschko Collection of Netsuke IV, 5 December 2015, Cologne, lot 709 (sold for 2,480 EUR).
Lot 84
IKKAN: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT HORSEBy Ikkan, signed Ikkan 一貫Japan, Nagoya, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A beautifully rounded and compact model of a horse turning backwards and raising its head, the ears laid back against the sublimely carved mane, the finely carved tail sweeping around to the front, the legs tucked neatly underneath the body. Signed on the haunch IKKAN within the typical oval reserve. Natural himotoshi, the eyes inlaid in dark horn.A remarkably spirited carving with a stunning patina and aji, clearly loved by several generations. An early work by the artist, less detailed and opulent than his later works, however still possessing all the character and charm which distinguish this celebrated carver.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor associated surface wear including some tiny nicks and light surface scratches. Beautiful patina.Provenance: Ex-collection Betty Jahss, sold at Sotheby's, The Betty Jahss Collection of Netsuke Part II, 14 November 1991, London, lot 69.Literature comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a recumbent horse, by Ikkan, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 215.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.
Lot 86
IKKAN: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A RAT WITH A SHOGI TILEBy Ikkan, signed Ikkan 一貫 Japan, Nagoya, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2005) More Things in Heaven and Earth, no. 56.The finely stained and carved cherry (sakura) wood netsuke depicting a male rodent seated on its haunches with one front paw grasping the edge of a shogi chess tile and the other raised, one hind paw gripping its tail, the other only visible on the underside, with natural himotoshi between the tail and body, the eyes inlaid with dark horn. On the underside the shogi tile is boldly incised with the kanji for horse (keima 桂馬, the equivalent of a knight in Western chess). The belly of the rat signed within an oval reserve IKKAN.LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few tiny nicks, few light scratches. Provenance: Sydney L. Moss, London, 2005. French private collection, acquired from the above.With its reference to a horse, the shogi piece neatly makes the netsuke into a joint representation of two zodiac animals. The rat and the horse represent opposite signs in the Asian zodiac and as such are considered incompatible. However, if the 'younger' of the two signs (the horse) submits to the 'older' (the rat), then the pairing can be successful.Literature comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke depicting the same subject by Ikkan, illustrated by Harris, Victor (1987) The Hull Grundy Collection in the British Museum, p. 47, no. 149, and another in Atchley, Virginia / Davey, Neil (2006) The Virginia Atchley Collection of Japanese Miniature Arts, p. 29, no. N6.Auction comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke depicting the same subject by Tomokazu at Galerie Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 22 April 2022, Vienna, lot 114 (sold for 6,952 EUR).
Lot 87
KANO TOMOKAZU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A RAT BITING INTO A SHOGI PIECEBy Kano Tomokazu, signed Tomokazu 友一Japan, Gifu, c. 1820, Edo period (1615-1868)Exhibited: Netsuke, Edo Saimitsu Kogei no Hana ('Netsuke, Flowers of Miniature Carving of the Edo Period'), Exhibition of the Nihon Netsuke Kenkyukai, 20th anniversary, Tokyo, 1995, no. 116.The cherry (sakura) wood finely carved and stained to depict a rat nibbling on a shogi piece, which is inscribed with the kanji for horse (keima 桂馬, the equivalent of a knight in Western chess). Both front paws grasp the game piece, with one hind paw gripping its tail and the other only visible on the underside. Natural himotoshi between the neatly incised tail, the body, and the game piece. The eyes are inlaid with dark buffalo horn and the incisors with bone. The belly of the rat signed within an oval reserve TOMOKAZU.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few tiny nicks, few light scratches. Provenance: Japanese private collection. Sotheby's, 14 July 2005, London, lot 1033. French private collection, acquired from the above. With its reference to a horse, the shogi piece neatly makes the netsuke into a joint representation of two zodiac animals. The rat and the horse represent opposite signs in the Asian zodiac and as such are considered incompatible. However, if the 'younger' of the two signs (the horse) submits to the 'older' (the rat), then the pairing can be successful.The present netsuke appears to be a rare variation of this popular subject executed by Tomokazu and Ikkan.
Lot 88
MASATADA: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO RABBITS WITH AMBER EYESBy Masatada, signed Masatada 正忠Japan, Yamada, Ise Province, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Sensitively carved as two long-eared rabbits (usagi), symbols of fertility, playfully clambering over one another, their furs neatly incised, and the eyes inlaid with pale amber. The underside shows the many well-carved paws and the signature within a polished reserve MASATADA. Natural himotoshi.HEIGHT 2.6 cmCondition: Good condition, minor wear, few light surface scratches. One split through the wood between the two rabbits.
Lot 91
A WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY EATING A PERSIMMON (KAKI)Unsigned Japan, probably Gifu, late 19th centuryThe darkly stained wood finely carved to depict a seated monkey biting into a kaki, holding the leafy stalk with both hands above his feet, the legs providing the natural himotoshi, the eyes double inlaid with pale and dark horn.HEIGHT 3.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few minuscule nicks, few light surface scratches, one eye inlay probably replaced.Provenance: Ex-collection W.W. Winkworth. Beaussant, 16 April 1999, Paris. French private collection, acquired from the above.Literature comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke of a monkey eating persimmons from the same school, by Tomokazu, illustrated in Chappell, Sharon / Welch, Matthew (1999) Netsuke: The Japanese Art of Miniature Carving, p. 93, no. 130.Museum comparison:Compare a related wood netsuke of a monkey eating a persimmon, also unsigned, dated c. 1860, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, object number 2007.016.056.
