We found 24840 price guide item(s) matching your search

MINKO: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A KARAKO WITH HANNYA MASK After Tanaka Minko (1735-1816), signed Minko 珉江 with kakihanJapan, Tsu, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved, the young boy with short black tufts of hair holding a Hannya mask in front of his face, his genitals exposed to the underside, ‘natural’ himotoshi between the feet, legs, and mask, the reverse signed MINKO with a kakihan.LENGTH 3.3 cm, HEIGHT 3 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear, natural age cracks, small old repairs to one arm and one leg.Provenance: Richard R. Silverman, acquired from Sotheby’s, Los Angeles, 22 August 1981, lot 79. 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 related netsuke by the same carver is illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 512.

MINKO: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED DRAGON By Tanaka Juntoko Minko, signed Minko 眠江Japan, Tsu, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The coiled dragon forming a compact composition, the scales finely incised and with powerfully carved claws and flames emanating from its body. The mythical being’s mouth is opened as it lets out a snarl, the large eyes inlaid in brass with dark horn pupils. Natural himotoshi and signed underneath within a polished reserve MINKO.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Good condition with some surface wear and typical oxidation to brass pupils.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).Auction comparison:Minko’s dragons are rare. For another dragon by Minko see Sotheby’s, The Betty Jahss Collection of Netsuke – Part II (Final), 14 November 1991, London, lot 74.

AN INLAID WOOD NETSUKE OF KIYOHIME, ATTRIBUTED TO MINKO Attributed to Tanaka Juntoko Minko (1735-1816), unsignedJapan, Tsu, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting the wrathful Kiyohime with finely carved long hair, as a serpentine monster pursuing the priest Anchin in her rage and wrapping her scaly body around the Dojo-ji temple bell. Her face and hands are inlaid in ivory, the pupils are inlaid in dark horn at the corners. The handle of the bell, made from a different type of wood, is surmounted by two dragon heads and a tama. Himotoshi underneath Kiyohime and underneath the bell, the latter ringed in bone. Additionally, there is a peg for cord attachment on the inside of the removable handle.LENGTH 5.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minuscule surface wear.Provenance: British private collection.Auction comparison:A related netsuke by Minko was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 24 November 2018, Vienna, lot 70 (sold for 8,670 EUR).

TOYOYO: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A HATCHING TENGU By Toyoyo (Toyoyasu), signed Toyoyo 豊容Japan, Sasayama, Tanba province, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Masterfully carved as a hatching karasu (crow-beaked) tengu, known as tengu no tomago. The large mythical animal is climbing out of its egg with its two hands holding on to the edge of the shell, triumphantly screeching, one large wing trailing over the cracked shell to its left. The eyes are inlaid in pale translucent horn with black drilled pupils. Note the extremely fine carving of the plumage, accentuated with black coloring, typical for the Tanba school artists. The slightly worn wood with a very good patina. The egg is smoothly polished and the large asymmetrical himotoshi are found underneath, the larger one generously excavated to accommodate the knot. It is also worth noting that this netsuke stands on the larger himotoshi. Signed TOYOYO with boldly incised characters.HEIGHT 4.5 cmCondition: Superb condition. Minor associated surface wear.Provenance: Ex collection J. C Robyn, sold at Tajan, Paris, 13 November 1990. Then French private collection.Toyoyo (1811-1883), also known as Toyoyasu, was the son of Naito Toyomasa (1773-1856). There is ample evidence that many netsuke signed Toyomasa were in fact made by Toyoyo, who was left-handed. Toyoyo seldomly signed with his own name.Auction comparison:A similar, yet less fine, netsuke of a hatching tengu by Toyomasa was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sageomono & Okimono, 27 April 2019, Vienna, lot 245 (sold for 10,512 EUR).

TOYOKAZU: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF GAMA SENNIN By Shugasai Toyokazu, signed Toyokazu 豊一Japan, Sasayama, Tanba province, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A masterfully executed study of Gama Sennin shouldering a large warty toad, looking up and almost screaming in agony from the weight of the large amphibian. The toad’s eyes are inlaid in dark horn and the sennin’s eyes are inlaid in pale horn with drilled black pupils. Note the fine details to the sennin’s leaf cloak and skirt, as well as the folds of the robe. The wood is accentuated with black coloring in the crevices for effect, very typical for the Tanba school artists. The chimney-like himotoshi are found in the back and underside, the larger one is generously excavated to accommodate the knot. Signed underneath in typical and boldly incised characters – TOYOKAZU.HEIGHT 5.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition. Associated surface wear, some miniscule nicks to the surface here and there.Provenance: French private collection.Shugasai Toyokazu is widely regarded as the most accomplished pupil of Naito Toyomasa (1773-1856).Auction comparison:Compare to a similar wood netsuke of Gama Sennin by Toyomasa sold at Christie’s, A Private Collection of Japanese Art, 6-20 October 2015, New York, lot 55 (sold for 18,750 USD). Also compare to another related wood netsuke sold at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 84 (sold for 21,250 GBP).Literature comparison:A very similar netsuke of Gama sennin by Toyokazu is published in Barry Davies Oriental Art (1998) The Robert S. Huthart Collection of Non-Iwami Netsuke, pp. 158-159, no. 116.

A MONUMENTALLY TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF SHOKI AND ONI UnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A massive ivory netsuke, dramatic and powerful, and of distinct triangular shape, typical for the early ivory katabori netsuke of this type. Depicted is the demon queller Shoki, holding his downward-pointing sword in one hand and the leg of an oni, which sits on his shoulders, in the other. Both are looking upwards, Shoki exclaiming, his dense bushy beard blowing against his cheeks in the wind. His impressively carved robe with long draping sleeves is incised with dense cloud patterns and his pupils are inlaid in dark horn. Fine, yellowish patina throughout, turning deeper in the back. Excellent and generously excavated himotoshi, exactly as they should be.HEIGHT 15.7 cmCondition: Amazingly undamaged throughout the centuries. Some expected age cracks and surface wear.Provenance: European private collection.

