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Netsuke carved - a man holding a vase. Japan Meiji 19th centuryRegion: JAPANSizes: H=40mm L=30mmWeight (K): 0,017kgCondition: at first glance - good condition - no restoration - no repair

Netsuke carved - a Buddha holding a child. Japan Meiji period around 1900Region: JAPANSizes: H=45mm L=40mmWeight (K): 0,045kgCondition: at first glance - good condition - no restoration - no repair

Netsuke carved - a young female musician. Japan Meiji period late 19thRegion: JAPANSizes: H=30mm L=47mmWeight (K): 0,028kgCondition: at first glance - good condition - no restoration - no repair

Netsuke carved - a musician sign. Japan Meiji period late 19thRegion: JAPANSizes: H=37mm L=43mmWeight (K): 0,027kgCondition: at first glance - good condition - no restoration - no repair

Netsuke carved - 2 kyogen dancers. Japan Meiji period late 19thRegion: JAPANSizes: H=41mm L=35mmWeight (K): 0,023kgCondition: at first glance - good condition - no restoration - no repair

Netsuke carved - a monkey pulling the ear - his master. Japan Meiji period late 19thRegion: JAPANSizes: H=45mm L=45mmWeight (K): 0,031kgCondition: at first glance - good condition - no restoration - no repair

Netsuke Manju circular carved and engraved. Japan Meiji period 1900Region: JAPANSizes: D=48mmWeight (K): 0,035kgCondition: at first glance - good condition - no restoration - no repair

Netsuke Manju circular carved - flowers. Japan Meiji period around 1900Region: JAPANSizes: D=50mmWeight (K): 0,03kgCondition: at first glance - good condition - no restoration - no repair

Netsuke Manju circular bronze top - flower decoration. Japan Meiji period 1900Region: JAPANSizes: H=110mm D=40mmWeight (K): 0,042kgCondition: at first glance - good condition - no restoration - no repair

Four carved bone netsuke. Each approximately 3 cm wide.

Four carved bone netsuke. The largest 4 cm high.

Three 19th century Japanese ivory netsuke. The largest 5 cm high.

Two 19th century Japanese ivory netsuke. The largest 5.5 cm high.

A 19th century Japanese ivory netsuke of a masked man. 5 cm high.

A 19th century Japanese ivory netsuke formed as a fisherman. 3 cm high.

Netsuke - Zwei HundeBein, unter dem Stand sign. 4,5 cm.

FÜNFTEILIGES KONVOLUT: OKIMONO UND NETSUKE Japan, um 1900 Elfenbein, Holz. H. 2,3 cm-17,8 cm. Teils gemarkt. Gelehrter auf dem Pferd: 'Matsuyama'. Figur eines Kriegers: 'Utamaro'. Altersgemäße Gebrauchsspuren. Bitte beachten Sie, dass aufgrund der aktuellen Cites-Bestimmungen für Objekte aus Elfenbein ein uneingeschränkter Handel nur innerhalb der Europäischen Gemeinschaft erlaubt ist. Ein Export in Drittländer ist derzeit nicht möglich. Provenienz: Privatsammlung Mönchengladbach.

KANJI: TWO IVORY OKIMONO OF HARESBy Asai Kanji, signed Kanji with kakihan Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)Finely carved as two rabbits or hares in dynamic postures, one with four feet on the ground and the back arched, the other standing upright with the head lowered and ears pricked upright, the large eyes inlaid in red coral, the standing hare’s left hind paw signed KANJI with a kakihan. HEIGHT 10 cm (the standing hare), LENGTH 10 cm (the crouching hare) Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear, one okimono with three natural age cracks, both with plugged nerve channels. Provenance: Dutch private collection. Asai Kanji, also known as Kyozaido, was active during the Kaei era (1848-1853) and beyond. He mainly worked in wood but also produced ivory items. He is listed in The Netsuke Handbook of Ueda Reikichi, edited by Raymond Bushell, on page 244. Asai Kanji was a disciple of Yamada Hojitsu (died in 1872) and Sakurai Hoichi (died in 1879).