Lot 95
MASAKAZU: A FINE AND AMUSING WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY AND OCTOPUSBy Masakazu, signed Masakazu 正一Japan, Gifu or Nagoya, c. 1860Published: Sagemonoya (2009) The 2009 New York Sans Ivoire Netsuke & Sagemono Selection, p. 32, no. 79.Well-carved, of compact form, the two animals strongly exerting themselves in a vicious fight, the octopus firmly gripped by the monkey and using all its tentacles to defend itself, its soft head squashed by the simian's feet, the monkey's mouth slightly open, revealing tongue and teeth, both animals with horn-inlaid eyes, the suckers well detailed, the fur neatly incised and darkly stained, signed to the top of the upside-down octopus' head within an oval reserve MASAKAZU.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Good condition, minor wear, few small nicks, few light surface scratches. The octopus' muzzle repaired.Provenance: US private collection. Sagemonoya, Tokyo, 2009. French private collection, acquired from the above.Museum comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a monkey and octopus, by Masakazu, illustrated in Barker & Smith (1976), Netsuke: The Miniature Sculpture of Japan, no. 178. Located in the British Museum, accession no. F.805.Auction comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke depicting the same subject, signed Tomokazu, dated early to mid-19th century, formerly in the collection of Raymond Bushell, at Christie's, An Important European Collection of Netsuke, 14 November 2001, London, lot 83 (sold for 7,638 GBP).
Lot 97
A FINE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF SHIMEJI MUSHROOMSUnsigned Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Naturalistically carved as a cluster of shimeji (beech mushrooms), the stems of the two largest forming the himotoshi, the radial gills of the caps and roots of the stems superbly incised and applied with dark stain, the cap of the largest finely rendered to appear partly worm-eaten.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, light surface scratches.Provenance: Kunsthandel Klefisch, 9 April 2011, lot 312. Collection Prof. Dr. Henk C. Hoogsteden, Rotterdam, acquired from the above.Literature comparison: A related wood netsuke similarly rendered to convey insect activity by Tadayoshi is illustrated in Coullery, Marie-Therese / Newstead, Martin S. (1977) The Baur Collection, p. 285, C 860.Museum comparison: Compare also a related wood netsuke of two mushrooms by Tadatoshi, also with the stems forming the himotoshi, in the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, object number 2006.002.044.
Lot 98
SHUGETSU: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A FROG ON A LOTUS LEAFBy Shugetsu, signed Shugetsu 秋月 and kakihanJapan, Echigo, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved as a frog emerging from the furled folds of a lotus leaf, the stem of which forms the himotoshi, its legs and round eyes finely detailed, the mouth neatly incised, the wood of an attractive grain and color darkly stained, the underside of the leaf incised with the signature SHUGETSU.LENGTH 4.2 cmCondition: Good condition, minor wear, few small chips and tiny nibbles to edges, light surface scratches.The present netsuke is a rare work by Shugetsu listed in Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 527, no. 32553, where the author notes that the artist came from Echigo and carved large models of toads. The first character means 'Autumn', which is rather uniquely abbreviated here, and the second character means 'the moon'. Thus, the characters combine to form the art name 'The Autumn Moon'. This artist should not be confused with the Edo school Shugetsu.
Lot 5030A
40" Street Fighter 2 Super Nintendo Neon Sign. This lot contains a massive Street Fighter 2 SNES neon sign, perfect for any games room! This is a light up sign that has multiple strip lights inside, it has been decommissioned and had the wire and plug removed but this can be easily reinstated.Provenance: Item comes from the private collection of a former owner of an independent videogames store located in the UK. Condition Report: In acceptable condition with some of the outer scuffs along the sides and boarder. Tested and working but the plug was removed so this will be to be replaced.
Lot 5188
Sniper Scope Complete - Game - Light Rifle & Shotgun - Original XBOX. This lot contains a boxed and fully working Sniper Scope Light Gun and a copy of Silent Scope complete. The gun is fully customisable and be broken down. Provenance: Item comes from the private collection of a former owner of an independent videogames store located in the UK. Condition Report: item is fully working and the game is complete with manual - box has some tears on the top as can be seen in the picture.
Lot 3022
Lamming Miniatures - Bill Lammings own 1970s promotional display set of sixty-three 25mm miniature WW2 Russian Infantry soldiers with light artillery gun; hand painted by Bill Lamming for exhibition.Condition Report:Look to be in reasonably good condition consistent with age and being exhibition pieces.Each figure has not been individually checked for condition.
Lot 3024
Painted metal wargame figures - over two hundred Lancers, Chasseurs, Dragoons, Cuirassiers, Carabiners, Imperial Guard, Bavarians, Line and Light Infantry etc; individual figures and ranks of two, three and four; average size 25mmCondition Report:Not every figure inspected individually but overall appearance is good.
Lot 3045
Palitoy Action Man - Trailer with drop down tailboard and easy to assemble canopy; and 105mm Light Gun; both boxed (2)Condition Report:Trailer - parts look to be in reasonably good condition but not checked for completeness. Box lid torn with some losses and crush damage.Gun - both model and box look to be in reasonably good condition with slight storage grubbiness. Not checked for completeness.
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