SADAKATA: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF RAKAN HANDAKA SONJA WITH DRAGON By Sadakata, signed Sadakata 真庁 saku 作Japan, Sasayama, Tanba province, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The wood netsuke carved in brilliant sukashi-bori (openwork), depicting a seated rakan, namely Handaka Sonja, lifting up his alms bowl from which a majestic dragon emerges amongst billowing clouds. Handaka holds a tama (magical pearl) in his hand, luring the dragon towards him, the two facing off dramatically, their visible eyes inlaid in pale translucent horn. The details are extremely well-carved and accentuated with black coloring inside the crevices, typical for the Tanba school of carvers. Plenty of natural openings for the cord attachment and signed underneath SADAKATA saku (made).HEIGHT 3.5 cmCondition: Superb condition, minor wear.Provenance: Ex-collection J. Bellhouse Gaskell, sold at his sale in March 1926 and re-sold at Sotheby’s, 18 June 1997, Japanese Prints, Paintings and Works of Art, London, lot 191.Auction comparison:A related netsuke by Naito Toyomasa sold at Van Ham, Netsuke & Japanische Kunst, 8 June 2017, lot 1626 (sold for 41,280 EUR).

NAITO TOYOMASA: A VERY RARE AND SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A KOREAN BOY By Naito Toyomasa (1773-1856), signed Toyomasa 豊昌Japan, Sasayama, Tanba province, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The boy standing on one foot, one leg and two arms raised in a dynamic motion, dancing in jubilation. He wears a characteristically foreign wide-brimmed feathered hat and coat incised with floral patterns and scrolling vines. The face is carved extremely well – the eyes are large, and the mouth is slightly opened. Black staining is used in the crevices for effect. The well-toned wood of a very appealing color, with a fine unctuous patina. Large, generously excavated himotoshi through the back and signed underneath the hem of the coat TOYOMASA.HEIGHT 6.3 cmCondition: Good condition with some associated surface wear. One foot restored.Provenance: Ex-collection Ann Meselson, Sotheby’s, 2 December 1994, New York, lot 253.A very unusual and unique subject for the artist executed in his usual vigor, style, and quality. One other netsuke of a foreigner on a shishi, however without illustration, is recorded in H.L Joly (1975) Catalogue of the H. Seymour Trower Collection of Japanese Art, no. 43.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

TAMETAKA: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A JAKONEKO By Tametaka, signed Tametaka 為隆Japan, Nagoya, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The floppy-eared musk cat (jako-neko) sitting on its furcated bushy tail, its head turned backwards, a ball between its paws, protectively snarling. The long whisker-like hairs on the cheeks are flowing in the wind. The fur is very finely incised and neatly parted in the middle. One large himotoshi through the side and the other cleverly ‘hidden’ within. Signed underneath inside an elliptical reserve TAMETAKA. The wood of an even and very appealing dark chocolate-brown color.HEIGHT 4.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, some surface wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.Literature comparison:Compare to a similar netsuke signed Tametaka and described as a 'Chinese dog' in Joly, Henri L. (1966) The W. L. Behrens Collection, Part 1, Netsuke, no. 5263 and illustrated in pl. LXIX. Compare also to a goat by Tametaka in Bandini, Rosemary (2014) Japanese Netsuke from the Collection of Teddy Hahn, no. 24.The jakoneko or musk cat, often called a shaggy dog, is of African origin and entered Japan via India, when it became popular for its musk, used for perfumes.

A SUPERB AND LARGE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO FIGHTING SHISHI, ATTRIBUTED TO TAMETAKA Attributed to Tametaka, unsignedJapan, Nagoya, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Hurtig, Bernard (1973) Masterpieces of Netsuke Art: One Thousand Favorites of Leading Collectors, p. 51, no. 134.Eskenazi Ltd. (1993) Japanese Netsuke from the Carré Collection, pp. 128-129, no.149.Eskenazi Ltd. (1997) Japanese Netsuke, Inro and Ojime from the Dawson Collection, pp.34-35, no. 47.A considerably large wood netsuke with excellent provenance. Two shishi are engaged in a ferocious battle, forming a dynamic, powerful, and compact composition. The Buddhist lion on top is pinning his combatant to the ground and biting into his shoulder, the underdog screeching from pain with a grotesquely wide-opened mouth. The paws are finely carved, and the tails form powerfully bulging bundles with bushy ends. The wood of a very appealing color with a rich and unctuous patina. Large himotoshi underneath.LENGTH 5.6 cmCondition: Very good condition with associated surface wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Jacques H. Carré, then collection Dawson.The netsuke is reminiscent of a double tomoe, the animal with the closed mouth representing the female principle in (Chinese: yin) and the open mouth the male principle yo (Chinese: yang). Furthermore, Buddhist lions (komainu) are often depicted as temple guardians, one with a closed mouth uttering the syllable ‘un’ and the other with an opened mouth, uttering the syllable ‘a’.Auction comparison:A related netsuke by Tametaka was recently sold at Bonhams, Fine Netsuke from a French Private Collection, 4 November 2020, London, lot 144 (sold for 18,812 GBP).

TAMETAKA: A WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO BOARS By Tametaka, signed Tametaka 為隆Japan, Nagoya, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Barry Davies Oriental Art (2001) Selected Netsuke and Inro for exhibition at the International Netsuke Society Convention Boston, p. 8.Galerie Gemini & Ichimonji Art (Munich, 2004), p. 26, no. 75.The two boars nestled up close to each other, resting on a bed of autumn leaves, one resting its head on the others behind, forming a compact composition. The fur is incised in the typical manner of the artist. The wood worn with a fine patina. Large himotoshi underneath and signed in a leaf-shaped reserve TAMETAKA.LENGTH 3.3 cmCondition: Good condition with age-related wear and a good patina. Age cracks and a tiny old chip to the very edge of one leaf.Provenance: French private collection.Literature comparison:Compare to a group of three boars by Tametaka in Hurtig, Bernard (1973) Masterpieces of Netsuke Art: One Thousand Favorites of Leading Collectors, p. 74, no. 242.

TAMETAKA: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A TSUITATE WITH TIGER AND DRAGON By Tametaka, signed Tametaka 為隆 with a kakihanJapan, Nagoya, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Rutherston & Bandini (2013) Japanese Netsuke, no. 19.Depicting a standing screen (tsuitate) finely carved on one side with a celestial dragon amongst voluminous clouds, grasping a tama and glaring down at a tiger seated at the feet of the screen, looking up towards the dragon with a feeble expression. The reverse carved with bamboo and a large perforation showing one of the dragon’s claws, which forms the ‘natural’ himotoshi. Signed in the back in raised characters – TAMETAKA and kakihan.HEIGHT 3.3 cmCondition: Excellent condition, the wood of a very good color.Provenance: Sotheby's New York, 13 December 1979, lot 21. Re-sold at Sotheby's New York, 8 December 1981. Then in an Austrian private collection, sold at Sotheby’s Paris, 10 June 2014, lot 370 (sold for 6,000 EUR), then in a French private collection.Both the tiger and dragon have important meanings in Buddhist and Taoist philosophy, together representing the yin and yang, the earth and sky, or the male and female. Furthermore, they represent strength, resilience and courage.Auction comparison: Another netsuke of a tsuitate was sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 15 May 2014, London, lot 50 (sold for 12,500 GBP). Also compare the manner of the tiger in the present netsuke to one sold at Bonhams, Fine Netsuke from the Adrienne Barbanson Collection, 10 May 2013, London, lot 9 (sold for 10,625 GBP).