STUDENTS OF ASAHI GYOKUZAN: A RARE IVORY OKIMONO OF YAMAUBA WITH KINTARO AND MONKEYSBy students of Asahi Gyokuzan, signed Gyokuzan monsei shukoku Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912) Carved as the mountain witch Yamauba holding the golden boy Kintaro up to her chest with exposed breasts, the boy cupping one of them, the other resting gently on his full head of hair. Three monkeys are seated at her feet, two of them trying to steal a persimmon from the boy’s hand, the third eating a fruit, the feet with the signature GYOKUZAN MONSEI SHUKOKU (Carved by a group of students of Gyokuzan). HEIGHT 12.6 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and a tiny, near-invisible loss to the very tip of one of the monkey’s tails. Provenance: Dutch private collection. Auction comparison: Compare a related netsuke of Seiobo and two monkeys with the same signature at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 11 November 2020, London, lot 210 (sold for 1,800 GBP).

MINJO: AN IVORY OKIMONO OF EBISU AND ONIBy Minjo, signed MinjoJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)Finely carved and with well-executed Shibayama-style inlays, the lucky god standing over a dismayed oni with eyes inlaid in mother-of-pearl trying to flee but stuck between his legs, wearing a long robe with a mon inlaid in tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl, and green-stained ivory, as well as finely incised patterns, holding a double-gourd in one hand and a sake cup with two inlaid drops of sake in mother-of-pearl in the other, a tobacco pouch, kizeruzutsu, and coral-inlaid netsuke on the ground in front of him. Signed MINJO within a red-lacquered circular reserve on the underside of the pouch, next to an inscription reading Hino yojin (“watch out for fire”).HEIGHT 10.8 cmCondition: Small old repair to one of Ebisu’s toes, otherwise in very good condition with only few minor traces of wear.Provenance: British collection.Auction comparison:Compare with an okimono by the same artist, sold by Lempertz, The Kolodotschko Collection of Netsuke I, 14 June 2014, Cologne, lot 293 (sold for 2,684 EUR).

MUNEHIRO: AN IVORY OKIMONO OF A POULTERERBy Munehiro, signed MunehiroJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)The man standing on the naturalistically carved oval base, wearing a neatly incised patterned robe, the sagemono with ashtray netsuke, tabako-ire, and kizeruzutsu attached to his obi, holding an openworked wicker basket with a cloth tied around the bottom, finely incised with a butterfly and flowers, above four small chicks, one trapped inside a small cage, and a hen with another chick on her back walking on the ground, the man appearing to get ready to trap them, with an excited expression on his face, his hair, brows, and pupils finely inked. Signed MUNEHIRO within a red-lacquered rectangular reserve to the underside.HEIGHT 14 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, few small natural age cracks.Provenance: British collection.Auction comparison: Compare a near-identical but slightly smaller okimono by the same carver at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 15 May 2014, London, lot 314 (sold for 3,750 GBP).

IKKOSAI KOJITSU: A FINE IVORY OKIMONO OF A MARKET SCENEBy Ikkosai Saito Yataro (Kojitsu), signed IkkosaiJapan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)Finely carved and stained as a group of people including a lady, two farmers, a samurai, and a man with a large basket full of seafood - a lively market scene. Signed underneath IKKOSAI.HEIGHT 6.6 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: German private collection.Auction comparison: For another okimono by the artist, see Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 27 March 2020, Vienna, lot 134 (sold for 2,365 EUR).

UNTO: AN IVORY NETSUKE OKIMONO OF CHINESE DIGNITARY AND KARAKOBy Unto, signed UntoJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)The Chinese dignitary standing and holding a scroll, a kemari ball with stand at his feet, and a karako (Chinese boy) at his side holding the feathered fan of the tengu king Sojobo. Himotoshi through the back and signed underneath UNTO.HEIGHT 6.3 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor expected surface wear.Provenance: German private collection.

