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MINKOKU: A SUPERB IVORY MANJU NETSUKE WITH THE JUNISHI (ZODIAC) By Shuyusai Minkoku (Minkoku II), signed Minkoku 民谷Japan, Edo (Tokyo), early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A rather large and early piece, beautifully worn and with a stunning natural patina, turning caramel-brown on the sides. Depicted is the junishi, or the twelve animals of the zodiac. All the animals are present; the monkey (saru) is pulling the horse (uma) by its reins, the dragon (tatsu) and tiger (tora) are confronting each other, some of the animals show inlaid eyes of gilt brass. Large, generously excavated himotoshi through the back and signed MINKOKU – an early piece of Shuyusai Minkoku, the pupil of Genryosai Minkoku I.DIAMETER 4.7 cmCondition: Very good condition. The surface beautifully worn, with some age cracks and associated surface wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.

MASATSUGU: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A TENNIN By Masatsugu, signed Masatsugu 正次Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A fine, delicate carving of a Buddhist angel depicted in flight, gracefully smiling, her hair elegantly tied, neatly incised and inked, held together by a chrysanthemum tiara. She holds a large lotus bud over her shoulder like a scepter. Her robe flutters in the breeze, a soft scarf encircling her head and flowing back towards her feet. Signature inside a rounded reserve MASATSUGU.LENGTH 3.6 cmCondition: Excellent condition, the inked details ever so slightly worn.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko, purchased at Kunsthandel Klefisch, 89. Auktion, 27 September 2008, Cologne, lot 100.Note the similarity of the carving and manner of the signature to Shuyusai Minkoku (Minkoku II).Auction comparison:For a very similar netsuke by Minkoku II, see Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 75 (sold for 3.000 GBP). Recently re-sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 155 (sold for 4,880 EUR).Literature comparison:For another example of the subject by Shuyusai Minkoku, see Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 519.

MINKOKU: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A DRUNKEN SHOJO WITH MINOGAME AND SAKE BARREL By Minkoku, signed Minkoku 民谷Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A finely carved dark wood netsuke depicting a Shojo who has fallen asleep, leaning on an emptied sake barrel. A minogame (thousand-year-old tortoise) stands on its hindfeet, looking up to the Shojo trying to convince her to get another barrel, though it does not look like the Shojo could be woken any time soon. The details finely rendered. Good, asymmetrical himotoshi through the back and signed MINKOKU in an elliptic reserve on the underside.HEIGHT 3.8 cmCondition: Superb condition.Provenance: German private collection. Formerly sold at Lempertz, 6 November 1985, Cologne, lot 208.

MINKOKU: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A DANCING SHOJO By Minkoku, signed Minkoku 民谷Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A wood netsuke of a drunk, dancing shojo, one hand holding a fan and the other extended towards her left. Her robe is adorned with elaborate patterns, her long hair is finely incised and the face is finely carved. Himotoshi through the back and signed within a rounded reserve MINKOKU – probably Genryosai Minkoku III.HEIGHT 4.3 cmCondition: Excellent condition with hardly any wear.Provenance: German private collection.

A RARE EDO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF TAMATORI-HIME ('PRINCESS JEWEL TAKER') Unsigned Japan, Edo (Tokyo), first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved in sukashibori (openwork) with the ama holding the precious jewel (Menkai fuhai no tama) in one hand and a pearl knife in the other, as a fierce dragon approaches her, all amid scrolling and crashing waves. Two himotoshi to either side of one of the dragon’s legs to the underside.HEIGHT 3.4 cm, LENGTH 4.6 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear, few minuscule nicks and small natural age cracks.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.Laura Miller writes, “[the] legend of Princess Tamatori (Tamatorihime), or Ama, developed around the historical figure Fujiwara no Kamatari (614–69), who was the founder of the powerful Fujiwara clan. Upon Kamatari’s death, the Tang dynasty emperor, who had received Kamatari’s beautiful daughter as a consort, sent three priceless treasures to Japan in order to comfort his grieving lover by honoring her father. One of the treasures, a pearl, was stolen by the dragon king during a storm on its way to Japan in the inlet of Fusazaki. Kamatari’s son Fujiwara no Fuhito (659–720) went in search of the pearl to the isolated area where he met and married a beautiful pearl diver named Ama, who bore him a son. Ama, full of love for their son, vowed to help recover the stolen pearl. After many failed attempts, Ama was finally successful when the dragon and grotesque creatures guarding it were lulled to sleep by music. Upon reclaiming the treasure, she came under pursuit by the awakened sea creatures. She cut open her breast to place the pearl inside for safekeeping the resulting flow of blood clouded the water and aided her escape. She died from the resulting wound but is revered for her selfless act of sacrifice for her husband Fuhito and their son.” (Competition and Collaboration: Japanese Prints of the Utagawa School, 2007, p. 137)Literature comparison:The fable of Tamatori-hime (‘Princess Jewel Taker’), was a favorite ukiyo-e subject of Utagawa Kuniyoshi, see for example a triptych in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number JP1564.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A SHISHI ON A LARGE BALL Unsigned Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The shishi standing on its hind legs with the front legs placed on a large and smooth ball in front, the details such as the flaming mane and tail, fur patterns, and claws superbly executed, the head quite expressive with the open mouth containing a loose ball and revealing sharp fangs, the eyes with dark inlaid pupils, and wide flaring nostrils. The ovoid ball with two asymmetrical himotoshi to one side.HEIGHT 4.7 cm, LENGTH 5.3 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, few minuscule nicks.Provenance: European collection.Auction comparison: Compare with a related unsigned wood netsuke of a shishi, dated to the 18th century, at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part III, 6 November 2018, London, lot 170 (sold for 5,625 GBP).

GYOKUMIN: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A RAKAN WITH CARP By Gyokumin, signed Gyokumin 玉民Japan, Edo/Tokyo, second half of 19th centuryDepicting a seated rakan wearing large earrings and a robe with one shoulder uncovered, holding a hossu (Buddhist fly whisk) in one hand and an alms bowl from which a carp emerges in the other. The rakan quite proudly inspects the carp leaping from the crashing waves, his facial features crafted very finely. Asymmetrical himotoshi and signature within a mother-of-pearl cartouche – GYOKUMIN – underneath.HEIGHT 3.5 cmCondition: Very good condition, small chip to one of the waves.Provenance: German private collection.