IKKAN: A WOOD AND IVORY NETSUKE OF A SKULL By Ikkan (1817-1893), signed Ikkansai saku 一貫齋作Japan, Nagoya, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, vol. 1, p. 508.Exhibited: Bonhams, Paris, during the International Netsuke Collector’s Society Convention October 2019.Naturalistically carved from wood with ivory teeth, a repair cleat and several ‘cracks’ on the skull, ‘natural’ himotoshi through several openings, the back of the skull incised with the signature IKKANSAI saku.LENGTH 4.2 cm, HEIGHT 3.9 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: European collection P. Jacquesson.Ikkan was a famous netsuke carver from Nagoya and active during the 19th century. F. M. Jonas mentions a wood netsuke with the name Ikkansai and notes that it must be identical to Ikkan (Netsuke, 1928, p. 135).

A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A FRACTURED SKULL UnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A finely carved wood netsuke of a somewhat disintegrated skull with cavernous eye sockets and a row of teeth with some of them missing. A section of the cranium in the back is missing giving an eerie glimpse into the bone structure. Natural himotoshi.HEIGHT 3.8 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only minimal surface wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Richard R. Silverman, purchased at Sotheby’s London, 1996. 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.

A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A SKULL WITH BAMBOO SHOOT UnsignedJapan, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A finely carved and morbidly fantastic wood netsuke of a skull with large, cavernous eye sockets, two bones underneath functioning as the himotoshi, and a leafy bamboo shoot growing out of the eye socket and resting on the apex of the cranium. Unusually, this skull only has two front teeth which are inlaid in bone. The wood bearing an excellent patina.HEIGHT 3 cm, LENGTH 3.3 cmCondition: Good condition with some surface wear and few minuscule nicks.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.

A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF SHIRO UnsignedJapan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Rutherston & Bandini (2013) Japanese Netsuke, no. 4.Depicting Emma-o’s attendant Shiro, who was sent to steal Daikoku’s bag of rice, being attacked with a branch of holly by one of the lucky god’s rats. Shiro is shown here in a cowering posture, biting into his folded arms in front of him, signifying his defeat. He has long hair, large horns and wears a tiger skin loincloth. The underside shows the very large, generously excavated himotoshi, and a gorgeous, rich honey-yellow patina.LENGTH 4.7 cmCondition: Very good condition, age cracks.Provenance: British private collection.

ITTAN: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A CAT GEISHA By Ittan, signed Ittan 一旦 gito 戯刀Japan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Joly, Henri L. (1912) The W. L. Behrens Collection, Part 1, Netsuke, p. 37, no. 905.Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 249.Katchen, Arlette (2010) Netsuke 7, Vol. 2, p. 37, no. K367.Finely carved as a cat standing upright, masquerading as a woman, holding up the hem of her kimono which is open at the neck and secured at the waist, one hand raised to the side, the face with an enigmatic expression and neatly detailed features, the fur incised with great precision. The back signed ITTAN gito (carved in fun by Ittan).HEIGHT 5.2 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only minor surface wear. Provenance: W. L. Behrens collection, no. 905. L. A. Luxmoore collection, acquired at Sotheby's, London, 1969. Ex-collection Julius and Arlette Katchen. Australian private collection, acquired from Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 137 (sold for GBP 9,000).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

ITTAN: A WOOD NETSUKE OF SHOKI CAPTURING ONI By Ittan, signed Ittan 一旦 with kakihanJapan, Nagoya, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The demon queller with fierce expression, dark inlaid eyes, wearing characteristic armor with sword attached to the back, pressing down with all his might with both arms and one foot on a flat tub, only a small claw of one oni (out of presumably thousands trapped inside) is visible. Natural himotoshi and signed within an oval reserve ITTAN.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.Neil Davey writes on Ittan, “A fine artist, who worked entirely in wood, producing small models, chiefly of animals but occasionally of legendary figural subjects. His work is full of intricate details, the eyes being inlaid in dark horn and the himotoshi being formed by a natural gap in the form.” (Netsuke, 1974, p. 194)Literature comparison: For a closely related netsuke by the same carver and with the same subject, see Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 249.

TSUYAMA: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A KAPPA CAUGHT IN A GIANT HAMAGURI By Tsuyama, signed Tsuyama 亞山Japan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Seated on a giant clam (hamaguri) and trying to extricate one foot caught in the jaws of the shell, crisply carved in lightly stained wood, the eyes inlaid in pale translucent horn with dark pupils, the underside with two asymmetrical himotoshi, the signature HIDEHARU within a rectangular reserve to the side of the clam.LENGTH 4.5 cm, HEIGHT 3.8 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only minor surface wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko, acquired at Bonhams (the signature erroneously transcribed as Hideharu), Japanese Works of Art, 19 March 2009, New York, lot 409 (sold for 3,965 USD).Literature comparison: The present netsuke is one of Hideharu’s most popular designs, one of which is illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen / Lazarnick (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 136.

A NAGOYA SCHOOL DARK WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY ON TORTOISE UnsignedJapan, Nagoya, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved as a monkey, with neatly incised fur and double-inlaid eyes, atop a tortoise with finely detailed carapace, tail, and extremities, the curious monkey trying to look underneath the shell and prodding the poor defenseless reptile. The monkey’s eyes inlaid and the back with two particularly large asymmetrical himotoshi.HEIGHT 3.3 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, few minuscule nicks.Provenance: European collection.

SARI: A NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A SLUMBERING SHOJO By Sari, signed Sari 左里Japan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a seated shojo in a deep slumber induced by a hefty amount of sake. One hand is placed in her lap and the other pressed against her cheek, supporting her heavy, ever so tired face. Her finely incised long hair covers her entire back and extends to the underside. The wood of a good color with an attractive patina. Asymmetrical himotoshi through the back and underside, the larger generously excavated to accommodate the knot. Signed within a recessed reserve SARI.HEIGHT 3 cm, LENGTH 3.2 cmCondition: Very good condition, fine patina. One chip to the left foot.Provenance: German private collection.Literature comparison:For another netsuke with the unusual non-cursive signature Sari depicting an oni in Nagoya style see Eskenazi Ltd. (1973), Japanese Netsuke formerly in the Collection of Dr. Robert Greene, p.19, no. 35. This may be the same artist.