AN AMUSING IVORY OKIMONO STYLE NETSUKE OF GAMA SENNIN WITH MANY FROGSJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)Gama Sennin is holding up a lotus leaf above his head, a multitude of frogs inside, two further amphibians climbing up on a rope and another seated on his lap. The ivory finely stained.HEIGHT 5.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, age cracks.Provenance: German private collection.

SANGETSU: A HIPPO TOOTH IVORY NETSUKE OKIMONO OF GAMA SENNINBy Sangetsu, signed SangetsuJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)Finely carved as Gama Sennin with two large toads. The underside with himotoshi and signature within a red-lacquer cartouche SANGETSU.HEIGHT 3.8 cm, WIDTH 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, minimal fine age cracks.Provenance: European collection.

GYOKUHO: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF EMMA-O AND ONI CATCHING A NAMAZUBy Gyokuho, signed GyokuhoJapan, second half of 19th centuryThe king of hell Emma-o and an oni seated atop a bundle of lotus leaves, both with amusingly dumbfounded expressions, the oni scratching himself on his head, as they both hold onto a string with which they have caught the namazu (legendary earthquake fish) visible underneath. The ivory lightly stained and the details finely carved. Himotoshi and signature within a raised reserve – GYOKUHO - underneath.LENGTH 3.6 cmCondition: Very good condition, minimal age cracks.Provenance: German private collection.

A SPIRITED IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO MANZAI DANCERSJapan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved as two performers, one holding a drum and the other an upturned fan, the facial expressions well-crafted. Beautiful deep-yellow patina and large himotoshi.WIDTH 4.7 cmCondition: The tip of the fan and the legs of the drummer are restored.Provenance: German private collection.

KURAMINE: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OKIMONO OF A RAT CATCHERBy Kuramine, signed Kuramine toJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)Finely carved as a rat catcher armed with a large club and holding down a box with one hand to catch the rat which has escaped onto his back, resulting in the rather amusing expression. The eyes of both are inlaid. Note particularly the finely carved bony fingers. Natural himotoshi and signed underneath on the loincloth KURAMINE to (carved).LENGTH 5.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with some expected age cracks.Provenance: British collection.Auction comparison:Compare to a similar netsuke okimono of a rat catcher by Kihodo Masakazu sold at Zacke, Fine Japanese and Netsuke Art, 22 June 2019, Vienna, lot 317 (sold for 5,256 EUR).

A WOOD NETSUKE-OKIMONO OF A DEER AND HORSE WITH SMALL MONKEYSJapan, Edo/Tokyo, second half of 19th centuryFinely stained and carved in sukashibori (openwork), the deer and horse standing side by side on a bed of leaves, looking in opposite directions, each with the right front leg slightly raised, the details such as mane, tail, and antlers neatly detailed, two small monkeys are lying on the horse’s back, one wearing a shishimai mask and costume, the other holding cymbals in his hands, the deer, horse, and unmasked monkey with double-inlaid eyes, the netsuke-okimono with many ‘natural’ himotoshi due to the openwork nature of the piece.HEIGHT 3.8 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only minor surface wear.Provenance: European collection.The animals depicted in this netsuke-okimono are rife with symbolism, much derived from Chinese language and culture. A monkey riding a horse, for example, expresses the wish for quick promotion, whereas the deer symbolizes longevity and riches, the Chinese character for deer (Lu) also meaning ‘good fortune’ and ‘government salary’.Literature comparison: A related netsuke of a monkey and horse, dated to the 19th century, is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 10.211.1648.

SEIZAN: A WOOD NETSUKE OF THREE MONKEYS AND CHESTNUTSigned SeizanJapan, second half of 19th centuryAn amusing composition depicting two monkeys arm wrestling on top of a chestnut and another monkey crawling out of a large hole inside the chestnut, scratching his head. Himotoshi underneath and signature within an inlaid tablet SEIZAN.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor expected surface wear.Provenance: German private collection.

AN UNUSUAL BURLWOOD NETSUKE OF A CICADAJapan, 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The insect with folded veiny wings naturalistically carved, the tucked-in legs and himotoshi underneath. The polished burlwood of a very appealing color with a fine, unctuous patina.LENGTH 6.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear.Provenance: German private collection.

