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Click here to subscribeA lacquered four-case inroEdo period (1615-1868), late 18th/early 19th centuryDecorated in gold togidashi maki-e and e-nashiji with a continuous scene of thatched dwellings nestled in a hilly pine forest, the interior of nashij, unsigned, with a lacquered wood square manju netsuke carved with a fruiting branch and an octagonal plain wood ojime. 9cm (3½in) high.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A rare iron inro in the form of a kabuto (helmet)Edo period (1615-1868), 19th centuryThe shallow rounded bowl overlaid with silver ridges and surmounted by a silver tehen kanamono in the form of a chrysanthemum, the fukigaeshi (turnbacks) applied with gilt rain dragons and the maedate (forecrest) in the form of an oni (demon), the outer top edge of the helmet applied with three silver foliate crests, the underside fitted with a hinged clasp which lifts to reveal within two removable drawers, with an iron ojime and an iron netsuke in the form of a stirrup decorated with the same foliate mon; unsigned. 7.3cm (2 7/8in) diam. (3).Footnotes:Published:Sagemonoya, Sagemono & Netsuke, Tokyo, 1995, p.15, no.15.Tobacco and Salt Museum, Netsuke: Te no hira no naka no geijutsu (Netsuke: Art in the Palm of the Hand), Tokyo, Benrido, 1995, p.134, no.466.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A group of reference books on collections and Japanese art and Bonhams cataloguesComprising the following: Ayers, John, The Baur Collection, Geneva: Japanese Ceramics, Geneva, Collections Baur, 1982; Barry Davies Oriental Art, Ko-Imari Porcelain from the Collection of Oliver Impey, exhibition catalogue, London, 1997; Bonhams, London: The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art, complete set of 6 volumes (2010-2015), The Misumi Collection, complete set of 3 volumes (2014-2017), The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection, complete set of 3 volumes (2016-2018), The Robert S. Huthart Collection of Iwami Netsuke, complete set of 2 volumes (2019); Impey, Oliver, Jörg, Christiaan J. A., and Mason, Charles, Dragons, Tigers and Bamboo: Japanese Porcelain and its Impact in Europe, Vancouver, Douglas and McIntyre Publishers, 2009; Impey, Oliver, and Fairley, Malcolm, Treasures of Imperial Japan: Ceramics from the Khalili Collection, exhibition catalogue, London, National Museum of Wales and The Kibo Foundation, 1994; Impey, Oliver, and Fairley, Malcolm, Treasures of Imperial Japan: Ceramics from the Khalili Collection, exhibition catalogue, London, National Museum of Wales and The Kibo Foundation, 1994; Japan Society, The Burghley Porcelains: An Exhibition from The Burghley House Collection and based on the 1688 Inventory and 1690 Devonshire Schedule, exhibition catalogue, 1986; Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Shibata Korekushon ten (Shibata Collection), Tokyo, Seibundo, vols.1-6, 8 (1990-2002); Lang, Gordon, The Wrestling Boys: An Exhibition of Chinese and Japanese Ceramics from the 16th to the 18th Century in the Collection at Burghley House, exhibition catalogue, Eastbourne, Manor Park Press, 1983; Moes, Robert, Brooklyn Museum Japanese Ceramics, exhibition catalogue, 1979; Morse, Edward S., Catalogue of the Morse Collection of Japanese Pottery, Rutland, VT, and Tokyo, Charles E. Tuttle, 1979; Reichel, Friedrich, Early Japanese Porcelain: Arita Porcelain in the Dresden Collection, London, Orbis Publishing, 1981; Sargent, William R., The Copeland Collection: Chinese and Japanese Ceramic Figures, Salem, MA, Peabody Museum of Salem, 1991; Ströber, Eva, 'La maladie de porcelaine': Ostasiatiches Porzellan aus der Sammlung Augusts des Starken = East Asian Porcelain from the Collection of Augustus the Strong, Leipzig, Edition Leipzig, 2001; Tokyo National Museum, Oriental Ceramics: The World's Great Collections, vol.1, Tokyo, Kodansha International, 1982 (first published 1976). (a lot).For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Stag antler netsuke of a sharkEdo period (1615-1868) or Meiji era (1868-1912), mid-late 19th centuryNaturalistically rendered with incised details, its mouth wide open, the dorsal fin and tail shaped like the branches of the antlers, its pupils inlaid in dark horn; inscribed on its belly in seal form Masayuki. 10.8cm (4¼in) long.