A FINE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A SLUMBERING SHOJO UnsignedJapan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A fine, small wood netsuke depicting a shojo in a deep slumber induced by a hefty amount of sake. The shojo sits crunched up together, forming a compact composition, one hand placed in her lap and the other pressed against her cheek, supporting her heavy, ever so tired face. The details very finely incised and the wood of a good color with an attractive patina. Asymmetrical himotoshi through the back.HEIGHT 2.9 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: German private collection.

HOJITSU: A FINE NAGOYA SCHOOL NETSUKE OF A SLEEPING SHOJO By Hojitsu, signed Hojitsu 方實Japan, Nagoya, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)An excellent wood netsuke depicting a shojo in a deep slumber after drinking a hefty amount of sake. Her head is resting on her upturned hand, nestled inside her robe, her expression conveying her fatigue from all the drinking very well. Her knees are bent towards her body, and her robe is carved with minute detail showing brocade and cloud patterns. One of her distinctive attributes is her full long hair, which was crimson and said to contain a much sought-after dye. Here it is delicately carved, flowing down her back and all the way to the underside, housing the rectangular reserve with the unusual signature HOJITSU – not to be confused with the famous Edo netsuke-shi, but rather a previously unrecorded Nagoya carver. The himotoshi are cleverly incorporated into the work, one pierced himotoshi underneath and the other ‘hidden’ between her knee and body.LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: European collection, old collection no. pasted inside the himotoshi.Auction comparison:A similar netsuke by Tadatoshi, sold at Quinn’s Auction Galleries, The Mang Collection of Japanese Netsuke, 7 December 2012, Falls Church, lot 204 (sold for 6,000 USD).

MASAKAZU: A FINE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A SLUMBERING SHOJO By Masakazu, signed Masakazu 正一Japan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a seated shojo in a deep slumber induced by a hefty amount of sake. One hand is placed in her lap and the other pressed against her cheek, supporting her face, as she gently smiles, perhaps even dreaming of drinking more sake. Her finely incised long hair neatly falls down her back and her robe is adorned with elaborately carved patterns. The wood of a good color with an attractive patina. Asymmetrical himotoshi through the back and underside and signed within a raised rectangular reserve MASAKAZU.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with a fine patina and only miniscule surface wear including some tiny nicks here and there and some wear around the himotoshi.Provenance: German private collection, purchased at Bonhams, Japanese Works of Art, 19 September 2008, New York, lot 5099 (sold for 2,160 USD).Literature comparison:Compare to a similar netsuke by Masajo in Bandini, Rosemary (2014) Japanese Netsuke from the Collection of Teddy Hahn, no. 2.

MASAKAZU: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A COWERING ONI By Masakazu, signed Masakazu 正一Japan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The oni cowering underneath a kasa (straw hat) trying to shield himself from a barrage of roasted beans being thrown at him during the oni-yarai ceremony at Setsubun day. His attempt is somewhat futile as one of the beans has hit his head, two further ones being carved on top of the hat. The worn kasa is executed with intricate detail and the body of the oni underneath shows extremely fine carving with powerfully accentuated muscles and a neatly incised tiger skin loincloth. The visible eye is double inlaid in bone and dark horn. ‘Natural’ himotoshi through the limbs and signed MASAKAZU.LENGTH 3 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: French private collection, purchased at Ader, Paris, February 1984.

A RARE IVORY SEAL NETSUKE WITH AN ONI UnsignedJapan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The rectangular seal with a cut underside and key fret border design on the side, surmounted by a reclining and grim-looking oni. The ivory beautifully worn. Himotoshi through the side of the belly. Remnants of dried red seal paste underneath.LENGTH 3 cmCondition: Good condition with expected surface wear and age cracks.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A CLUSTER OF SHIMEJI MUSHROOMS UnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting three mushrooms, their caps smooth and overlapping, the underside showing the very finely carved radial gills. Natural himotoshi.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with only very minor surface wear, such as miniscule scratches.Provenance: German private collection, acquired in Japan c. 1980.

GYOKUMIN: A FINE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A BASKET WITH NASUBI AND PUMPKIN By Gyokumin, signed Gyokumin 玉乐Japan, Nagoya, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 97.The wood netsuke depicting an autumn harvest of five nasubi (eggplants) and a large finely carved pumpkin. The rounded basket with meticulous detail. Two rimmed himotoshi underneath and the signature within an oval raised reserve – GYOKUMIN. The wood of a very appealing dark color, attractively worn around the edges.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Superb condition.Provenance: Old Viennese private collection assembled within the same family over three generations.

ARIMA TOMONOBU: A LARGE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF THE SANSUKUMI By Arima Tomonobu, signed Tomonobu 友信Japan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The frog seated on the top of a pumpkin with a large leaf attached while the snake winds in and around the large fruit and a slug slithers around one side. Natural himotoshi formed by the pumpkin stalk. Signed TOMONOBU within a raised rectangular reserve to the underside.HEIGHT 3 cm, LENGTH 5 cmCondition: Very good condition, few minuscule nicks, finely worn.Provenance: European collection.The netsuke depicts the sansukumi motif, meaning ‘mutual control’. The snake will consume the frog, however there is a catch – the frog has already eaten a poisonous snail, so too the snake must perish.On Tomonobu, Neil Davey writes, “A prolific artist. He worked in wood and his subjects were limited to single or groups of vegetables, carefully detailed and lightly stained in certain areas for effect. The stalk of one of the vegetables always forms the himotoshi and the signature is written in large kaisho characters in a rectangular reverse.” (Netsuke, 1974, p. 206)Literature comparison: A closely related netsuke by the same carver is illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 908. A related netsuke of a tree-frog and three snakes in a pumpkin by the same carver is illustrated in Neil Davey (1974) Netsuke, p. 206, no. 626.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related netsuke by the same carver at Sotheby’s, Japanese Works of Art, Prints & Paintings, 9 November 2006, London, lot 1047 (sold for 2,400 GBP).

SATO MASAYOSHI: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A TIGER By Sato Masayoshi, signed Masayoshi 正義Japan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Skillfully carved seated and scratching its ear with one of its hind paws, the tail curling over the elegantly arched back, the eyes double inlaid in bone and dark horn, the fur of an appealing texture alternating between ridges and polished areas, this striking effect heightened by the fine patina. Signed MASAYOSHI to the hind paw on the underside.HEIGHT 2.7 cm, LENGTH 3.6 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only minor surface wear.Provenance: French private collection.Literature comparison: For a similar wood netsuke by the same carver, depicting a tiger and monkey, see Davey, Neil (1974) Netsuke, p. 201, no. 611. For another similar wood netsuke by the same carver, depicting three tigers wrangling together, see Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 488.Auction comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke of a tiger family, signed Masayoshi and dated to the 19th century, at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part III, 6 November 2018, London, lot 52 (sold for 2,750 GBP).

