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SHUNGETSU: IVORY NETSUKE OF A TANUKI SUFFOCATING A HUNTER WITH HIS SCROTUM By Shungetsu, signed Shungetsu Japan, Tokyo, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) A well-carved, finely stained and compact ivory netsuke of a tanuki suffocating a hunter with his gigantic scrotum. Tanuki are known to have magical powers and are mischievous creatures. Though not always dangerous, they are especially hostile to hunters, as they beguile them by drumming on their bellies, subsequently crushing them with their enlarged testicles. The tanuki has well-carved fur and a smoothly polished scrotum with sparsely incised hair. The hunter is quite helpless and squirming in agony. Small himotoshi and signature SHUNGETSU 春月 on the underside. HEIGHT 3.3 cm, LENGTH 4 cm Condition: Very good condition. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.

AN EARLY AND FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHISHIMAI DANCER Unsigned Japan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Carved as a boy with a drum tied to his obi in front him, holding a pair of drumsticks and wearing a festive cloak incised with three different geometrical patterns. He is lifting his Shishimai mask, revealing his face. The boy has very finely crafted facial features with full cheeks, a sensitively crafted nose and a charming smile. The Shishi mask at the top is equally well-carved with expressive features and finely carved curls. The icing on the cake is the patina – honey orange in the back and coherently worn in just the right places, indicating a well-used and loved piece. The generous himotoshi, as well, are perfect. HEIGHT 7.6 cm Condition: Expected age cracks, beautiful patina. One foot is restored very well. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO WRESTLERS Unsigned Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Carved from cherry wood and lightly stained depicting two wrestlers on their knees trying to grab each other by the belt with one hand, performing ottsuke (arm-clamp down), the other hand preventing the counterpart from reaching the belt. Both facial expressions are quite amusing. The underside further underlines their symmetrical movement, showing four chubby legs divided by a central himotoshi. HEIGHT 5.2 cm Condition: Excellent condition. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.

A RARE CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL MANJU NETSUKE Unsigned Japan, c. 1860 A rare cloisonné enamel netsuke in perfectly round manju form. Decorated with blue, turquoise, green, red and white enamels with gold wire. The cord attachment as a silver loop above a red kikunogomon, the imperial seal of Japan. DIAMETER 3.7 cm, THICKNESS ca. 1.8 cm Condition: Good condition with expected minor fritting and small losses to surface of enamel. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection. Literature comparison: For a discussion of cloisonné enamel netsuke see INSJ, volume 35, no.4, pages 18-33. This manju is closest to no. 25.

A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF AN ANTIQUE CHINESE LOCK Unsigned Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A pale wood netsuke in the form of an antique Chinese lock carved in high relief on one side with the character ‘Shou’ for long life, and the character for ‘double happiness’ on the other. Images of antique coins and flowers are arranged in reserves to the side of the characters. Natural himotoshi. LENGTH 4.7 cm Condition: Very good condition, one miniscule crack near one of the Chinese characters. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection. To our knowledge, this is the only netsuke depicting an antique Chinese lock.

AN UNUSUAL AND RARE FAN-SHAPED BLUE AND WHITE PORCELAIN SHUNGA NETSUKE Unsigned Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) In the shape of a fan and painted in underglaze blue with a shunga scene depicting an enamored couple. The reverse decorated with tall grasses, where also the loop for himotoshi is located. Three unglazed spots show how it was placed in the kiln, and the reverse rim unglazed and painted in brown. HEIGHT 5.5 cm Condition: Miniscule old firing crack. Very good condition. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.

A RARE WOOD ‘DOUBLE SHUNGA’ NETSUKE OF A MOTHER AND CHILD Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A highly suggestive and early shunga netsuke carved as a mother, with chubby cheeks and a high forehead like Okame, holding up her son, revealing his genitals. The underside further reveals her female genitals. A rare and rustic ‘double shunga’ netsuke. Good patina and cleverly placed himotoshi in the back. HEIGHT 6.4 cm Condition: Good condition with an appealing patina. One tiny chip to the side of the boy’s genitals. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.