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A gold-lacquer large three-case inro in the form of a suit of armourBy Shokasai, Edo period (1615-1868), 19th centuryThe suit of armour displayed on an armour box and decorated in gold hiramaki-e and takamaki-e with details rendered in inlaid shell and e-nashiji, the simulated russet-iron helmet with antler-shaped flanges and surmounted by a maedate (forecrest) in the form of a dragon head, the menpo (mask) black-lacquered, the breastplate gold-inlaid with a rabbit among autumn plants, the helmet and hand guards with a katabami mon (wood sorrel crest), the armour box embellished with repeated hanabishi motifs; signed on the bottom case in gold lacquer Shokasai. 16cm x 10cm (6¼in x 3 7/8in).Footnotes:Provenance:Purchased at Christie's, London, 14 November 2001, lot 188.A similar example by the artist is illustrated by Barry Davies Oriental Art, Netsuke Classics, London, 1990, no.81.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A lacquered kinchaku (pouch) and iron netsuke in the form of a kabuto (helmet)The kinchaku by Shigeyoshi; both pieces Edo period (1615-1868), 19th century The kinchaku in the form of a kusazuri (thigh guard), formed of black-lacquered plates and dark blue lacing, with shakudo mounts, chased with chrysanthemums and openwork foliage, the base of rich nashiji, signed on the bottom in gold lacquer Shigeyoshi with a kao, 7.3cm (3in) high; the kabuto netsuke of typical form and composed of metal plates bound together with rivets and silk lacing, a fitting at the front for the crest, the inside woven with cords to protect the wearer's head, the himotoshi in the form of a movable peg through the opening in the crown, unsigned; 4.1cm x 5.7cm (1 5/8in x 2¼in). (3).Footnotes:Provenance:The kinchaku: Edward Wrangham Collection.Purchased in these rooms, 9 November 2010, lot 254.The netsuke: Albert Brockhaus Collection.Purchased at Eskenazi Ltd. (see below).Published:Eskenazi Ltd., Japanese Netsuke, Ojime and Inro from a Private European Collection, London, 1998, p.153, no.188.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A gold-lacquer two-case inro with a gold-lacquer square ojime in form of a shamisen and a cherry wood netsukeThe inro probably by Komai Kansai II (1797-1857), Edo period (1615-1868), mid-19th centuryThe kinji ground decorated in gold takamaki-e and tetsusabi-nuri on both sides with sword fittings comprising: two tsuba, each embellished with autumnal plants and grasses, a kozuka rendered in black ishime lacquer simulating a shakudo nanako ground embellished with kusudama (string-decorated brocade balls), a pair of seppa and habaki, a kurikata and two menuki applied in shakudo high relief inlay, the interior of nashiji, signed Kansai with a kao; the shamisen ojime with the sides in mokume-nuri (imitating wood grain) and decorated with an open song book on the reverse and strings on the other, unsigned; the netsuke a natural section of cherry wood lacquered in gold hiramaki-e with a sprig of cherry; signed Joshu Hatazakura ni oite Toyo (Toyo at Hatazakura in Hitachi Province) with a kao. 6.2cm (2 3/8in) high.Footnotes:Provenance:Mike and Hiroko Dean Collection.Purchased at Christie's, London, 12-13 July 2005, lot 142.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A black and gold lacquer four-case inroEdo period (1615-1868), mid-19th centuryThe roiro ground embellished with mura-nashiji, finely lacquered in gold and slightly coloured togidashi maki-e and e-nashiji with a continuous scene of two girls, each carrying buckets of water beneath an overhanging pine branch by a fast-flowing river, the interior of matt gold lacquer, unsigned; with a lacquered-metal netsuke of a butterfly with wings spread, the front of iron, and inlaid with details in typical Komai style of flat gold inlay and the reverse of Negoro-style lacquer, unsigned; with a red glass ojime. 8.8cm (3½in) high.Footnotes:Provenance:Harriet Szechenyi Collection.Purchased from these rooms, 8 November 2011, lot 349.The design is taken from a woodblock print by Torii Kiyonaga (1752-1815), from the series Fuzoku Azuma no Nishiki (Beauties of the East as reflected in fashions), illustrating a scene from the Noh play Matsukaze, showing the two sisters Matsukaze and Murasame carrying pails of water on the sea shore.