AN IVORY NETSUKE OF BUSHO SLAYING THE TIGER UnsignedJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Busho stands behind the tiger, one hand firmly pushing down on the animal’s back, his other hand raised to deliver a deadly blow. The poor tiger is curled up frightenedly, snarling, the tail curling up around Busho’s back. The ivory is finely stained, and the details are finely engraved. Furthermore, the netsuke is worked with sumi (ink) used for the tiger’s naturalistic fur coat as well as Busho’s hair and beard. Himotoshi through Busho’s back.HEIGHT 3.6 cmCondition: Very good condition, some minor wear particularly to the sumi-stained details.Provenance: German private collection, acquired in Japan c. 1980.Busho was part of a band of brigands who terrorized China in the 13th century. According to legend, he could kill a tiger by delivering a single blow, as depicted in this netsuke.

TOMOCHIKA: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A RAKAN WITH TIGER By Tomochika, signed Tomochika 友親Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The Rakan seated on a rock holding a nyoi-scepter, a tiger with finely inked and incised fur behind him and curling around to the Rakan’s side. The details finely engraved. Signed within an oval reserve TOMOCHIKA in-between the naturally incorporated himotoshi.HEIGHT 3.3 cmCondition: Superb condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.Auction comparison:A similar netsuke was sold at Lempertz, Auction 1124, 7 December 2018, Cologne, lot 446 (sold for 1,000 EUR).

TOMOCHIKA: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF TAMAMO NO MAE WITH THE NINE-TAILED FOX By Chikuyosai Tomochika, signed Tomochika 友親Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting the concubine Tamamo no Mae smiling and holding a fan against the side of her face, leaning against a nine-tailed kitsune (fox) – her true identity. A woman, possibly Abe no Seimei’s wife, creeps up to her, armed with a knife and about to strike. The details are finely inked, some red coloring is used for the mouths. Natural himotoshi and signed underneath TOMOCHIKA inside a wavy reserve.HEIGHT 4.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition with hardly any wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko, purchased from Kunsthandel Klefisch, Auction 89, 27 September 2008, Cologne, lot 165.Literature comparison:For a similar netsuke by Tomochika and an explanation of the depicted legend see Marie-Therese Coullery and Martin S. Newstead (1977) The Baur Collection, pp. 174-175, C 419.

GYOKUZAN: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF THE LEGEND OF THE TONGUE-CUT SPARROW (SHITAKIRI SUZUME) By Gyokuzan, signed Gyokuzan 玉山Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The ivory netsuke showing the two very different outcomes of the story. On the left is Nasakeji tipping over his box, gifted to him by the sparrow people. A multitude of treasures and coins are falling out as he laughs and points downwards. To the right is his wife Arababa, who cut the sparrow’s tongue. Her box reveals three bakemono who are torturing her, amongst them Rokurokubi who is licking the side of her face. The ivory finely stained and the details well-carved. The underside with signature GYOKUZAN and a centrally drilled himotoshi.LENGTH 4.4 cmCondition: Good condition with some wear to staining.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko, purchased from Kunsthandel Klefisch, Auction 98, 13 October 2012, Cologne, lot 248.Literature comparison:A similar netsuke by Tomochika is illustrated in Marie-Therese Coullery and Martin S. Newstead (1977) The Baur Collection, pp. 180-181, C 439.

RYUMEI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A COCKEREL By Ryumei, signed Ryumei 龍明Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The rooster with neatly incised wings, plumage, and tail as well as finely stippled comb and wattle, the long tail curving elegantly towards the underside and terminating in the ingot-shaped reserve, with the signature RYUMEI, with the feet incised to the other side, with two symmetrical himotoshi to either long side of the reserve.HEIGHT 2.9 cm, LENGTH 3.6 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, few natural age cracks.Provenance: German private collection.

TOMOCHIKA: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A COCKEREL AND HEN By Tomochika, signed Tomochika 友親Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The rooster and hen standing side by side in a dustpan, their wings, plumage, and tails finely incised, the rooster with neatly stippled comb and wattle, a single himotoshi to the underside, beside the signature TOMOCHIKA within an irregularly shaped reserve.HEIGHT 3.5 cmCondition: Good condition with minor surface wear and natural age cracks.Provenance: German private collection.Literature comparison: For a similar netsuke by Tomochika, depicting a cock and hen seated on shimenawa, see Marie-Therese Coullery and Martin S. Newstead (1977) The Baur Collection, p. 324, C 993.

HIDECHIKA: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF JUROJIN By Chounsai Hidechika, signed Hidechika 秀親Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting the lucky deity Jurojin, laughing and holding a scroll, his robe adorned with elaborate patterns and the ivory finely stained. Good, asymmetrical himotoshi through the back, the larger one excavated to accommodate the knot. Signed underneath HIDECHIKA – The artist shows similarities to both the Hidemasa and Tomochika school, interestingly also having a kanji from both schools.HEIGHT 4 cmCondition: Superb condition with only minor wear and expected age cracks.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.

TOMOTSUGU: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A MOTHER WITH CHILD By Tomotsugu, signed Tomotsugu 友次Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A well-sized ivory netsuke depicting a mother supporting her child on her back and holding a large tea kettle. The expressions are sensitively crafted. The quite beautiful lady represents fertility and devotion, as she carries her child and a tea kettle, presumably to her husband. The robes of the two are carved exquisitely, adorned with geometrical motifs, the ivory finely stained. Good himotoshi in the back and signature underneath TOMOTSUGU – a pupil from the Tomochika school.HEIGHT 6.2 cmCondition: Very good condition, some expected surface wear.Provenance: French private collection.Auction comparison:Compare to a related netsuke by Tomochika, sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 2 November 2019, Vienna, lot 37 (sold for 10,112 EUR).

AN EARLY IVORY NETSUKE OF A SARUMAWASHI UnsignedJapan, early 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A spirited and old carving, depicting a sarumawashi (monkey trainer) yanking at the rope around his monkey’s neck. The ivory bearing a wonderful patina. Himotoshi through the back.HEIGHT 7.6 cmCondition: Good, worn, age-related condition. Several old and worn-down chips and many age cracks.

KAZUHIDE: A TALL WOOD NETSUKE OF ASHINAGA AND TENAGA By Kazuhide, signed Kazuhide 一秀Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The two legendary symbiotic fishermen working together once again to fish an octopus out of the water. The long-legged Ashinaga is struggling to support Tenaga on his back with his short arms, while Tenaga reaches with his long arms after the struggling octopus entangled around the legs of Ashinaga. Very large himotoshi through the straw skirt in the back and signed within an oval reserve in boldly written characters KAZUHIDE. An expressive netsuke with a healthy dose of humor, the details finely worked.HEIGHT 10.5 cmCondition: Good condition. The right wrist with a tiny restored line. One tentacle which touches the right foot with a small repair.Provenance: European collection.Literature comparison:Compare to another netsuke with the same signature and oval reserve, dated to 18th century, in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 315.