A RARE AND LARGE SAISHIKI NETSUKE OF AN AMA WITH AMOROUS OCTOPUS Unsigned Japan, Osaka, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A large saishiki (painted) hinoki (cypress) wood netsuke depicting an ama (diving or fisher girl) engaged in a lustful struggle with an octopus. The ama has long hair which gently flows down her back and she is dressed only in a red skirt, which the octopus pulls down, revealing her voluptuous behind in the back. The octopus is entangled around her right leg, his arms forming sinuously curling bundles. His lips are pressed forwards suggestively, the eyes gazing at her private parts. The ama has one hand placed on her chest frivolously and the other pressed against her cheek – she is clearly enjoying the octopus’ company. The hinoki wood is treated with polychrome pigments and some gesso, attractively worn all around. The himotoshi in the back are indicative of the period, and are generously excavated, exactly as they should be. HEIGHT 12.5 cm Condition: Good age-related condition, the polychrome pigments worn as is to be expected. Provenance: British collection.

AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A CONVERTED ONI Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Östasiatiska Museet (1999) Netsuke, p. 50. Exhibited: Östasiatiska Museet, Sweden, Stockholm, 16 October 1999 – 9 January 2000. The oni, converted to Buddhism, depicted here with a thick belly which partially hangs over the temple gong before him. He looks up to the heavens, screaming dramatically, the eyes double inlaid in reddish and dark horn. In one hand he holds a rosary and with the other he holds the mallet behind his back, scratching himself instead of striking the gong. The oni wears only a tiger skin loincloth, the fur coat pattern partially worn, as are the hairs on his body. The ribs in the back are expressed very well. The deep, perfectly placed himotoshi are indicative of the period. HEIGHT 4.2 cm Condition: The inked features partially worn; expected age cracks, an old filling to the front of the teeth and one horn is replaced. Good, age-related condition. Provenance: Ex collection Mrs. Gunvor Bjorkman. Old museum number.

A WOOD SHUNGA OKIMONO-NETSUKE OF SHOKI AND OKAME Unsigned Japan, 19th century Depicting Shoki and Okame engaged in amorous pursuits, however only visible on the underside. Shoki with dark inlaid eyes. LENGTH 6.7 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: French private collection.

AN EBONY WOOD SHUNGA MASK NETSUKE OF OKAME Unsigned Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The mask netsuke finely carved with the mask of Okame, the himotoshi bar to the back carved in the form of a phallic mushroom. HEIGHT 4.4 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: French private collection.

A STAINED IVORY NETSUKE OF A CONVERTED ONI Unsigned Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) An unusual netsuke stained a reddish black and attractively worn. Depicted is an oni scratching his back with a mallet, a gong is placed before him. LENGTH 3,5 CM Condition: Old fracture to the oni’s arm. Provenance: Old Austrian private collection.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF ONI NEMBUTSU Signed Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) A classic depiction of the repentant oni standing, wearing a monk’s hat and robe, carrying a parasol on his back, and holding a gong and a mallet in his hands, the eyes double-inlaid with mother-of-pearl and dark horn. Himotoshi through the back. Signed to the reverse. HEIGHT 5.8 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: French private collection.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF SHOKI SEARCHING FOR AN ONI Unsigned Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The Demon Queller with a fierce expression and holding a sword with one hand, about to lift up a straw mat with his other hand, beneath which a mischievous oni is hiding. HEIGHT 3.1 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.

GYOKUSAI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF EMMA-O FEEDING TWO ONI By Gyokusai, signed Gyokusai Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The king of hell seated and holding a bowl of grains in one hand with the other hand inside the bowl, while two oni are on all fours beside him eating the grains. Himotoshi and signature GYOKUSAI to the flat oval base. HEIGHT 4 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF KINTARO AND YAMAUBA Unsigned Japan, Meiji period (1615-1868) The Golden Boy riding a bear with his yokai caretaker Yamauba to his side. Kintaro is based on a real person who, as an adult, was a loyal follower of Minamoto no Yorimitsu under the name Sakata no Kintoki. HEIGHT 3.5 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.

NAOMASA: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF SHITA-KIRI SUZUME By Naomasa, signed Naomasa Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The tongue-cut sparrow with large inlaid eyes and finely incised wings and tail, an old man lying on its back. LENGTH 4.5 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, some loss of staining to the beak, and few natural age cracks. Provenance: French private collection.