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A black-lacquer five-case inroBy Koma Bunsai, Edo period (1615-1868), mid-19th centuryOf upright form, the rich roiro ground lacquered with scattered maru-ni-mitsugashiwa mon of the Makino family of Tanabe among scattered formal flowerheads, in gold takamaki-e and zogan-nuri, the interior of nashiji with kinji edges, signed in a red gourd-shaped reserve Bunsai; with a gilt metal and enamel filigree ojime; unsigned. 9.5cm (3¾in) high.Footnotes:Provenance:Edward Gilbertson Collection.R. A. Pfungst Collection.Demaree and Dorothy Bess Collection.Charles A. Greenfield Collection, no.205.Sold at Eskenazi Ltd., London, 1990.Edward Wrangham Collection, no.2001.Published:Harold P. Stern, The Magnificent Three, Lacquer, Netsuke and Tsuba, New York, Japan Society, 1972, inro no.30.A. J. Pekarik, Japanese Lacquer, 1600-1900, New York, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1980, no.45.E. A. Wrangham, The Index of Inro Artists, Alnwick, Northumberland, Harehope Publications, 1995, p.32, Bunsai, Koma, right.Exhibited:Burlington Fine Arts Club, London, 1894, case XIII, no.31A.Japan Society Gallery, New York, 1972.Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1980.The technique used on the smaller mon is zogan-nuri, which simulates cloisonné enamel by applying fine gold or silver wire.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A pale boxwood netsuke of a badgerEdo period (1615-1868) or Meiji era (1868-1912), mid-late 19th centuryStanding and staring ahead in a human attitude, its body wrapped in a large lotus leaf, wearing a smaller lotus leaf hat, its short bushy tail visible from beneath the edge of the leaf on the reverse, its eyes inlaid with pale translucent horn; unsigned. 5.1cm (2in) high.Footnotes:For very similar examples of the subject by Toyokazu, see Neil K. Davey, Netsuke: A Comprehensive Study Based on the M. T. Hindson Collection, London, Faber & Faber and Sotheby Parke Bernet Publications, 1974, p.243, no.756, and Frederick Meinertzhagen, MCI: The Meinertzhagen Card Index on Netsuke in the Archives of the British Museum, New York, Alan R. Liss Inc., 1986, p.946. For an example by Toyomasa, see Marie-Thérèse Coullery and Martin S. Newstead, The Baur Collection Geneva: Netsuke (Selected Pieces), Geneva, Collections Baur, 1977, no.C1108, and for an unsigned example in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv.no.A.919-1910), see http://collections.vam.ac.uk/itemO228598/netsuke-unknown/For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Wood netsuke of Sojobo (the tenju king) hatchingEdo period (1615-1868), mid-late 19th centuryShown emerging from a large shell, one hand clutching a feathered fan, the other levering the rest of its lower body, one leg dangling over the front of the shell and both wings spread over the shell at the back, its eyes inlaid with pale horn; inscribed on the base Miwa with a kao. 4.5cm (1¾in) long.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Nine pairs of menuki (paired hilt ornaments)Edo period (1615-1868), late 18th/19th centuryAll of mixed metal with relief inlay and chasing and unsigned except as noted, the first, two circular plates perhaps for kagamibuta netsuke depicting Kosekiko handing a scroll to Choryo, signed Rakusuido Tsunenari with a kao, with a wood storage box inscribed outside with the title and artist name, the reverse of the lid with a lengthy attestation dated August 1937; the second two swallows; the third a fan and broom, both with insects; the fourth two pairs of gambolling puppies; the fifth copper, a buck and doe, signed Nagatsune, with a wood storage box inscribed with the title and artist name, the reverse of the lid with an attestation dated May 1924; the sixth the Herd Boy (kengyo, Altair) and the Weaving Princess (orihime, Vega); the seventh two charging mounted samurai; the eighth two piles of beans; the ninth a gourd vine, flowers, and wasps; the other seven each with a wood storage box. (27).This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A Wood netsuke of a haniwa warriorBy Ouchi Sosui (1911-1972), Showa era (1926-1989), 20th centuryRendered in conventional form, standing, wearing a visorless helmet with thick protective ear flaps and a sheet of thinner material wrapping around the rest of the head and neck, a distinctive short-sleeved body armour flaring outwards near the hips, a wide, sheathed sword suspended from the waist and diagonally across the right front of the body, and a pouch on the left side; signed on the back of the right leg Sosui. 