SATO MASAYOSHI: A WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO SHISHI WITH BROCADE BALL By Sato Masayoshi, signed Masayoshi 正義Japan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved with two shishi playfully fighting, one rolling the other onto its back and biting its leg, forming a compact composition, the brocade ball containing a loose ball inside, many ‘natural’ himotoshi due to the openwork nature of the netsuke, the one most likely intended by the carver is formed by one of the front legs of the lower shishi, which also shows the signature MASAYOSHI within an oblong reserve.HEIGHT 3 cm, LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, few minuscule nicks.Provenance: German private collection, acquired at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 11 May 2010, London, lot 188 (sold for 960 GBP).Auction comparison: Compare a related netsuke of three shishi by the same carver at Bonhams, Fine Netsuke from a French Private Collection, 4 November 2020, London, lot 142 (sold for 3,812 GBP).Literature comparison: Masayoshi and his followers made a number of netsuke depicting shishi, either singly or in groups. A somewhat similar composition in ivory by the artist is illustrated in Neil Davey (1974) Netsuke, p. 202, no. 612, while another similar example in wood by Masamitsu is illustrated in ibid., p. 203, no. 616.

SUKEHARU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A KAPPA ON CLAM By Eguro Sukeharu (born 1831), signed Sukeharu 亮治Japan, Takayama, Hida province, 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 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. The surface of the clam is highly polished and attractively stained. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi ringed in ivory through the underside, signed SUKEHARU.HEIGHT 3.4 cmCondition: Very good condition. The ivory-inlaid himotoshi with some wear and losses as visible in the images provided.Provenance: Ex-collection Milgrom, sold at Lucien, Paris, 24 September 2015, lot 424. Then in a French private collection.This is a popular and celebrated model by members of the Suke-school in Takayama, many of them carved by Suketada, who was the younger brother of the carver of this netsuke, Sukeharu. Sukeharu’s output however is considerably rarer with only one netsuke being recorded in Fuld’s database. The reason for this is that he spent almost his entire life in Edo where he used the signature Gyokusai.Auction comparison:Compare to a very similar netsuke by Suketada sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 16 May 2013, London, lot 34 (sold for 5,250 GBP). Also compare to another very similar netsuke by Suketada more recently sold at Koller Auktionen, Asiatica: Japan, Indien, Südostasien, 4 June 2019, Zurich, lot 410 (sold for 6,000 CHF).

SUKENORI: A RARE ITTOBORI WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY By Sukenori, signed Sukenori 亮則Japan, Takayama, Hida province, late 19th centuryA charming carving of a monkey (saru) executed in ittobori (carved with a single knife or cutting edge). The monkey sits in a leisurely position crossing his legs and holding his knee against his body with both arms, the eyes inlaid in dark horn, and the wood stained, a patch in the back is left unstained. Pierced himotoshi in the front in-between the legs and signed underneath SUKENORI.HEIGHT 5 cmCondition: Perfect condition.Provenance: European collection.One is instantly reminded of the early 20th century cubism art movement pioneered by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque.

A RARE IVORY ASHTRAY NETSUKE OF A TIGER UnsignedJapan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The ashtray netsuke in the form of a crouching tiger and ready to pounce, its body compressed forming a compact composition and the underside generously hollowed out, showing signs of usage as an ashtray. The tiger’s fur is finely incised and pleasingly worn, showing a warm, deep-yellow patina. The pupils are inlaid in gilt brass. A peg with an eyelet is inset to function as the cord attachment.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: Good, worn condition with few small age cracks. The himotoshi peg is likely a replacement.Provenance: German private collection.A quite unusual netsuke – Hasegawa Ikko comes to mind as a possible artist.

SHOKO: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF JUROJIN WITH DEER By Shoko Sugunoya, signed Shoko 尚古Japan, Takayama, Hida province, late 19th centuryJurojin, one of the shichifukujin and the god of longevity, is holding an uchiwa-fan and seated on his trusty deer companion (also a symbol of longevity), which turns its head to the right towards him. All eyes are minutely inlaid in dark horn. The details are finely rendered. One himotoshi ringed in green-stained bone. Signed underneath SHOKO.HEIGHT 4 cm, LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, one of the green-stained himotoshi rings has been lost.Provenance: German private collection.Auction comparison:A very similar netsuke by the same artist was sold by Lempertz, The Kolodotschko Collection of Netsuke I, 14 June 2016, Cologne, lot 281 (sold for 2,440 EUR).Literature comparison:A very similar netsuke, described as being from a set of lucky gods, is illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 746.

SUKEYUKI: A MASTERFUL WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAKE AND SKULL By Sukeyuki, signed Sukeyuki 亮之Japan, Takayama, Hida province, second half of 19th centuryA morbidly fascinating netsuke of a large snake with carefully rendered scales and a naturalistically carved body, varying in thickness, coiling around an anatomically precise skull. The skull has been evidently lying around for some time as a few teeth are missing and the back of the cranium is opened, the snake slithers through this hole, penetrating the eye socket and resting its head on top, the eyes double inlaid and the tongue extended. The surface of the skull is masterfully stippled to resemble the heterogenous structure of the cranium. Signed on the underside SUKEYUKI.HEIGHT 3.5 cm, LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor associated surface wear.Provenance: European collection.Auction comparison:A very similar okimono by the artist recently sold at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 28 October 2020, Vienna, lot 188 (sold for 17,080 EUR).