AN IVORY HAKATA-STYLE NETSUKE OF ONO NO TOFU Unsigned Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Published: Schwarz, K. (1992) Netsuke Subjects, no. 199. The netsuke carved from ivory with finely stained details, depicting the famous calligrapher climbing on a large frog and holding a closed parasol in his left hand. Himotoshi to the back. HEIGHT 6.7 cm Condition: Very good condition with only minor surface wear. Provenance: Ex collection Dr. Karl Schwarz, exhibited at the MAK, Vienna, 1996. Sold at Kunsthandel Klefisch, Auction 98, October 2012, lot 254.

MASAMITSU: A WOOD NETSUKE OF OMORI HIKOICHI By Masamitsu, signed Masamitsu Japan, late 19th century Finely carved with a depiction of Omori Hikoichi carrying the witch after the battle of Minatogawa. Green-stained bone-ringed himotoshi and signed MASAMITSU to the flat oval base. HEIGHT 4.5 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: US private collection.

AN OLD IVORY NETSUKE OF AN ONI Unsigned Japan, 17th century, Edo period (1615-1868) This old and worn ivory netsuke shows an oni seated on a rock. Good himotoshi through the back and the base. Stunning patina. HEIGHT 4.5 cm Condition: Signs of age and wear. Deep honeycolored patina; age cracks and chipping. Provenance: Old Zagreb private collection.

MASACHIKA: A TOMOCHIKA SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A GHOST By Masachika, signed Masachika Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The ghost with long, neatly incised hair falling over the shoulders, the two hands placed before the chest with the fingers extended downward. Signed MASACHIKA to the back. HEIGHT 11.2 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: French private collection.

TWO PRESSED HORN MANJU NETSUKE Unsigned Japan, 19th century One manju netsuke of rounded rectangular shape, carved with Minamoto no Yorimasa and Li no Hayata on one side and a nue, a tiger with a snake as a tail, on the other, and one manju netsuke of circular shape depicting Yojo stabbing the cloak of his enemy Cho Bujutsu on one side and a ronin hiding under his straw hat on the other. Both with himotoshi on the underside. DIAMETER and LENGTH 4.5 cm Condition: Good condition with minor surface wear, some minor age-related losses, primarily around the himotoshi. Provenance: Ex collection Ted Adameck, collection nos. 380 and 391 (valued at 900 USD in total). Copy of old inventory available.

HAKUUNSAI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A MAN WITH SHOJO By Hakuunsai, signed Hakuunsai Japan, second half of 19th century Depicting a seated man next to a laughing standing Shojo, both holding a fan. Finely rendered details and signed underneath HAKUUNSAI. HEIGHT 4.2 cm Condition: Very good undamaged condition. Provenance: Ex collection Jury Kolodotschko.

A RARE NEGORO LACQUERED WOOD NETSUKE OF RYUJIN’S ATTENDANT Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Östasiatiska Museet (1999) Netsuke, p. 49. Zacke (1990) Japanische Netsuke und Okimono, Sagemono, no. 54. Exhibited: Östasiatiska Museet, Sweden, Stockholm, 16 October 1999 – 9 January 2000. The very light wood (probably hinoki wood) is expressively carved and lacquered in negoro-nuri, depicting one of the two attendants of the dragon king of the sea, Ryujin. The attendant is shown with a large, expressively carved face, his arms are crossed in the front, and he wears a loincloth and another cloth over his shoulders. His rib cage is expressed very well. The surface is applied with gold lacquer accents. In the back is a scaly slender dragon, its head resting on the attendant’s head. Himotoshi between the tail of the dragon. HEIGHT 10.3 cm Condition: Excellent condition with minor expected wear to lacquer Provenance: Ex collection Mrs. Gunvor Bjorkman, purchased at Galerie Zacke in 1990.

A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF ASHINAGA Unsigned Japan, 19th century Finely carved as Ashinaga, the long-legged fishing companion of Tenaga, standing upright, touching his head with one hand as he lets out a joyous laugh, and holding a mallet in the other. HEIGHT 12.7 cm Condition: Good condition with minor surface wear, the drum to Ashinaga’s side is lost. Provenance: British collection.