IKKOSAI: AN EBONY WOOD AND IVORY NETSUKE OF JUROJIN ON AN OX By Ikkosai Saito Itaro, signed Ikkosai 一光斎Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The small ivory figure of Jurojin seated, holding a tama (magic jewel), on the back of the recumbent ebony ox, its rope halter inlaid with boxwood. Two symmetrical himotoshi to the underside, the signature IKKOSAI within an oval reserve, as is typical for this artist.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: German private collection.For a discussion of the artist, see International Netsuke Society Journal (Spring 2019) Vol. 39, no. 2, pp. 13-20.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related netsuke by the same carver, but of slightly smaller size, at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part I, 8 November 2016, London, lot 9 (sold for 2,250 GBP).

IKKOSAI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONKEY AND OCTOPUS WRESTLING By ‘Saru’ Ikkosai, signed Ikkosai 一光齋Japan, Tokyo, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Published: Zacken, Wolfmar (1987) Netsuke, no. 148.Finely carved, partially in sukashibori (openwork), depicting a monkey and an octopus engaged in a vicious fight, with the monkey pulling on his adversary’s soft head and grasping one tentacle while the octopus’ many suckered tentacles writhe around the simian’s limbs and neck, both with dark inlaid pupils, many ‘natural’ himotoshi due to the openwork and dynamic nature of the piece, one of the tentacles with the signature IKKOSAI to the underside.HEIGHT 3.2 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only minor surface wear.Provenance: German private collection, purchased at Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 2 June 2018, Vienna, lot 5 (sold for 4,204 EUR).For a detailed discussion of the artist see INSJ Vol. 39, no. 3, Fall 2019, pp. 29-34.Auction comparison: Compare with a related netsuke by Ikkosai, dated to the mid-19th century and depicting an octopus fighting two monkeys, at Lempertz, Japanische Kunst, 7 June 2019, Cologne, lot 426 (sold for 7,192 EUR). A related netsuke by ‘Saru’ Ikkosai depicting a monkey with sleeping young and dated to the second half of the 19th century was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 182 (sold for 6,100 EUR).

IKKOSAI HORAKU: AN INLAID IVORY MANJU NETSUKE OF A RAKAN By Ikkosai Horaku, signed Ikkosai Horaku 一光齋 法 乐 and kakihanJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 192 & reproduced in Lazarnick, George (1982) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, Vol. 1, p. 489.The two-part manju finely carved in shishiaibori (sunken relief) with an image of a meditative rakan bearing a powerfully crafted, stern-faced expression and wearing an elaborate set of earrings inlaid in metal, jadeite, coral, and mother-of-pearl. The reverse with a central himotoshi, impressive crashing waves carved in katakiri, and the full signature IKKOSAI HORAKU and kakihan.DIAMETER 4.5 cmCondition: Good condition. The surface and sumi-stained details are slightly worn.Provenance: Old Viennese private collection assembled within the same family over three generations.Ikkosai Horaku was an accomplished student of Ikkosai Kojitsu, who was a pupil of Meikeisai Hojitsu. The kakihan used is virtually the same as Kojitsu’s, however the output of Horaku is significantly scarcer. Furthermore, this is the only recorded netsuke with the full signature.

A FINE EDO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF THREE ONI WITH TABAKO-IRE SET UnsignedJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Intricately carved as three mischievous oni messing around with a tabako-ire set consisting of a kiseruzutsu, tobacco pouch, ojime, and ashtray netsuke. The ivory lightly stained and the details finely engraved and stippled. Natural himotoshi. Unsigned, however likely by the circle of hands around Gyokkosai and Ikkosai of Edo (Tokyo).HEIGHT 3 cm, LENGTH 3.6 cmCondition: Very good condition with some minor associated surface wear.Provenance: French private collection.

RYUSAI: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF SHOKI WITH A BAG OF ONI By Ryusai, signed Ryusai 隆齋Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)An extraordinarily fine depiction of the demon queller Shoki, seated with a grim expression. Tied to his back is a sack filled to the brim with oni. Three oni are peeking out, all with differently grimacing expressions. Judging by Shoki’s expression he knows that the mischievous oni are about to make the great escape, as the cracks through the sack are already visible. The stained ivory is superbly finished. Good detail to his flowing beard and the folds of his Chinese garments and the sack. One smaller and one larger himotoshi inlaid with green-stained horn; behind the signature in sosho in a square reserve RYUSAI – school of Ryukei II and Jugyoku II.HEIGHT 3.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Collection of Sam Felton, Naples, Florida.Auction comparison:A very similar netsuke in wood by Jugyoku was sold at Van Ham, Asiatische Kunst, 7 December 2017, Cologne, lot 2289 (sold for 5,547 EUR).

RYUKEI: A FINE DARK WOOD NETSUKE OF A TOAD ON ROOF TILE By Ryukei II, signed Ryukei 龍珪Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The toad seated on the roof tile, with its legs splayed in an alert position, the warty skin realistically rendered. The eyes are inlaid in beautifully translucent amber. The side of the temple roof tile is carved with a manji in relief and the underside shows the large asymmetrical himotoshi and incised signature RYUKEI.LENGTH 3.1 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface scratches underneath.Provenance: German private collection, purchased at Van Ham, Asiatische Kunst, 8 June 2017, Cologne, lot 1576 (sold for 1,548 EUR).

HIDARI ISSAN: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF GENTOKU By Hidari Issan, signed Hidari Issan 左一山Japan, Edo (Tokyo), c. 1850, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Bandini, Rosemary (2020) The Larry Caplan Collection of Japanese Netsuke, pp. 34-35, no. 15.Gentoku, one of the three heroes of the Han dynasty, is seated on a low Chinese stool, his head bowed in concentration as he studies a scroll. One sleeve is pulled back over his shoulder revealing a pauldron and his soft robes are hitched up at one knee to show feather-edged leg armor. The stool is standing on a tiger skin pelt and Gentoku’s right leg is resting on the unfortunate animal’s head. Himotoshi through the tiger skin pelt and signed HIDARI ISSAN.HEIGHT 3.9 cmCondition: Very good condition, only one tiny chip to edge of the tied bow on the head.Provenance: Ex-collection Larry Caplan, Toronto.According to notes by Raymond Bushell in reply to enquiries by Larry Caplan (reproduced by Rosemary Bandini in Euronetsuke journal no. 54.) Hidari Issan moved to Tokyo around 1850 devoting himself to carving and the study of literature. From the style of this piece, which immediately reminds one of Tokyo carvers such as Tokoku or Jugyoku, it is evident that Hidari Issan must have carved this piece during this time.