5.7cm (2¼in) high.Footnotes:For an almost identical example, see Raymond Bushell, Collectors' Netsuke, New York, John Weatherhill, 1971, p.177, no.327.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of two toadsBy Masanao, Yamada, Ise Province, Edo period (1615-1868), 19th century A large toad seated in a typical attitude, a smaller toad seated on its back, the wood of a good colour and the eyes inlaid; signed Masanao with a kao. 4.2cm (1 5/8in).Footnotes:For a very similar example, see George Lazarnick, Netsuke and Inro Artists and How to Read Their Signatures, Honolulu, Reed Publishers, 1982, p.722.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A black-lacquered netsuke in the form of a broken-off piece of inkBy Shibata Zeshin (1807-1891), Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th centuryDecorated in relief on one side with musical instruments and tassels, and two kanji (Chinese characters) on the other, the second character truncated; signed on one side Zeshin in incised characters. 3.1cm (1¼in).Footnotes:Provenance:Purchased in these rooms, 10 November 2011, lot 244.Similar examples are illustrated by Neil K. Davey, Netsuke: A Comprehensive Study Based on the M. T. Hindson Collection, London, Faber & Faber and Sotheby Parke Bernet Publications, 1974, p.279, nos.846-847.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of a soldierBy Bokusan Sekko, Edo period (1615-1868), mid-19th centuryProbably representing a foreign soldier, wearing a conical hat attached with plaited headgear covering his ears and shoulders, bending over and adjusting his sandal, a large sack of provisions on his back tied in a knot under his chin; signed on the reverse Bokuzan Sekko saku (Made by Bokuzan Sekko). 5.1cm (2in) long.Footnotes:Provenance:Sold at Christie's, London, 12-13 July 2006, lot 573.Clyde Engle Collection.Purchased at Sydney L. Moss Ltd.Published:Sydney L. Moss Ltd., Outside the Box, Further Explorations in Japanese Netsuke and Lacquer, London, 2004, pp.78-79, no.37.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of Hadesu slaying a tigerBy Tsuguhisa, Edo period (1615-1868), 19th centuryThe legendary warrior standing in a belligerent pose with one hand pinning down a strugglng tiger to the ground and the other raised about to strike the animal's head; signed on the tiger's belly in an oval reserve Tsuguhisa. 3.9cm (1½in) high.Footnotes:For two similar examples (one signed Gyokurintei), see Henri L. Joly, Behrens Collection, vol. 1, London, Glendining and Co., 1913, pl.LXI, nos.4782 and 4789. The example signed Gyokurintei (Behrens no.4789) is also illustrated by Neil K. Davey, Netsuke: A Comprehensive Study Based on the M. T. Hindson Collection, London, Faber & Faber and Sotheby Parke Bernet Publications, 1974, p.305, no.926.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Three wood okimono netsukeEdo period (1615-1868) or Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th centuryComprising: Omori Hikoshichi and Chihaya, the warrior standing and bending over from the weight of the creature carried on his back; his hand poised on the hilt of his sword, turning around, discovering the true demonic nature of the beautiful woman reflected in the river, signed Gyokusen, 5.2cm (2in) high; the second of Ii no Hayata kneeling astride the struggling nue monster as he strikes it with his dagger, an archer standing beside him, unsigned; 3.9cm (1½in) high; the third a warrior holding a slab beneath one arm, signed Gyokusai, 4.2cm (1 9/16in) high. (3).Footnotes:Provenance:The second: purchased at Sotheby's, London, 9-10 November 2005, lot 1259.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A group of Japanese netsuke, Meiji/Taisho period, comprising Ebisu (signed), Daikoku and Jurojin, an actor with a fan (signed), a crawling child, a bone netsuke carved as an Oni carrying a board, and an okimono of a a man dressed in Artemesia leaves with a double gourd upon his back, tallest 9cmQty: 7Condition report: All ivory with age cracks. Child missing its hands. Tallest figure head has been off and glued on,
Two Japanese ivory netsuke, 19th century, carved as Kashima placing restraining stones on Namazu, signed, the other as Hanasaka Jui raking through a pile of gold coins, signed within a red seal, 3cm & 4.5cm respectivelyCondition report: Old stained cracks around Kashima's face, some age cracks to the rocks. Otherwise no further faults.