A GOOD TALL SHUZAN STYLE SAISHIKI NETSUKE OF RYUJIN Unsigned Japan, Osaka, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A tall saishiki (painted) hinoki wood netsuke depicting the dragon king of the sea Ryujin standing and holding a jewel in one hand while stroking his beard with the other. A long dragon is on his back, its head placed on top of Ryujin’s head. The hinoki (cypress) wood colored in polychrome pigments and gesso is relatively well preserved. Beautifully large himotoshi through the back, underneath the dragon. HEIGHT 10.3 cm Condition: Very good condition, relatively minor wear to polychrome pigments and gesso. Provenance: Ex-Collection Mrs. Gunvor Bjorkman. Auction comparison: Compare to a similar netsuke sold by Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 6 November 2012, London, lot 160 (sold for 9.375 GBP).

AN EDO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF ASHINAGA AND TENAGA Unsigned Japan, Edo, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The ivory finely stained and depicting Tenaga with his arms around his amusingly long legs, seated next to Ashinaga who placed his long arms on his companion’s knees. One himotoshi through the underside, the other ‘natural’. Tomochika/Ikkosai school. HEIGHT 3 cm Condition: Excellent condition. Provenance: German private collection, acquired in Japan in the 1980s/90s.

A TALL WOOD NETSUKE OF GAMA SENNIN WITH A LARGE TOAD Unsigned Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The immortal with gilt eyes and wearing his characteristic artemisia leaf cloak, carrying a humongous toad with dark horn-inlaid eyes HEIGHT 11.2 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: European collection.

A LARGE WOOD NETSUKE OF GAMA SENNIN Unsigned Japan, 20th century A large patinated wood netsuke depicting Gama Sennin with a toad seated on his head. Gama grabs the toad’s right leg and holds in his other hand a stalk of reishi fungus before his body. Asymmetrical himotoshi to the reverse. HEIGHT 12.3 cm Condition: Good, undamaged condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: Austrian private collection.

HIDEMITSU: A RARE HIDEMASA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF THE RAKAN HANDAKA SONJA By Hidemitsu, signed Hidemitsu Japan, Osaka, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The rakan Handaka Sonja standing and holding up his alms bowl from which his pet dragon magically emanates. Note the finely carved and incised details, as well as the good asymmetrical himotoshi. Signed within an oval reserve on the rakan’s back. HEIGHT 5.5 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: Ex collection Jury Kolodotschko. Purchased at Kunsthandel Klefisch, Cologne, 25th Auction, November 1983.

TWO NETSUKE OF GAMA SENNIN Unsigned Japan, 18th to 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) One carved from dark wood as a standing Gama sennin with inlaid eyes and with a toad on his shoulder. The other carved from stag antler as a seated Gama sennin. HEIGHT 3.6 - 7.6 cm Condition: Good condition with associated wear. Provenance: German private collection, acquired in Japan in the 1980s/90s.

A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SENNIN WITH MONKEY Unsigned Japan, early to mid-18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A slender and rather tall ivory netsuke of a Sennin holding a monkey (saru). The monkey is small and tugging on the beard of the Sennin, who is wearing the characteristic mugwort leafcloak, adorned with swirling clouds. He is holding a taming stick in his left hand. Probably he is the precursor to the peddling sarumawashi (monkey trainer). The ivory has taken on a beautiful golden honey patina over many years of handling. Very good himotoshi in the back. HEIGHT 8.3 cm Condition: Very good condition, expected minor age cracks. Provenance: French private collection.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A SENNIN WITH ONI Signed Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The immortal standing, wearing a robe opening at the chest as well as the characteristic artemisia leaf skirt, holding up an oni by its head with one hand and pointing a nyoi scepter at the demon with the other, both with pale horn-inlaid eyes. Signed to the back. HEIGHT 10.4 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: British collection.

A TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF CHOKARO SENNIN Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The sennin standing tall and holding a large hyotan (double gourd) which is supported on his shoulders. He has an emaciated rib cage, a finely carved robe, and a good facial expression. Beautiful patina and color. Himotoshi through the back. HEIGHT 10 cm Condition: Very good undamaged condition with expected age cracks. Provenance: German private collection, acquired in Japan in the 1980s/90s.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A SAGE Unsigned Japan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A dynamically and powerfully crafted netsuke of a sage with a stunning patina. Good himotoshi through the back. HEIGHT 8.5 cm Condition: The right hand restored, otherwise good condition. Provenance: Ex collection Mrs. Gunvor Bjorkman.

A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF KENSU OSHO Unsigned Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Standing, smiling as he carries a large prawn over his right shoulder, his leaf skirt tied at the waist, himotoshi through the back. HEIGHT 5.6 cm Condition: Good condition with minor surface wear and an old chip to one foot.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.

A LACQUERED WOOD NETSUKE OF A SAGE Unsigned Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The wood netsuke lacquered in negoro-red and silver with pewter tones. Himotoshi through the back. HEIGHT 7.7 cm Condition: Some wear to lacquer and age cracks. One hand is separately carved and removable. Provenance: German private collection.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A MAN WITH SCROLL, C. 1800 TO EARLY 19TH CENTURY Japan, c. 1800 to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A man dressed in Chinese style and holding up a scroll, probably the poet recluse Kanzan from Cold Mountain. Usually Kanzan is depicted together with his companion Shide, who was an assistant at the temple on Cold Mountain, with Kanzan reading to Shide from a scroll. Black-stained wood, large himotoshi on the reverse. HEIGHT 6.3 CM Condition: Good condition. Provenance: Austrian private collection.

AN EARLY WOOD NETSUKE OF A CHINESE SAGE WITH GOURD Unsigned Japan, late 17th to early 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A well-worn, old wood netsuke depicting a Chinese sage holding a massive hyotan (double gourd) before him. The immortal has a long beard and worn facial features. The wood of a very good color with a fine, warm hand patina. Large himotoshi through the back. HEIGHT 7.7 cm Condition: Good, worn condition. Provenance: French private collection.

MASANAO: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNARLING TIGER By a member of the Masanao family, signed Masanao 正直 Japan, Ise-Yamada, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The tiger (tora) is shown as a muscular being with pronounced and bulky shoulders, its head turned back to the right with a fierce expression. Particular attention has been given to the fur coat of the tiger, the stripes being rendered by alternating patches of incised lines and polished areas. The underside shows the signature MASANAO within a polished area. Natural himotoshi. HEIGHT 3.4 cm Condition: Good condition with expected surface wear and imperfections, such natural flaws, scratches, and dents to the wood. Provenance: US private collection.

A WOOD RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE OF A HOHO BIRD Unsigned Japan, 19th century The legendary bird with finely incised plumage and wings, three overlapping and naturalistically carved leaves to the underside, one single himotoshi through a leaf on the underside as well as many natural himotoshi due to the openwork nature of the netsuke. DIAMETER 3.8 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: Ex collection Calvet. Purchased at Kunsthandel Klefisch, Cologne, 59th Auction, November 1995, lot 261.

MASANAO: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A DRAGON INSIDE A MIKAN Signed Masanao Japan, Ise-Yamada, 19th century Deftly carved as a mikan (tangerine) with finely stippled skin, containing a sinuously coiled dragon with neatly incised scales. Natural himotoshi due to the openwork nature of the netsuke. Signed MASANAO to the underside. DIAMETER 3.4 cm Condition: Good condition with minor surface wear as well as few small chips to the handle. Provenance: French private collection.

FUSHO: A BOXWOOD MANJU NETSUKE OF A COILED DRAGON Signed Fusho Japan, 19th century Finely carved as a sinuously coiled dragon with neatly incised scales grasping a tama (magical pearl) amid clouds. Natural himotoshi between the dragon and clouds. With a metal loop to the underside, possibly added later. Signed FUSHO within a rectangular reserve to the underside. DIAMETER 4.3 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko. Auction comparison: Compare with a similar netsuke by Fusho sold at Van Ham, Asian Art, 3 December 2015, Cologne, lot 2325 (sold for 2,451 EUR).