JUGYOKU: A FINE WOOD AND STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF ENSHI By Jugyoku, signed Jugyoku 壽玉Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A very finely carved wood netsuke depicting young Enshi, stood up, holding a jug and lifting his deer hide cloak, the horns of the stag fittingly inlaid in stag antler. The fur of the deer hide is finely engraved and shows polished spots naturalistically simulating the fur coat pattern. Typical and large himotoshi through the back and signed JUGYOKU within a polished reserve.HEIGHT 4.6 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: European collection.Enshi (in Chinese Tan Zi), is one of the twenty-four paragons of filial piety, a classic text of Confucian filial piety written by Guo Jujing during the Yuan Dynasty (1260-1368). Enshi's parents had an eye ailment that could only be cured by deer's milk. His family was too poor to buy the expensive milk, so Enshi disguised himself like a deer in order to get milk directly from does in the herd near his home. One day as Tan Zi was playing amid the deers, the animals suddenly ran for the trees, leaving Tan Zi alone in the middle of the meadow. He looked towards the path and saw why the deer had fled. Hunters, bow in hand, stood in the shade, prepared to shoot some venison. Just in time he stood up (the moment depicted in the netsuke) and explained to them his story and the hunters escorted him safely back home.Literature comparison: A similar example by Ryukei is illustrated in Atchley, Virginia / Davey, Neil (2006) The Virginia Atchley Collection of Japanese Miniature Arts, p. 118, N154.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF ASHINAGA AND TENAGA FISHING Unsigned Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting the two legendary yokai fishermen from Kyushu island, the long-legged Ashinaga supporting his long-armed colleague on his back as Tenaga reaches down to grab a small defenseless octopus, futilely writhing around his hand and arm, the two fishermen with dark inlaid pupils. Two asymmetrical himotoshi to the back.HEIGHT 12 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: European collection.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related netsuke at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 91 (sold for GBP 8,750).

ICHIYUSAI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF ENSHI By Ichiyusai Naoharu/Naomitsu, signed Ichiyusai 一遊齋Japan, Edo (Tokyo), c. 1830-1850, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting Enshi lifting his deer hide cloak with some vigor, the garment patterns and deer fur neatly incised and inked. Himotoshi through the back and signed ICHIYUSAI.HEIGHT 4.2 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear to inked and stained details, as visible in the images provided. Some age cracks.Provenance: French private collection.It is not possible to distinguish between Ichiyusai Naoharu and Naomitsu. Both makers are known for their very fine manju netsuke, while katabori pieces are rare.Enshi (in Chinese Tan Zi), is one of the twenty-four paragons of filial piety, a classic text of Confucian filial piety written by Guo Jujing during the Yuan Dynasty (1260-1368). Enshi's parents had an eye ailment that could only be cured by deer's milk. His family was too poor to buy the expensive milk, so Enshi disguised himself like a deer in order to get milk directly from does in the herd near his home. One day as Tanzi was playing amid the deers, the animals suddenly ran for the trees, leaving Tan Zi alone in the middle of the meadow. He looked towards the path and saw why the deer had fled. Hunters, bow in hand, stood in the shade, prepared to shoot some venison. Just in time he stood up (the moment depicted in the netsuke) and explained to them his story and the hunters escorted him safely back home.

ICHIYUSAI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A BOY WITH DOG AND BESHIMI MASK By Ichiyusai Naoharu/Naomitsu, signed Ichiyusai 一遊齋Japan, Edo (Tokyo), c. 1830-1850, Edo period (1615-1868)A well-sized ivory netsuke of a boy holding a bag behind his back and a leash to which a mask of Beshimi is attached. He is playing with his dog which holds the mask between his paws and bites into it. The details very finely carved and beautifully worn with a fine glossy patina, particularly to the reverse. Himotoshi through the boy’s robe and signed underneath ICHIYUSAI.HEIGHT 4.8 cmCondition: Superb condition with associated surface wear, a fine patina, and natural age cracks.Provenance: German private collection, acquired in Japan c. 1980.It is not possible to distinguish between Ichiyusai Naoharu and Naomitsu. Both makers are known for their very fine manju netsuke and katabori pieces are rare.

SO: A FINE AND CHARMING TOKYO SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY SEATED ON A MINOGAME Signed So 宗 with a kakihanJapan, Edo/Tokyo, second half of 19th centuryCarved from dark wood and depicting a small monkey seated atop a minogame. The monkey’s fur is neatly incised, and the hands and feet are very well rendered. The face is minutely inlaid with ivory, showing a somewhat somber expression. The minogame’s carapace is naturalistically carved and the characteristic seaweed tail is incised with precisely lined strokes. The underside with asymmetrical himotoshi, the smaller ringed in green-stained bone, and signed SO with kakihan.HEIGHT 3.3 cm, LENGTH 3.3 cmCondition: Very good condition. Some wear to the inlaid himotoshi.Provenance: British private collection.Very similar examples exist throughout the Tokyo school, most notably by Komin. There are several artists who share the same kanji ‘so’ 宗, and some who use the same kakihan, such as Somin and Sorin.

KOMIN: A FINE INLAID WOOD NETSUKE OF A KAPPA WITH HAMAGURI CLAM By Komin, signed Komin 光珉Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting a kappa (water goblin) climbing over a hamaguri clam, one foot stuck inside, the fleshy interior slightly revealed with inlaid ivory. Its expression is grotesquely amusing, the eyes double-inlaid, the corner of its mouth with minutely inlaid fangs. The edge of the naturalistically modelled clam is inlaid in purple-tinted shell. The carapace of the kappa is worked in meticulous detail, and the bare body parts are worked in precisely spaced ukibori pimples. The hollow section on the kappa’s head, which according to legend hold its vital fluids, is filled with pewter. The himotoshi underneath are lined in silver and the signature KOMIN is found on a gilt cartouche.LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Good condition, there appears to be some minor damage to an inlay on the underside.Provenance: German private collection.Auction comparison:A similar netsuke by Komin was sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 16 May 2013, London, lot 38 (sold for 4,375 GBP).