TOKO: AN IWAMI SCHOOL EBONY WOOD NETSUKE OF A MINOGAME ON DRIFTWOODBy Toko, signed Toko and inscribed 元才Japan, Iwami province, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a minogame on top of a large piece of driftwood. The mythical being has inlaid bone eyes, a naturalistically carved carapace, and a characteristically long ‘seaweed’ tail. Large, asymmetrical, and generously excavated himotoshi underneath as well as the signature TOKO and inscription 元才 [beginning of the year].LENGTH 5.3 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear.Provenance: German private collection.

A FINE KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT BOARJapan, Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a recumbent boar, its legs tucked underneath the body forming a compact composition. The fur is neatly engraved and attractively worn, the pupils are inlaid in dark horn. Good, asymmetrical himotoshi underneath.LENGTH 5 cmCondition: One ear and the upper snout (including one tusk) are restored.Provenance: British private estate.

OKATOMO: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A WOLF WITH HAUNCH OF VENISONAfter Okatomo, signed OkatomoJapan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved as an emaciated wolf with neatly incised and inked fur, large pricked ears, and eyes inlaid in dark horn, eating a haunch of venison in front of it, some sinew from the carcass in its mouth, the underside with the signature OKATOMO within a rectangular reserve.LENGTH 5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear and few natural age cracks.Provenance: British private estate.

AN EXCELLENT KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A GROOMING YOUNG TIGERJapan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Bandini, Rosemary (2018) Japanese Netsuke and Works of Art, no. 7.A visibly satisfied young tiger sitting with its left front paw outstretched as it leans to lick its fur. The eyes, with inlaid dark horn pupils, are cast downwards as it concentrates on its task. The ivory netsuke is powerfully sculpted bearing all the hallmarks of a good Kyoto school netsuke – bushy eyebrows, pronounced shoulder bones and spine, and a thick tail which curls up over the tiger’s back. Good, deep himotoshi through one paw and the belly.HEIGHT 3 cm, LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Very good and complete condition. Age-appropriate wear, particularly to the backside and few age cracks.Provenance: British collection.

AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A BAYING KIRIN IN THE STYLE OF MITSUHARUUnsigned, in the style of Mitsuharu (Kyoto, active circa 1780)Japan, 20th centuryThe kirin depicted in a classic posture seated, its head twisted upwards with the beard flowing into the tail in a continuous stream of hair, the eyes inlaid in dark horn, two himotoshi to one side and the underside.HEIGHT 5.8 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: Sotheby’s London, 20th June 2002, lot 633.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a kirin in the style of Mitsuharu but dated to the first half of the 19th century, at Van Ham, Asiatische Kunst, 6 June 2015, lot 215 (sold for 9,675 EUR).

AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A COILED DRAGONJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The sinuously coiled dragon is shown snarling with large inlaid eyes and minutely incised scales. Natural himotoshi through the body.HEIGHT 4.5 cmCondition: Good condition, fine patina, some age cracks and tiny chips to edges.Provenance: German private collection.

ANRAKU: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A COILED DRAGONBy Shukosai Anraku, signed AnrakuJapan, Osaka, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Very finely carved and typically stained, the dragon forming a compact manju-style composition with its coiled body, the scales minutely incised and both eyes inlaid. Signed within a polished reserve on one of the flames of the dragon – ANRAKU.LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: German private collection.

A POWERFUL IVORY NETSUKE OF A COILED ONE-HORNED DRAGONJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The dragon’s sinuously winding body forming a closed manju-like composition with only the well-carved head protruding. The ivory bearing a very good patina. Several possibilities for himotoshi through the openworked structure. LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear.Provenance: German private collection.

AN IVORY RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE OF A DRAGON WITHIN CLOUDSJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)The openworked manju finely carved as a scaly dragon with mother-of-pearl inlaid eyes amongst billowing clouds. A central peg with eyelet functions as the cord attachment.DIAMETER 3.8 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: German private collection.