MATSUDA SUKENAGA: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A FOX PRIEST IN MID-TRANSFORMATION By Matsuda Sukenaga, signed Sukenaga 亮長Japan, Takayama, Hida province, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Joly, Henri L. (1912) The W. L. Behrens Collection, Part 1, Netsuke, p. 17, no. 421, pl. XII.Sydney Moss L. Moss Ltd. (1993) Zodiac Beasts and Distant Cousins: Japanese Netsuke for Connoiseurs, no. 68.Katchen, Arlette (2010) Netsuke 7, vol. 2, p. 129, no. K902.The fox standing, turned to the left and holding its bushy tail to one side, dressed in a long robe with a cowl, with many finely carved details subtly exhibiting the change from fox to human, such as the wrinkled face, the fox ear hidden underneath the cowl, the paw-like hand raised toward the head, and the furry back with prominent spine. The back with two asymmetrical himotoshi flanking the tail, the underside signed SUKENAGA.HEIGHT 4.8 cmThe netsuke illustrates the tale of Hakuzosu. In this story, an old fox assumes the shape of the priest Hakuzosu in order to convince hunters that they should cease hunting foxes.On the present netsuke, Sydney Moss writes, “This is an infrequent departure for Sukenaga, the master of the Hida school, whose few figural subjects are generally darker and more angular; he [specialized] and excelled in reptilian models, and we may surmise that this represents his later work, perhaps when the Tokyo taste for legendary figures became dominant […].”Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: W. L. Behrens collection, no. 421. Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, 1993. Ex-collection Julius and Arlette Katchen. Australian private collection, acquired from Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 22 (sold for 8,750 GBP). Literature comparison: A closely related netsuke by the same carver is in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, accession number A.43-1915.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

OTOMAN: A MASTERFUL WOOD NETSUKE OF HOTEI WITH TWO CHILDREN By Matsushita Otomitsu (Otoman), signed Otomitsu 音滿Japan, Hakata, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Joly, H. L. (1913) Catalogue of the H. Seymour Trower Collection of Japanese Art, no. 165B.Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 264, no. 818.Barry Davies Oriental Art (1995) 100 Selected Pieces from the Netsuke Collection of Scott Meredith, no. 66.A compact, well-carved and above all spirited carving of the lucky god Hotei pulling at his treasure bag with his teeth and revealing two young boys inside, one lying on his back and both smiling. The individual expressions are full of character and charm, one cannot help but smile when picking up the netsuke. The face of Hotei is very typical for Otoman, who is regarded as one of the greatest netsuke-shi of all time, with the eyes set wide apart and a broad nose.Otoman’s netsuke are immediately recognizable as they possess a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ – as is the case with this piece. One does not need to see the signature, nevertheless it is boldly incised in the typical manner on the underside with two characters – OTOMITSU. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi through the underside. The wood bearing a good color and patina.HEIGHT 3.1 cm, LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor associated surface wear.Provenance: Ex-collections H. Seymour Trower, M. T. Hindson, G. Alessi and Scott MeredithAuction comparison:Wood netsuke by this most celebrated Hakata carver are extraordinarily rare. For a very similar, yet larger, and in our opinion much less spirited carving by Otoman see Sotheby’s, The Cornelius V. S Roosevelt Collection of Netsuke, 2 June 1992, New York, lot 170.

A HUMOROUS HAKATA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF SHOKI AND ONI UnsignedJapan, Hakata, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A humorous and well-carved wood netsuke depicting the demon queller Shoki pressing down on his large hat, trapping a grim looking oni underneath. Shoki is gleefully laughing; cheeks wide apart, eyes closed and wide-opened mouth. The prominent nose and general manner of the facial expression suggest a Hakata carver such as Otoman. Note also the comically short stubby feet and finely flowing garment folds. The wood of a very good color, with a fine patina. Natural himotoshi.HEIGHT 4.6 cmCondition: Superb condition with a fine patina and only one tiny minuscule chip to the edge of the sword.Provenance: German private collection, purchased at Kunsthandel Klefisch, 92. Auktion, 27 March 2010, Cologne, lot 34.

TOMOKAZU: A WOOD NETSUKE OF THREE TURTLES IN A PYRAMID Signed Tomokazu 友一Japan, Gifu, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of compact form and finely carved as a mother turtle with two young clambering on top of her shell and each other, their eyes inlaid with pale horn, the carapaces neatly incised, the underside with the mother’s head and limbs surrounding a lotus leaf with incised veins, two asymmetrical himotoshi, and the signature TOMOKAZU with an oblong reserve.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only minor surface wear.Provenance: French private collection.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related netsuke by Kano Tomokazu, dated to the mid-19th century, at Bonhams, Fine Netsuke from a French Private Collection, 4 November 2020, London, lot 121 (sold for 5,312 GBP).Literature comparison: A closely related wood netsuke by Tomokazu is illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 900, and another is in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, ex-collection Raymond Bushell, accession number M.91.250.254.

HEIZO: A DARK WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO SHOJO WRESTLING AND TORTOISE REFEREE By Heizo, signed Heizo 柄造Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The mythical drunkards standing in a circular straw dohyo (sumo ring) and engaged in a wrestling match, a tortoise holding a small fan and standing upright, acting as referee. The underside with a single himotoshi and the signature HEIZO.WIDTH 3.6 cm, HEIGHT 3 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, occasional light scratches.Provenance: Ex-collection Raymond Bushell, sold at Sotheby’s, 21 March 2000, New York, lot 216 (part lot).Literature comparison: A related wood netsuke of a warrior sharpening an implement on a stone, likely by the same carver and showing a similar signature, is illustrated in Davey, Neil K. / Tripp, Susan G. (1993) The Garrett Collection, p. 227, no. 248. The present netsuke is the only other netsuke recorded by this artist.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO PUPPIES Signed with a kakihanJapan, possibly Tanba, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as two puppies, one in a recumbent posture with the legs tucked in, nibbling at one of his companion’s hind paws, who is clambering on his back, both with laidback ears and large dark horn-inlaid eyes. The underside with a kakihan flanked by two symmetrical and generously excavated himotoshi. The style of this netsuke, particularly the treatment of the paws, is somewhat reminiscent of the Tanba school, in particular the puppy groups by Toyokazu.LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Good condition with some surface wear, including some smaller surface nicks and some general wear, particularly to the hairwork.Provenance: European collection.

NIZAN: AN EBONY WOOD NETSUKE OF TENJIKU TOKUBEI By Nizan, signed Nizan 二山Japan, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting the famous adventurer Tokubei riding a gigantic toad, one fist raised and encouraging the amphibian to attack his enemies. A dynamically crafted and finely carved scene. Good himotoshi through the back and underside and signed NIZAN.HEIGHT 4 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: German private collection, purchased at Kunsthandel Klefisch, Auction 89, 27 September 2008, Cologne, lot 167.The famous adventurer Tokubei (1612-1692) who travelled to Southeast and South Asia (hence named Tenjiku, Japanese for India) became a popular character in the Kabuki play Tenjiku Tokubei Kokubanashi where he could transform stones into gigantic toads in order to attack his enemies.There is one other netsuke recorded in literature as signed Tosueisai Nizan and depicting an ink cake, in Joly, Henri L. (1966) The W. L. Behrens Collection, Part 1, Netsuke, no. 2904, however without an illustration.