KOMIN: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF DARUMA YAWNING By Komin, signed Komin 光珉 with kakihanJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Bandini, Rosemary (2020) The Larry Caplan Collection of Japanese Netsuke, pp. 18-19, no. 5.Daruma stretches his arms above his head and yawns languorously, his eyes stretched down and brow wrinkled in the doleful manner of a man who is not yet ready to be disturbed. He wears gilt metal earrings and bracelets on each wrist, one himotoshi ringed in green-stained stag antler. The underside finely incised with the signature KOMIN and with a kakihan.HEIGHT 3.1 cmCondition: Very good condition with only minor wear and a tiny surface nick to one knee.Provenance: Collection of Larry Caplan, Toronto.Meinertzhagen writes that “Komin was among the most brilliant craftsmen of his day, his work showing complete mastery over finely detailed carving […]. His subjects were diverse and of original design, tending characteristically to the grotesque […]” (MCI, Part A, p. 380). Komin was a teacher of the famous Meiji netsuke-shi Suzuki Tokoku (1846-1913), who carved similar works depicting Daruma.Auction comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke of Daruma by Suzuki Tokoku at Bonhams, Japanese Works of Art, 19 September 2008, New York, lot 5090 (sold for 7,800 USD).Literature comparison: A closely related netsuke by the same carver is illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen / Lazarnick (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 380. A closely related netsuke by Tokoku (erroneously transcribed as Toyoku) is in the collection of the British Museum, museum number HG.414, and another is illustrated in Arakawa, Hirokazu (1983) The Go Collection of Netsuke. Tokyo National Museum, p. 176, no. 339.

KIGYOKU: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A TANUKI CRUSHING A HUNTER By Kigyoku, signed Kigyoku 龜玉Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Barry Davies Oriental Art (2002) Selected Netsuke, no. 12.The magical shapeshifting creature suffocating a hunter with its gigantic, veiny scrotum. The hunter peering out in the front with an agonized facial expression and the underside shows his amusingly flattened body and a tanegashima teppo rifle. Himotoshi underneath and signed KIGYOKU – school of Jugyoku.LENGTH 3.9 cmCondition: Superb condition, with some minor surface wear and some remnants of black lacquer.Provenance: German private collection, purchased from Barry Davies.

RAKUMIN: AN AMUSING WOOD NETSUKE OF ASHINAGA AND TENAGA PLAYING A DRUM By Ho Rakumin, signed Rakumin 樂民Japan, Edo/Tokyo, second half of 19th centuryAn amusing scene featuring the two yokai fishermen from Kyushu island, with the long-legged Ashinaga balancing a drum on his bent knees while his colleague Tenaga uses his absurdly long arms to beat the drum with two mallets – one cannot help but wonder if there was an easier way to achieve this simple task. Many ‘natural’ himotoshi between the fishermen’s limbs. Signed RAKUMIN within a bone-inlaid rectangular reserve.HEIGHT 4.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, few minuscule nicks.Provenance: German private collection.

SHUGETSU III: A WOOD NETSUKE OF EBISU AND DAIKOKU By Hara Shugetsu III, signed Shugetsu 舟月Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The two lucky gods side by side, Ebisu carrying a large treasure bag (takarabukuro) which contains Daikoku, who is holding his mallet and wearing his characteristic hat. The underside with two asymmetrical himotoshi, the larger of oval shape and ringed in ivory, and the finely incised seal signature SHUGETSU.WIDTH 4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, the tied bow at the back of Ebisu’s hat with an old worn-down chip to one side.Provenance: Spanish private collection.Literature comparison: Three netsuke by Shugetsu III with near-identical seals are listed (two are illustrated) in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 766.

SHUMIN: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF DARUMA By Shumin, signed Shumin 舟民Japan, Edo/Tokyo, second half of 19th centuryFinely carved as the Zen patriarch Daruma, bare-chested and almost completely enveloped in his robe, with a stern-faced meditative expression. The garment folds are powerfully accentuated, and the facial expression is expertly crafted. The lightly stained wood is appealingly worn. The underside with inlaid ivory himotoshi, the larger one of oval shape, next to the signature SHUMIN.HEIGHT 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, some tiny nicks to the edges of the robe and a small crack through the larger himotoshi.Provenance: German private collection, acquired in Japan c. 1980.This was a popular model by Hara Shumin, who was a pupil and adopted son of Hara Shugetsu.

KAGETOSHI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO SHISHI WITH ROCK CRYSTAL TAMA By Kagetoshi, signed Kagetoshi 景利Japan, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Barry Davies Oriental Art, Chicago 1999, p. 29, no. 50.Finely carved as two Buddhist lions playfully encompassing a rock crystal tama. Both shishi with elaborately carved tufts of hair and bushy curls, as well as inlaid pupils. The carving is partially executed in sukashi-bori (openwork), a technique Kagetoshi became famous for. Natural himotoshi and signature KAGETOSHI within a typical rectangular reserve underneath.LENGTH 3.3 cmCondition: Some minor age cracks and a small chip to a section of a tail underneath. Generally, in very good condition.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko, purchased from Barry Davies.

A SUPERB AND TALL WOOD NETSUKE OF SHOKI UnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A large, powerful, and boldly carved wood netsuke depicting the demon queller Shoki, grim-faced as usual, holding his ken-sword pointing downwards. He is wearing his typical headpiece and a loosely fitted robe adorned with finely incised geometrical patterns and with masterfully accentuated garment folds, his sleeves draping down to his waist, one of them forming one of the himotoshi, the other shaped as a large, pierced hole. The most striking feature is certainly the facial expression. Shoki is bellowing with rage, his mighty moan making his finely carved beard flow to the sides.HEIGHT 10.6 cmCondition: Both feet are likely restored. Some minor surface wear and tiny nicks to the edges. All as is to be expected from a tall figure of this age. Generally, in good condition.Provenance: US private collection.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A CAPARISONED ELEPHANT WITH BOYS UnsignedJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The caparisoned elephant standing on a rocky plinth, one boy on top and another by its side, both dressed in Korean garments. The Japanese boys are reenacting a procession of the Korean embassy through the streets of Edo. The ivory slightly worn with a good warm patina and the details finely incised. The tasseled cords hanging from the elephant’s saddle are embellished with metal and green-stained inlays. Central himotoshi through the finely stippled base.HEIGHT 3.8 cm, LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition, natural age cracks.Provenance: French private collection.