A WALRUS IVORY RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE OF A COILED DRAGONJapan, Tokyo, Asakusa, second half of 19th centuryFinely carved to one side with a coiled dragon, its expression fierce with neatly detailed features, the tail twisting like a robe and terminating in a fan-like element. The other side with a central stylized chrysanthemum, a himotoshi at its center, surrounded by scrolling stems with heart-shaped katsura leaves, reminiscent of reishi fungi and exhibiting skillfully executed ‘wormrot’, the material with natural inclusions typical of walrus ivory.SIZE 4.2 x 4.5 cmCondition: Good condition, small natural age cracks, some wear to exposed edges.Provenance: British collection.

TOYOMASA: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A DRAGON INSIDE MIKANSchool of Naito Toyomasa (1773-1856), signed ToyomasaJapan, Sasayama, Tanba province, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A finely carved wood netsuke depicting a dragon inside a mikan (tangerine) with crisply carved scales and flaming whiskers protruding the soft surface of the mikan, which is disintegrating through the might of the dragon, which bursts through from within. Himotoshi through the stem, from which a finely carved pair of leaves trail down the side. Signed within an oval reserve TOYOMASA.HEIGHT 3.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with only very minimal surface wear.Provenance: German private collection.Auction comparison: A very similar netsuke was sold by Lempertz, Netsuke aus der Sammlung Kolodotschko II, 6 December 2014, Cologne, lot 837 (sold for 2,976 EUR).

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED DRAGONJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The dragon with inlaid eyes and finely incised scales, snarling ferociously, its body sinuously coiling and forming a compact composition with natural himotoshi.LENGTH 5.2 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear, one crack near the tail.Provenance: Dutch private collection.

A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A RUNNING SHISHIJapan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A dynamically crafted study of a running Buddhist lion, its paws on the ground and feet in the air, the mouth opened revealing a coral ball inside. The eyes gilt. The wood of a very good color, the details finely rendered.LENGTH 5.3 cmCondition: Repair to the upper mouth and snout.Provenance: German private collection, purchased from Galerie Zacke in 2016.

A GOOD IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO FIGHTING SHISHIJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The two boldly carved Buddhist lions engaged in a scuffle, one pinning the other down, both ferociously snarling, the eyes inlaid in dark horn.LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Good condition with some surface wear and age cracks.Provenance: German private collection.

A RARE MARINE IVORY NETSUKE OF TANUKI HARA TSUZUMIJapan, Tokyo, second half of 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Depicting tanuki no hara tsuzumi (belly drumming raccoon dog), fur finely incised and stained, the spine expressively carved, the face with sharp fangs, upwards turned snout, double-inlaid eyes in mother-of-pearl and black horn, and a jovial expression – he is visibly delighted as he drums on his large and smooth belly, with his left front paw raised in a dynamic posture. Typical himotoshi between one of the legs and the belly to the underside.HEIGHT 3.8 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only minor surface wear.Provenance: German private collection.The tanuki possesses magical powers and can change forms, sometimes into Buddhist monks; they are jovial, but also dangerous, as they have been known to suffocate hunters with their enormous scrotum. The act of drumming on the belly, according to legend, was used by tanuki to beguile travelers and hunters to lead them astray. However, it has also been said that tanuki would get together just for fun, drumming on their bellies under the moonlight, perhaps even with some sake involved.

RYUGYOKU: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF KINTAROBy Ryugyoku, signed Ryugyoku and kakihanJapan, Tokyo, second half of 19th centuryThe strong boy wielding an axe and eating a piece from a ginkgo nut, revealing a landscape and pavilion scene inside. Signed underneath RYUGYOKU (a pupil of Ryukei II) with a red kakihan.HEIGHT 3.5 cmCondition: Good condition, fine age cracks and minor wear to inked details.Provenance: German private collection.

AN AMUSING IVORY NETSUKE OF A KAPPA AS A SAKE VENDORJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The kappa with large eyes with inlaid pupils, standing on one foot and holding a sake bottle strapped over his shoulder behind his back. ‘Chimney himotoshi’ through the back and underneath.HEIGHT 4.8 cmCondition: Good condition, minor associated surface wear.Provenance: German private collection.