AN OLD WOOD NETSUKE OF KIYOHIME UnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)An old, worn wood netsuke depicting the wrathful female demon Kiyohime holding a strand of her hair in one hand and a mallet in the other, her dragon-like body tightly wrapped around the bell of Dojo-ji. Her eyes are inlaid in horn. The wood bearing a very appealing chocolate-brown patina. Note the finely detailed carving to the bell. Himotoshi through the bell.HEIGHT 5.5 cmCondition: Good, age-related condition. Old restoration to the jaw. Tiny chip to the hem of the robe. The himotoshi worn from use.Provenance: German private collection.In the legend of Kiyohime, the priest Anchin fell in love with the once beautiful Kiyohime, but refrained from his passions, escaping from her which made Kiyohime transform into a dragon-like monster due to her rage. In her rage she belched a fire so great it not only melted the temple bell but also killed Anchin.

HIDE: AN UNUSUAL WOOD NETSUKE OF A FUGU By Hide, signed Hide 秀Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A compact and tactile wood netsuke of a fugu fish, its body inflated, the two pectoral fins flowing back against the stream and the tail sweeping round to the left. Its mouth is opened revealing two rows of teeth and the eyes are double-inlaid and follow the viewer (!). Very unusually, this netsuke has a second appearance when viewed from above, reminiscent of mask netsuke – a rather melancholic face with a comically large nose is seen, the eyes and thick brows formed by the pectoral fins. Two further unusual aspects of the netsuke are the three large himotoshi underneath and the single character signature HIDE.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only minimal surface wear.Provenance: British private collection.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF YAMA-UBA AND KINTARO In the manner of Sanko, unsignedBoldly carved standing on one foot, supporting Kintaro on her right shoulder, who is playing with a piece of rope attached to her arm, a fungus to the other end, holding a cane in her right hand and a sickle in her left, wearing a loose-fitting robe opening at the chest and an artemisia leaf skirt secured with a belt, her face with a cheerful expression, the fanged mouth slightly open.HEIGHT 7.3 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear, possibly some re-staining, the middle section of the rope has been replaced, a small old fill to the underside of one foot.Provenance: European collection.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of Yamauba and Kintaro, also unsigned, and also with a minor restoration, at Van Ham, Asiatische Kunst, 8 December 2016, Cologne, lot 2384 (sold for 5,805 EUR).Literature comparison: A closely related but larger (9.1 cm high) wood netsuke, also unsigned, is illustrated in Coullery, Marie-Therese and Newstead, Martin S. (1977) The Baur Collection, p. 161, no. C 373.

SANKO: A WOOD NETSUKE OF SHOKI WITH ONI IN A BASKET By Sanko, signed Sanko 三光Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved standing and wearing a long flowing robe, the demon queller slightly buckling under the weight of the oni emerging from the neatly incised woven basket he is carrying over his back, the demon showing a taunting gesture with both hands covering his face. Two himotoshi to the back below the basket. Signed within an oval reserve SANKO - the artist is not to be confused with the Osaka artist who signed using different kanji (三小).HEIGHT 6.3 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only minor surface wear.Provenance: German private collection.

A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF RAIJIN AND FUTEN UnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)An amusing and unusual wood netsuke depicting Futen massaging Raijin’s leg. The wind god is seated, his bag of wind tied around his shoulders, and the thunder god is reclining next to him, holding a drumstick and resting his head on his drum. The wood bearing a fine patina. Himotoshi through the back and underside.LENGTH 5.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Ex-collection Richard Hieronymus.

KASHUN: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF GOSHISHO By Kashun, signed Kashun 花春Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting the Chinese general Goshisho holding up a tripodal brazier with one hand while holding a brush with the other and writing a stanza, a suzuri (ink stone) placed on the table before him. The general has a stern-faced expression and a thick beard, almost appearing like Shoki. The wood of a very attractive color and the chimney-like himotoshi are found through the back and underside. Signed within an oval reserve KASHUN – a rare artist who worked exclusively in wood.HEIGHT 3.8 cmCondition: The brazier with some minor nibbling to the rim. Some tiny nicks around the edges of the robe and to the himotoshi. Generally, in good condition.Provenance: Old Viennese private collection assembled within the same family over three generations.Goshisho (in Chinese, Wu Zixu) lived during 5th century BC and was a legendary general and politician. In a literary competition he showed both his wonderful strength and scholarship by holding up a 600 kg brazier and writing a lengthy stanza at the same time.

A WOOD SHUNGA NETSUKE OF A PRIEST Signed with a kakihanJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a kneeling elderly priest with a wrinkled face, holding a rosary bead necklace in one hand in front of him, wearing a robe neatly incised with circular designs and a large cowl with a phallic appearance, particularly when viewed from behind. Signed with a red kakihan to the underside.HEIGHT 3.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only minor surface wear.Provenance: European collection.

AN OLD IVORY NETSUKE OF KIYOHIME UnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)An old, worn ivory netsuke depicting the wrathful female demon Kiyohime holding a strand of her hair in one hand and a mallet in the other, her dragon-like body tightly wrapped around the bell of Dojo-ji. Her eyes are inlaid in dark horn. The ivory bearing a beautiful, lustrous patina. Himotoshi through the bell.HEIGHT 4 cmCondition: Good, age-related condition. One old, worn-down chip to the edge of the bell. Some age cracks and surface wear.Provenance: Dutch private collection.In the legend of Kiyohime, the priest Anchin fell in love with the once beautiful Kiyohime, but refrained from his passions, escaping from her which made Kiyohime transform into a dragon-like monster due to her rage. In her rage she belched a fire so great it not only melted the temple bell but also killed Anchin.

HASEGAWA IKKO: A TALL AND FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF SEIOBO By Hasegawa Ikko, signed Ikko 一虎Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Barbra Teri Okada (September 1981) Portrait of an Exhibition: Returning Home, INCS Journal vol. 9, no. 2, p. 22, no. 4. Ishikawa Masao, catalogue to the Netsuke Exhibition, published by Nihon Keizai Shinbun, 1981.Exhibited: Shinjuku Keio Department Store, Tokyo, 1981. Umeda Hankyu Department Store, Osaka, 1981.Superbly carved, the Queen Mother of the West standing upright and looking forwards with a subtle smile, her hair arranged in an elaborate chignon with floral headdress, holding a basket of peaches in her right hand with leaves flowing out, her robe finely incised with scrolling designs, a double-gourd tied to her back between the asymmetrical himotoshi and above the signature IKKO within a green-stained oblong reserve.HEIGHT 12.3 cmCondition: Good condition with minor surface wear, few minuscule nicks, the basket handle and the edge of one foot reattached.Provenance: The Harry Glass Collection, Long Island, NY.Auction comparison: Compare a related netsuke of a Dutchman and dog by the same carver at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 5 November 2020, London, lot 27 (sold for 12,562 GBP).