IKKO: AN IVORY NETSUKE-OKIMONO OF A GROUP OF RATS By Ikko, signed Ikko 一光Japan, probably Tokyo, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)An animated group of rats, two adults and three young, the ivory finely stained and the hairwork minutely incised. Two young rats are sniffing each other at the top, while one adult is nibbling at the tail of another. The last two are nibbling on edamame bean pods. All eyes are inlaid in dark lustrous horn. Natural himotoshi and signed underneath the contrastingly smooth bean pod IKKO.LENGTH 4.8 cmCondition: Superb condition with only extremely minor wear to stained details.

KOICHI: AN IVORY RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE OF HANASAKA JIJI By Koichi, signed Koichi 光一Japan, Edo/Tokyo, second half of 19th centuryAn amusing variation of the famous tale of Hanasaka Jiji. Depicted is the old couple amongst a multitude of treasures, known as takaramono, carved all around the netsuke. Hanasaka Jiji carries a hoe, which he famously uses to dig up coins, while his wife puts the coins into a large bag, the treasure-granting dog Shiro is seen on the side. The reverse with a scroll bearing an inscription and the signature KOICHI, as well as the central himotoshi.DIAMETER 3.9 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko, purchased at Lempertz, 10 June 2003, Cologne, lot 1063.The popular folktale goes as follows: There was once an old couple, Hanasaka Jiji and his wife, who had a dog named Shiro and particularly nasty neighbors. One day Shiro began sniffing and barking at a certain spot and when Hanasaka dug up the spot a large number of coins came up. The greedy neighbors watched and took the dog by force to their own garden. However, the spot at which the dog sniffed was filled with only filth and the neighbors killed the poor dog and buried it under a pine tree. The old man Hanasaka Jiji, much grieved, offered sacrifice upon the spot and the dog’s ghost appeared and commanded him to cut down the tree to make a rice mortar out of its trunk, which changed the rice into gold. The neighbors managed to borrow the mortar, however for them the rice turned only into filth and they burned the mortar. The dog appeared to Hanasaka once more and told him to retrieve the ashes from his neighbors and scatter them over dead trees, which miraculously began sprouting. Hanasaka became famous across the country, his fame even reaching the Daimyo of a neighboring province, who tested his powers and loaded him with treasures (the takaramono seen in this netsuke). The neighbor tried to do the same, but the ashes blew into the Daimyo's eyes, so he threw him into prison.

KOGETSUSAI: AN IVORY MANJU NETSUKE WITH FESTIVAL SCENE By Kogetsusai Naomasa, signed Kogetsusai 光月齋Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The ivory finely stained, the front carved in shishiaibori (sunken relief) with an image of a boy getting ready for a Shinto festival, carrying a hoko banner rattle with an incised sparrow and gohei paper strips attached to it. The reverse shows a drum with two drumsticks, the central himotoshi, and the incised signature KOGETSUSAI.DIAMETER 4 cmCondition: Good condition, the details slightly worn.Provenance: German private collection, with collection nos. ‘82’ inside.Literature comparison:Another manju netsuke by the artist is in the collection of the LACMA, accession no. M.87.263.24.

RYUKOKU: AN IVORY MANJU NETSUKE OF A WOMAN BREASTFEEDING HER CHILD By Kikugawa Ryukoku, signed Ryukoku 流谷Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved in shishiaibori (sunken relief) to one side with a mother breastfeeding her child as she shakes a toy rattle in her right hand, the boy suckling on one breast and grabbing the other. The other side with an iron tea kettle (tetsubin) and a small pouch as well as the incised signature RYOKOKU, a member of the Kikugawa family who was active during the mid-19th century, a pupil of Kikugawa Hakuunsai.DIAMETER 4.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, particularly along the edges.Provenance: European collection.Auction comparison: Compare a related netsuke by the same carver, depicting Kintaro riding a giant carp, also carved in shishiaibori, at Christie’s, Japanese and Korean Art, 16 September 2003, New York, lot 278 (sold for 2,309 USD).

ONO RYOMIN: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A BUTTERFLY DANCER, KOCHO NO MAI By Ono Ryomin, signed Ryomin 陵民 and kakihanJapan, Edo/Tokyo, second half of 19th centuryThe butterfly dancer performing the kocho no mai is shown in a dancing posture, the details very finely rendered and the ivory lightly stained. The robe shows many meticulously incised patterns, the details stained in sumi-e (ink). Note also the minutely engraved and inked hair, and the two flowers tucked underneath the headband. The reverse shows the characteristic butterfly wings, two neatly pierced himotoshi, and the signature RYOMIN and typical kakihan.HEIGHT 4.1 cmCondition: Superb condition.Provenance: British private collection.Literature comparison:For another example of this very rare subject see Schwarz, Karl M. (1998) Netsuke Subjects, no. 290.

KOJITSU: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A BIJIN BATHING HER CHILD By Ikkosai Saito Yataro, signed Kojitsu 孝實Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely stained, inked, and carved, the young beauty with elaborate coiffure washing her infant son in a wooden wash tub as he plays with a water bucket, a cheerful expression on his face, the underside with asymmetrical himotoshi, the larger generously excavated to accommodate the knot, and the neatly incised signature KOJITSU.WIDTH 3.7 cmCondition: Good condition with minor surface wear, one small chip to the underside of the tub.Provenance: European collection.On this artist, Meinertzhagen writes, “Son of Saito Ikkosai Toun. In his middle age became a pupil of Meikeisai Hojitsu. […] The work of Ikkosai Kojitsu shows refined workmanship and often a delicate charm […].” (MCI, 1986, p. 357)

A TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF A TARTAR ARCHER UnsignedJapan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved standing with the feet pointing in opposite directions, wearing an elaborately patterned robe with wavy collar, key-fret band, and cloud and wave designs, carrying a quiver of arrows on his back and holding a bow tightly to his side with his left hand, the right hand raised toward his shoulder, his head turned upward to the side, the face showing a fierce expression with large bulging eyes, inked pupils, a broad nose with flaring nostrils, and a wide-open mouth, two asymmetrical himotoshi to the back. The ivory bearing a fine patina.HEIGHT 11 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only minor surface wear and expected natural age cracks.Provenance: German private collection.The Tartars were a race of Mongolian nomads, occupying areas in Northern China. They tended to drive south in the winter and invaded China and Japan in the 13th century, finally founding the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368) in China under Kublai Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan.Auction comparison:Compare with a closely related netsuke at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 12 May 2016, lot 245 (part lot, sold for 4,375 GBP).