KOMIN: A DARK WOOD NETSUKE OF A KAPPA EMERGING FROM A CONCHBy Komin, signed Komin with kakihanJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)An incredibly fine and detailed carving from dark wood with reddish hues. A kappa is shown emerging from a large conch, its claws placed on the exterior and its gloomy eyes staring. Its expression is quite amusing, and the hairdo is somewhat unusual, almost resembling an old British court wig. The conch is smoothly polished, providing a stark contrast to the masterful ukibori used on the mythical being’s unarmored body parts and the well-detailed shell. The hollow section on the kappa’s head, which according to legend hold its vital fluids, is inlaid in pewter and lacquer. Good, asymmetrical himotoshi through the underside and signed KOMIN plus kakihan.LENGTH 4.8 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Ex-collection Harriet Szechenyi sold in her sale at Bonhams, 8 November 2011, London, lot 53 (sold for 4,750 GBP). Then collection Jacques H. Carre.

GYOKKO: A WOOD NETSUKE DEPICTING TENGU NO TAMAGOBy Gyokko, signed GyokkoJapan, Tokyo, Asakusa, second half of 19th centuryThe tengu climbing out of its egg (tamago), with human hands, the head of a bird, and wearing a tokin cap, one wing trailing over the cracked shell, several leaves incised on top, the underside with two asymmetrical himotoshi and the signature GYOKKO.WIDTH 3.9 cmCondition: Good condition with minor surface wear, one chip to the wing.Provenance: German private collection, old museum number ’63.176’ to the underside.Auction comparison: Compare with a small wood netsuke of Tengu no Tamago by Masayuki at Sotheby’s, Japanese and Korean Works of Art, 9 June 2004, London, lot 1148 (sold for 3,120 GBP).

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A HATCHING TENGU (TENGU NO TOMAGO)Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The ideally shaped netsuke attractively worn and carved as a karasu tengu hatching from a large egg. Large himotoshi.HEIGHT 4.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with some associated surface wear.Provenance: German private collection.

HIDARI ISSAN: A DARK WOOD NETSUKE OF A KITSUNEBy Hidari Issan, signed IssanJapan, Mutsu (Iwashiro) Province, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a fox (kitsune) wearing a kimono, executed in ukibori and neatly incised with geometric patterns, the eyes inlaid in bone and dark horn. Two asymmetrical himotoshi, the smaller to the back and the larger to the underside. Signed within an oval reserve – ISSAN. The wood of an appealing reddish-dark color.HEIGHT 3.6 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko, purchased at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 16 September 2009, New York, lot 3004 (part lot, sold for 3,050 USD).

HOGEN RANTEI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF CRAB ON PERSIMMONBy Hogen Rantei, signed Hogen RanteiJapan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)An allusion to the famous folktale of the crab and monkey – the crab is lying in wait on a persimmon, its pincers readied, the eyes inlaid in dark horn. The ivory lightly stained and smoothly polished. Natural himotoshi through the stem and signed within two oval reserves HOGEN RANTEI.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minimal wear. Provenance: German private collection.

AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A CLUSTER OF SHELLSJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A finely carved ivory netsuke of a cluster of various shells, some of them with an inner life reminiscent of the famous clam’s dream story. The himotoshi underneath is formed by one of the trumpet shells. Beautiful and glossy patina.LENGTH 4.4 cmCondition: Excellent condition, beautiful patina.Provenance: German private collection.

A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHRIMPJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The crustacean with its tail curled inwards and the feelers and limbs retreated, forming a naturalistic and compact composition. The ivory bearing a fine patina. Natural himotoshi.LENGTH 5.8 cmCondition: Generally, in good condition with expected age cracks. One of the feelers with a crack and one inlaid eye with some damage.Provenance: Dutch private collection.