TWO PARCEL-GILT METAL MANJU NETSUKE WITH DRAGONS Unsigned Japan, 19th century One crafted from iron with gilt and silvered accents, the top with a fierce dragon amid clouds and the underside with reishi-shaped clouds, opening to reveal an ashtray within, the other crafted from parcel-gilt metal with a dragon amid clouds, the top with a lotus-shaped finial and loop handle. DIAMETER 4.8 and 4.7 cm WEIGHT 90.3 g Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.

KOZAN: A WOOD ‘IMITATION HAKO’ NETSUKE WITH A DRAGON Signed Kozan with inscription Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Carved as a rectangular box and cover (though one single piece) with a finely incised image of a dragon. Himotoshi to the underside. Signed KOZAN and with an inscription within an inlaid ivory reserve to the underside. SIZE 1.3 x 3.2 x 3.3 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.

TADATOSHI: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAIL Inscribed Tadatoshi Carved as a snail with its feelers extended over it shell, the natural himotoshi formed by the curling foot. Inscribed within a rectangular reserve TADATOSHI. LENGTH 3.7 cm Condition: Good condition. Provenance: Old Viennese private collection, collection no. 59, acquired in the late 1980s to early 1990s.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED SNAKE Unsigned Japan, 19th century to early 20th century Finely carved with neatly incised scales and dark inlaid eyes, with natural himotoshi through the snake’s coiled body. WIDTH 4.8 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: French private collection.

MUNEMITSU: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO COILED SNAKES Signed Munemitsu Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Finely carved and skillfully stained as two coiled snakes on a craggy rock, their heads and scales neatly incised. Himotoshi and signed MUNEMITSU to the base. HEIGHT 3 cm, LENGTH 4.2 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: French private collection.

MASAYUME: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A BOAR AND SNAKE By Masayume, signed Masayume 正夢 Japan, 20th century The boar (inoshishi) and snake (hebi) are opposing animals in the Japanese zodiac and thus sometimes depicted in a struggle, as in the present netsuke. Fine hairwork, the boar with inlaid eyes. The underside with himotoshi and signed within a polished reserve MASAYUME. LENGTH 4.5 cm Condition: Excellent condition. Provenance: Private collection.

A CONTEMPORARY WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED SNAKE AFTER MATSUDA SUKENAGA By contemporary artist Vadym Pyvovar Finely carved after the famous model by the Hida artist Matsuda Sukenaga, the scales rendered meticulously, and the eyes inlaid. Natural himotoshi and signed with the artist’s initials within a rectangular reserve. HEIGHT 3.6 cm, LENGTH 4.8 cm Condition: Excellent condition. Provenance: US private collection. Auction comparison: Compare to an example which inspired this model, sold by Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 9 November 2017, London, lot 5 (sold for 13,750 GBP).

YOSHINAGA: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT OX By Yoshinaga, signed Yoshinaga Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Very finely carved as a recumbent ox with neatly incised fur and dark inlaid eyes, the rope halter elegantly curved over the back, with oval himotoshi that are characteristic of Yoshinaga. Signed YOSHINAGA to the underside. LENGTH 5.5 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Beautiful patina, worn in all the right places. Provenance: French private collection.

KIGYOKU: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT OX By Kigyoku, signed Kigyoku Japan, 19th century Finely carved as a recumbent ox with a quizzical expression, the fur neatly incised, the legs elegantly positioned on the underside and the rope halter falling over the back. Himotoshi and signed KIGYOKU to the underside. LENGTH 7.8 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: European collection.

TOMOTADA: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT COW Signed Tomotada 友忠 Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A fine and powerfully crafted ivory netsuke of a recumbent cow with her head turned to the right, the eyes carefully inlaid in dark horn giving life to the expression. The bulky animal has a pronounced spine, a finely incised fur coat, and a rope halter passes through the nose ring, over the horns and all the way around to its tail, ending in a little loop. The underside equally carved well and showing the hooves tucked underneath the body and the cow’s udder. Generously excavated and asymmetrical himotoshi on the underside, in-between the signature in a rectangular reserve TOMOTADA. LENGTH 6.4 cm Condition: Very good condition. Expected age cracks. Provenance: British collection.