A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF FUKUSUKE WITH OKAME MASK UnsignedJapan, Edo/Tokyo, second half of 19th centuryVery finely carved, stained, and meticulously polished. Depicting the lucky dwarf Fukusuke with a typically large head, joyfully laughing, one hand holding a large fan and the other holding a rope attached to a large Okame mask in the back. One himotoshi through the side and the other behind the gleefully laughing Uzume mask.HEIGHT 3.6 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Old Viennese private collection assembled within the same family over three generations.Fukusuke and Okame are often depicted together as they are both emblems of good luck.

A WOOD KARAKURI NETSUKE WITH HOTEI AND KARAKO PLAYING SUGOROKU UnsignedJapan, Edo/Tokyo, second half of 19th centuryThe exterior finely carved as Hotei’s treasure sack with particularly neatly incised cord tassel, opening to reveal the lucky god and a karako seated at a table playing sugoroku, the boy’s hair tufts and the game pieces inlaid with bone and dark horn, the trick mechanism fully functional with a small bone peg. Ringed himotoshi to the underside.HEIGHT 2.8 cm, WIDTH 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, few minor losses to inlays.Provenance: German private collection.Auction comparison:For a similar netsuke with Hotei and Fukurokuju playing go, see Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 9 November 2017, London, lot 2 (sold for 1,500 GBP).

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY WITH GOURD AND NAMAZU, ATTRIBUTED TO CHIKUSAI Attributed to Chikusai, unsignedJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The monkey is seated on top of a namazu, also known as the earthquake fish, pulling on one of his whiskers and taming it with large hyotan (double gourd). The eyes are double inlaid in pale and dark horn. A quite charming and finely executed netsuke. Natural himotoshi.HEIGHT 3.5 cm, LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Good condition. Some natural imperfections to the wood. One of the whiskers with a restoration, and a thin crack and some surface scratches to the underside.Provenance: German private collection, acquired in Japan c. 1980.Auction comparison: Compare to a related netsuke by Chikusai, sold recently at Bonhams, Fine Netsuke from a French private Collection, 4 November 2020, London, lot 76 (sold for 4,437 GBP).

MIYAGI CHOKUSAI (B. 1877): A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF FOUR MEN TRYING TO CAPTURE THE NAMAZU By Miyagi Chokusai (born 1877), signed Chokusai 直齋with kakihanJapan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)Published: Raymond Bushell (1975) Netsuke Familiar & Unfamiliar, New York/Tokyo, p. 224, no. 744 – where the netsuke is listed under the category ‘treatment of subject’.Superbly carved as the Namazu, the legendary gigantic catfish living inside the earth and causing earthquakes in Japan, and four fishermen captured in a ridiculous and futile attempt to catch the mythical fish. One man, almost only visible from the underside, is hanging on to the fish’s whiskers, while a second attempts to catch him with a comically undersized net, the third trying a hyotan (double gourd), and the fourth simply floundering below the Namazu’s head with horn-inlaid eyes. The himotoshi cleverly formed by the leg of the man on the underside. Signed to the underside of the fish’s tail CHOKUSAI with a kakihan. The ivory of an appealing color with a fine polish.LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: Spanish private collection.Note the finely and minutely incised details, the level of detail here being more that of an okimono than of a netsuke. A masterpiece by the highly important Tokyo school netsuke-shi Miyagi Chokusai.Davey writes on Miyagi Chokusai, “a fine artist whose work is rarely encountered. It is invariably of ivory, stained and with intricate details”.Literature comparison: Another figural netsuke by the same carver is in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, accession number M.91.250.138.

GYOKUHOSAI RYUCHIN: A FINE INLAID IVORY NETSUKE WITH MARINE LIFE By Gyokuhosai Ryuchin, signed Gyokuhosai 玉費齋 with seal Ryuchin 龍珍Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid- 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 666.The ivory netsuke bean-shaped, the top marvelously inlaid with a seabream (tai) in mother-of-pearl surrounded by jadeite sea plants, and horn and mother-of-pearl shells. The side is brilliantly worked in sukashi-bori with aquatic life including a multitude of fishes, octopi and crustaceans, most with inlaid eyes. The underside with two neatly florally rimmed himotoshi and the signature GYOKUHOSAI with a carved red two-character seal RYUCHIN.LENGTH 3.6 cmCondition: Superb condition.Provenance: Sold at Glendining’s & Co, London, October 1936, then old Viennese private collection assembled within the same family over three generations.Gyokuhosai Ryuchin was regarded by F. Meinertzhagen as one of the most brilliant netsuke carvers of his time. His designs were original and often displayed his superior use of sukashi-bori (openwork technique). The use of inlays is rather rare and is done here sublimely.

A SHIBAYAMA-STYLE WOOD NETSUKE OF DAIKOKU'S HAMMER WITH EN SUITE OJIME Unsigned Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)Published: Sagemonoya (2004) Sleeping Beauties p. 97, no. 60 (the netsuke).Carved as the God of Wealth’s primary attribute, the uchide no kozuchi, his ‘magic hammer’, finely inlaid with tortoiseshell, coral, stained horn, gilt wire, and bone, depicting various treasures or attributes including tamas, khasa and mino (straw hat and coat), and an ingot. The en suite wood ojime carved and inlaid in the same manner with the same motif.HEIGHT 3 cm, WIDTH 4.1 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, minimal nicks and scratches.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko, the netsuke purchased from Sagemonoya, Tokyo, in 2004.

SHIBAYAMA SOICHI: A FINE INLAID EBONY WOOD NETSUKE OF A CORAL FISHERMAN By Shibayama Soichi, signed Soichi 宗一Japan, Edo/Tokyo, second half of 19th centuryDepicting a south sea islander, also known as a kurombojin (from the Ceylonese capital Colombo) or a coral fisherman. The emaciated islander is standing with his arms crossed over his chest, his finely carved curly hair flowing down to his shoulders, his brows furrowed, lips pursed, and the eyes inlaid in bone. A large piece of bright-red coral is strapped to his back, fixed by gilt metal wire. An elaborate sagemono hangs from his obi, consisting of an amber-inlaid tobacco pouch, turquoise ojime and bone ashtray-netsuke. The netsuke consists of three parts fixed together with wooden pegs. The torso and legs are carved from ebony and the skirt is carved from a reddish wood. The himotoshi are ringed in bone and the signature is found within a green-stained cartouche – SOICHI – a member of the Shibayama family.HEIGHT 8.2 cmCondition: One restored yet visible crack through the torso of the islander. Some glue residue around the skirt. Otherwise good condition.Provenance: Ex-collection René Vassal, sold at Ricqlès, Paris, 13 April 1994, lot 329. Then in a French private collection.