AN UNUSUAL MARINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A TOAD WITH CRAB AND LOTUSJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a large warty toad seated on a rock with a lotus leaf inside a crevice, a crab peaking out of another crevice in the front, the eyes of both inlaid in pale horn. ‘Chimney himotoshi’ through the rock.HEIGHT 4.9 cmCondition: Very good condition, some expected age cracks.Provenance: Dutch private collection.

HO RAKUMIN: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF AN OCTOPUS INSIDE A TETSUBINBy Ho Rakumin, signed RakuminJapan, Edo, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as an octopus retreated inside a tetsubin (tea kettle), one of the tentacles grasping the spout, another clinging to the handle and one touching its head. Note the finely carved expression and bulging veins on the cephalopod’s head. A rather amusing and unusual variation of the classic tako-tsubo motif. Himotoshi and signature RAKUMIN underneath.WIDTH 4 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: British private collection.

A FINE YAMADA SCHOOL NETSUKE OKIMONO OF A SNAKE COILED AROUND A TORTOISEJapan, Ise-Yamada, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The two reptiles engaged in a battle, the snake tightly coiled around the tortoise who does not seem particularly impressed. The scales of the snake and carapace of the tortoise carved with intricate detail and a heightened sense of naturalism. The eyes of both double inlaid. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi underneath.HEIGHT 4.5 cm, LENGTH 6.5 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear.Provenance: British collection. Auction comparison:A very similar netsuke of slightly smaller size was sold at Lempertz, Auction 1146, 7 December 2019, Cologne, lot 226 (sold for 4,464 EUR).The two reptiles were thought to have been from the same species due to their similar shape of head. Therefore it is more likely that the scene depicts a loving embrace. 

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A SKELETON ON A GIANT SKULLJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The wood finely stained and boldly carved as a giant skull with three teeth and pierced sockets, a smaller skeleton clambering on the skull in an amusing manner.HEIGHT 3.6 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Richard R. Silverman. Richard R. Silverman (1932-2019) was a renowned Asian art collector with one of the largest private collections of netsuke outside of Japan. He lived in Tokyo between 1964 and 1979 and began to collect netsuke there in 1968. Since the 1970s, he wrote and lectured about netsuke and was an Asian art consultant for Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Bonhams. His gift of 226 ceramic netsuke to the Toledo Museum of Art constitutes perhaps the largest public collection of these miniature clay sculptures in the world. After moving to California, Silverman became a member of the Far Eastern Art Council at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 1984. In 1993, he joined LACMA’s Executive Board. He served on the board of directors for the International Society of Appraisers from 1986 to 1994 and served nine years as chair for the City of West Hollywood Fine Arts Commission. Richard Silverman was posthumously awarded the Order of the Rising Sun for his decades-long promotion of Japanese culture.Literature comparison: A closely related netsuke signed Gyokusai is illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 102.

KOMA KANSAI: A LACQUERED WOOD NETSUKEBy Koma Kansai, signed KansaiJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of square manju-style shape, lacquered in the front with a variety of techniques, including sabiji-nuri (in imitation of iron) and with fine iro-e takamaki-e depicting a fruiting peach branch. The reverse with large himotoshi and lacquered signature KANSAI.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: Minor wear to lacquer, a chip to the larger himotoshi. Good condition.Provenance: Ex-collection Richard R. Silverman purchased from Ito, Tokyo, in 1999. Richard R. Silverman (1932-2019) was a renowned Asian art collector with one of the largest private collections of netsuke outside of Japan. He lived in Tokyo between 1964 and 1979 and began to collect netsuke there in 1968. Since the 1970s, he wrote and lectured about netsuke and was an Asian art consultant for Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Bonhams. His gift of 226 ceramic netsuke to the Toledo Museum of Art constitutes perhaps the largest public collection of these miniature clay sculptures in the world. After moving to California, Silverman became a member of the Far Eastern Art Council at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 1984. In 1993, he joined LACMA’s Executive Board. He served on the board of directors for the International Society of Appraisers from 1986 to 1994 and served nine years as chair for the City of West Hollywood Fine Arts Commission. Richard Silverman was posthumously awarded the Order of the Rising Sun for his decades-long promotion of Japanese culture.