AN IMPORTANT EBONY WOOD NETSUKE OF A FROG ON DRIFTWOOD ATTRIBUTED TO SEIYODO TOMIHARU Attributed to Seiyodo Tomiharu, unsigned Japan, Iwami province, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Earle, Joe (2000) The Robert S. Huthart Collection of Iwami Netsuke, Vol. 1, p. 67, no. 48. The large amphibian squatting on a multi-tiered, worn piece of driftwood, the underside smoothly polished showing a fine grain with a reddish streak and housing the two well hollowed-out and slightly asymmetrical himotoshi. The frog has bulky proportions, its wonderfully carved legs are splayed and ready to push off the ground as it visibly urges to leap forward. The texture of the skin is achieved naturalistically – with finely carved ridges on the amphibian’s exterior and precisely rendered ukibori pimples on its underside. The large eyes show pupils of inlaid reddish horn imbuing life into this spectacularly rendered aquatic creature. Unsigned, however certainly by Seiyodo Tomiharu, founder of the Iwami school of carvers. SIZE 2.6 x 4.6 x 4.6 cm Condition: Excellent condition. Provenance: The Robert S. Huthart Collection. Auction comparison: Compare to another frog by Seiyodo Tomiharu sold at Bonhams, The Robert S. Huthart Collection of Iwami Netsuke Part II, 6 November 2019, London, lot 20 (sold for 20.687 GBP). Also compare to Bonhams, The Robert S. Huthart Collection of Iwami Netsuke Part I, 15 May 2019, London, lot 18 (sold for 26.312 GBP).

UEDA KOHOSAI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A CARP ON CUTTLEFISH BONE By Ueda Kohosai (died 1907), signed Kohosai Japan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) An interesting composition depicting a naturalistically rendered cuttlefish bone carved from pure white ivory, the tapering end executed with great skill as it is thin as a wafer, and the other end stippled. The front is inlaid with an amusing image of a carp with its mouth opened, the scales finely incised and inked and thevisible eye inlaid in dark lustrous horn. The execution of the carp is very much in the manner of Anraku and this could suggest a collaboration between the two artists, which belonged to the same school. The finely stained reverse with himotoshi and signature KOHOSAI. LENGTH 5.5 cm Condition: One chip to the edge of the bone, otherwise perfect condition. Provenance: British collection.

AN IVORY KYOTO SCHOOL NETSUKE OF A DOG WITH A BALL Unsigned Japan, Kyoto, first half of the 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The dog is carved in the style of the Kyoto school, its small head turned backwards and both front paws on a ball, note the beautiful details of the paws. The dog is wearing a collar around its neck, its fur, ribs and spine are precisely executed. Its small head is carved in a very lively manner, with lustrous black inlaid eyes. Natural himotoshi between the legs and ball. The dog (inu) is one of the twelve signs of the Japanese zodiac. HEIGHT 3.4 CM, LENGTH 4.2 CM Condition: Very good condition, beautiful patina with honey spots in some areas. Provenance: The 40-Year Collection of a London gentleman.

MASANOBU: A YAMADA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A PIEBALD PUPPY By Masanobu, signed Masanobu Japan, Ise-Yamada, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Carved as a puppy with a piebald fur coat, its front legs placed afore and with inalid eyes. Signed underneath MASANOBU. Natural himotoshi. LENGTH 4 cm Condition: Good condition, minor surface wear. Provenance: US private collection.

NOBUKAZU: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A SINGLE SAMBIKI SARU By Nobukazu, signed Nobukazu Japan, 19th century The monkey with a finely incised fur pattern performing all three aspects of the Sambiki Saru, placing a hand each in front of his eyes and mouth while covering his ears with his feet. Signed NOBUKAZU to the back. HEIGHT 3.6 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: European collection.

HOGYOKU: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF SQUIRRELS IN A ROCK By Hogyoku, signed Hogyoku Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Depicting a large squirrel with inlaid eyes and bushy tail seated on top of a rock, with another squirrel inside the rock and its bushy tail visible underneath. Himotoshi through the rock and signed underneath HOGYOKU. HEIGHT 4.1 cm Condition: Excellent condition. Provenance: German private collection, acquired in Japan in the 1980s/90s.

AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT GOAT Unsigned Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The goat with legs neatly positioned on the underside, its beard and fur finely incised. Himotoshi to the underside. LENGTH 6 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Fine patina. Provenance: British private estate.