HOZAN: AN INLAID WOOD NETSUKE OF A YAMABUSHI MONK By Hozan, signed Hozan 法山Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)Depicting a yamabushi warrior monk wearing a tokin cap, holding a scroll and an amphora, seated before a shrine with hinged openable doors revealing a gilt-lacquered figure of Buddha inside. The wood netsuke is lavishly inlaid in ivory and bone. Asymmetrical himotoshi through the underside and signature HOZAN within a tsuishu-lacquered reserve.HEIGHT 4.4 cmCondition: Superb condition, minor wear.Provenance: French private collection.

TO: A WOOD AND IVORY TOKYO SCHOOL NETSUKE OF A RAKAN IN AN ALMS BOWL By a follower of Tokoku, signed To 東Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)Seated in a large alms bowl incised with a key-fret border, wearing a loose-fitting monastic robe and a sash over the left shoulder, holding a hossu (fly-whisk) in both hands, the face with neatly incised features and a calm expression. The rakan’s head, one of his hands, and the bundled hair of the hossu are carved from ivory, while the bowl, the rakan’s garments, and the hossu staff are carved from wood. The underside with two symmetrical himotoshi and the seal TO incised within an ivory-inlaid rectangular reserve.HEIGHT 3.4 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: British private collection.

YASUTOMO: A TOKYO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A DRUNKARD By Yasutomo (Hoyu), signed Yasutomo 保友Japan, Tokyo, early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Carved standing in a dynamic posture with one leg in front of the other, leaning forwards as he carries a large double-gourd (hyotan) vessel on his back, holding a sake cup inlaid with silvered pewter in his left hand, the face with an amusing expression as he has already enjoyed a few drinks too many, his green-stained robe neatly inlaid with mother-of-pearl and pewter, the jacket incised with wave patterns. Two small horn-ringed symmetrical himotoshi flanking the signature YASUTOMO within a red lacquer-inlaid oblong tablet.HEIGHT 4.7 cmCondition: Overall good condition, the hand holding the bowl reattached with associated traces of adhesive, one of the feet with a minuscule chip, some minor old wear. Provenance: Old Austrian private collection.Yasutomo (also known as Hoyu) was active during the early 20th century and a pupil of Yasuaki, specializing in figural netsuke with red or green-stained ivory and fine inlays.Auction comparison: Compare a related netsuke by Yasutaka, dated c. 1900, of a traveling salesman carrying his merchandise, at Van Ham, Asiatische Kunst, 6 June 2015, Cologne, lot 273 (sold for 4,515 EUR).

A RARE AND TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF A FOREIGNER UnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of slightly flattened form, boldly carved as a foreigner of European origin, with characteristic hat, grotesque expression, and long beard, lifting his robe at the hem with one hand, the other caressing his finely carved long hair. The large eyes with inlaid pupils of dark horn. The himotoshi are formed by one smaller and larger hole, both generously excavated. An early and expressive netsuke with a lot of charm. Excellent patina, particularly to the reverse.HEIGHT 11.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, natural age cracks, fine patina.Provenance: Old Viennese private collection.

TOSHIMASA: A TOKYO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A BOY TEARING APART A TAIKO DRUM By Toshimasa, signed Toshimasa 利正Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)The boy seated on the ground, wearing a checkered vest over a short-sleeved shirt, secured by a belt at the waist with a kinchaku pouch attached, the face with a gleeful expression as he tears off the skin of a taiko drum with mitsudomoe designs to either side, signed TOSHIMASA within an oval reserve to the underside of the garment.HEIGHT 3.1 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface wear, few natural age cracks.Provenance: Spanish private collection.

YASUAKI: A FINE INLAID TOKYO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF URASHIMA TARO By Yasuaki (Homei), signed Yasuaki 保明 with seal Kodama 見玉Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)Depicting Urashima Taro opening the forbidden bejeweled box (tametebako), a very finely carved tortoiseshell-inlaid minogame emerging from it. Much to his bewilderment, Urashima has turned into an old man. The details finely carved and the elaborately carved robe stained in green and embellished with horn inlay. The underside with the himotoshi ringed in horn and the neatly incised signature underneath the box YASUAKI with red seal KODAMA.HEIGHT 3.4 cmCondition: Very good condition, one inlay to the robe missing.Provenance: Spanish private collection.

YASUAKI: A SUPERB INLAID TOKYO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A CHUBBY BOY By Yasuaki (Homei), signed Yasuaki 保明 with seal Kodama 見玉Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)Depicting a plump boy, his hair finely inked and incised, looking upwards and laughing. He is seated somewhat bundled up, forming a compact composition, one hand placed on his thigh and the other fondling his toes, while the other leg is placed underneath his body. Note the extremely detailed carving to the chubby fingers and toes. The boy is dressed only in a fundoshi, which is inlaid in red-stained horn, the tied-up string in the back stained green. The ivory is lightly stained and superbly polished. The himotoshi underneath are ringed in horn and the signature is neatly incised on one leg YASUAKI with inlaid gold seal KODAMA – this type of seal was reserved for only the best pieces.LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Superb condition.Provenance: British private collection.

MORITA SOKO: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF NASAKEJI OPENING THE TREASURE BOX By Morita Soko (1879-1942), signed Soko 藻己 to 刀Japan, Tokyo, early 20th centuryA superbly carved miniature masterpiece. Depicted is Nasakeji, from the famous legend of the tongue cut sparrow (shitakiri suzume), opening the treasure box he received from the grateful sparrows, the inside revealing many treasures, much to his delight, including branches of coral and precious pearls (tama). An opened scroll tumbles out of the box, as well as ingots and coins. Lightly stained and carved with meticulous detail all around. Himotoshi through the box and signed underneath SOKO to (carved).HEIGHT 3.2 cmCondition: Perfect condition.Provenance: Australian private collection (with a valid CITES import license), purchased from Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 16 May 2013, London, lot 46 (sold for 6,250 GBP).Literature comparison:A similar wood netsuke by Morita Soko is illustrated in an article by the late Michael Strone in the 'International Netsuke Society Journal', 23/4, p. 38, fig. 21.