A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF FUKUSUKE UnsignedJapan, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The lucky dwarf with the amusingly large head pulling the face of a Hyottoko mask, the lips pressed forward in a comical yet somewhat angry gesture, the eyes double inlaid in bone and dark horn. He wears a peculiar eboshi hat and holds a paddle with both hands, a large club next to him. The details finely engraved and the pierced himotoshi through the back.HEIGHT 6.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with associated surface wear.Provenance: European collection, purchased from Kunsthandel Klefisch, Auction 30, 9 November 1985, Cologne, lot 628.Literature comparison:For a similar netsuke by Tochinsai in the Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection, see LACMA, accession no. M.91.250.288.

NAGIGAWA TESSO: A BAMBOO SASHI NETSUKE OF A HEAVENLY GENERAL, DATED 1937 By Nagigawa Tesso (active early to mid-20th century), signed Tesso 鐵翁 saku 作Japan, Nara, dated March 1937, Showa period (1926-1989)Carved from a bamboo section as one of the Twelve Heavenly Generals (Juni Schinsho) of Kofukuji Temple in Nara, dressed in animal skin and flowing scarves, wearing a crown on his head, the details highlighted in gilt. The reverse signed Kofukuji kondo junitaisho no ichi TESSO saku (One of the Twelve Heavenly Generals in the Kondo Hall of Kofukuji Temple, made by Tesso).HEIGHT 13.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: Collection of Drs. Edmund and Julie Lewis. With a wood tomobako storage box, with attestation by Ichiro and dated Showa hinoto ushi haru sangatsu (March, Spring, 1937).Nagigawa Tesso was a student of Kano Tessai and made a number of works in his master’s style.

AN EDO SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A CONTORTIONIST UnsignedJapan, Edo (Tokyo), c. 1800, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a muscular man supporting himself on his right foot and left hand, while acrobatically holding his left foot behind his head. His face is expressively crafted with deep wrinkles and squinting eyes with tiny pupils colored in red. The wood of a very appealing color with a good patina. Himotoshi between the performer’s fundoshi in the back. The carving is in distinct Edo school style and can be attributed to the circle of hands around Hara Shugetsu and Gessho.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with associated surface wear and one small, old chip to the edge of the himotoshi.Provenance: Old Viennese private collection assembled within the same family over three generations.

AN EDO SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF TAIRA NO TADAMORI CAPTURING THE OIL THIEF Unsigned Japan, Edo (Tokyo), early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Dynamically and powerfully crafted, showing Taira no Tadamori grabbing the oil thief Abura Bozu from behind. Tadamori’s expression is fierce, expecting an evil demon, while he grabs the oil thief by the arm, who is holding an ewer. Abura Bozo’s expression is surprised, one foot lifted – he is caught red-handed. Unbeknownst to Tadamori the man is nothing but a poor old soul, stealing a tiny bit of oil from the many lamps in the forest near the Yasaka no Yashioro temple. This mishap is masterfully depicted in this netsuke. Large asymmetrical himotoshi through the back. The netsuke superbly stained and with accentuated garment folds.HEIGHT 5.7 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, some losses to staining, few minuscule nicks.Provenance: European collection.

A TALL EARLY EDO SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF IKKAKU SENNIN CARRYING THE LADY OF BENARES UnsignedJapan, Edo (Tokyo), late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A tall wood netsuke of Ikkaku Sennin carrying the lady of Benares, one hand supporting her on his back and the other holding her hand gently, symbolizing his love for her, whilst his expression somewhat foreshadows his predicament. The superb color of the wood, expressively carved garment folds and large himotoshi are all indicative of an early Edo school netsuke, likely from the circle of hands around Shugetsu/Gessen/Gessho or even Jobun.HEIGHT 9 cmCondition: Very good condition with one old and worn-down chip to the edge of one foot.Provenance: Acquired at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 14 May 2015, London, lot 33 (sold for 2,125 GBP).The subject is derived from the Noh play titled ‘Ikkaku Sennin’, written by Komparu Zembo Motoyasu (1453-1532). Ikkaku Sennin, the one-horned rishi, once slipped on a hill near Benares and in his anger captured the dragon kings and kept them from letting rain fall from the sky. He is then seduced by a beautiful lady from Benares and eventually loses all his power, thus freeing the dragon kings and ending a terrible drought.

GYOKURINTEI: A WOOD NETSUKE OF TEKKAI SENNIN SEATED ON A ROCK By Gyokurintei, signed Gyokurintei 玉林亭Japan, Edo (Tokyo), c. 1820, Edo period (1615-1868)The sennin holding a cane and seated on a large rock with leaves emerging from a crevice in the front. The mountain hermit is laughing, his long hair is finely carved, falling on his shoulders and back, the rest of the back is entirely covered in minutely incised artemisia leaves. The wood of a good color with a fine patina. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi through the back, the larger hole generously excavated to accommodate the knot. The underside with the boldly incised signature GYOKURINTEI.HEIGHT 5 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only minor associated surface wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Richard R. Silverman purchased from Jeffrey Moy, Chicago, in 1997. 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.

SHUSEN: A POWERFUL AND LARGE WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED DRAGON By Shusen, signed Shusen 舟樂 saku 作Japan, Edo (Tokyo), late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The fierce yet regal dragon with dark inlaid eyes, sinuously coiled, with finely incised scales, grasping a magic pearl (tama) in its claws. The dragon’s features, such as the horns, claws, and beard are neatly detailed. Many ‘natural’ himotoshi due to the openwork nature of the piece. Signed SHUSEN saku within an oblong reserve to the underside of the tail.LENGTH 5.7 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear, few minuscule nicks.Provenance: European collection.

MINKOKU I: A WOOD NETSUKE OF TEKKAI SENNIN By Minkoku I, signed Minkoku 民谷Japan, Edo (Tokyo), late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Boldly carved standing on one foot in a dynamic posture, grasping his cane with the other foot and both hands, his head turned upwards to the side, the bearded face with an intense expression, dark inlaid pupils, and puffed cheeks as he exhales his soul. Two asymmetrical himotoshi to the back, along with the signature MINKOKU.HEIGHT 6.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, possibly an old chip to the very edge of the beard.Provenance: European collection.