A small collection of Japanese art reference books, comprising Raymond Bushell - The Inro Handbook, Studies of Netsuke, Inro & Lacquer, publ:1989, Early Japanese Porcelain in the Dresden Collection, publ:1981, Soame Jenyns - Japanese Porcelain, publ: 1965, Oriental Ceramic Society - Porcelain for Palaces, The fashion for japan in Europe 1650 - 1750, publ:1990, Barry Davies Oriental Art - Ko-Imari Porcelain from the Collection of Oliver Impey, publ: 1997, Barry Davies Oriental Art 0 Japanese Lacquer Nambokucho to Zeshin, The Collection of Mike 7 Hiroko Dean, publ:2002, Japan's Golden Age - Momoyama, publ:1996, and Ichimatsu Tanaka - Japanese Ink Painting: Shubun to Sesshu, publ:1980, (8)
Three Japanese ivory okimono and a netsuke, Meiji/Taisho, comprising a fortune teller reading a clients palm, signed, two scholars reading a scroll before a screen of bamboo, a grinning figure standing beside a stand supporting a censer, signed, and a stag antler netsuke jardiniere stand surmounted by an awakening deer, 2.6cm - 5.3cmQty: 4
A wood netsuke of an oniBy Masakazu, Nagoya, 19th centuryThe demon crouching beneath a large straw hat, attempting to hide from beans thrown at the Setsubun ceremony to exorcise him and other demons, two beans rolling down the crown of the hat, another bean resting on the demon's head, the eye inlaid; signed Masakazu. 3cm (1 3/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付 鬼遣 銘「正一｣ 19世紀Provenance:Purchased at Ader, Hotel Drouot, February 1984.A similar example by Masakazu is illustrated by F. Meinertzhagen, MCI, p.426, and two others by Ittan are illustrated in ibid., p.250.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of Omori HikoshichiBy Miwa, Edo, late 18th/early 19th centuryThe hero crouching on the ground with a defiant expression, drawing his sword about to slay the female demon towering ferociously over him from behind, the wood slightly worn, the demon's horns and one cord hole ringed in bone; signed Miwa. 3.2cm (1¼in).Footnotes:木彫根付 大森彦七 銘「三輪」 18世紀後期/19世紀前期Provenance: Purchased in Bordeaux, November 1998.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of a tanukiBy Tanaka Minko (1735-1816), Tsu, late 18th centuryThe tanuki seated, its right foreleg raised, its other foreleg beating its distended stomach, the well-patinated wood slightly worn, the eyes inlaid in brass with dark pupils; signed Minko with a kao. 3cm (1 3/16in) high.Footnotes:木彫根付 狸 銘「岷江（花押）」 18世紀後期Provenance:Purchased at Savot, Galerie des Ventes d'Orléans, June 1999.A good example of a model of which many copies were made during the nineteenth century.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of a wolfBy Tanaka Minko (1735-1816), Tsu, Ise Province, late 18th centuryThe wolf seated and leaning forward, its ribs protruding, eagerly gnawing at a severed deer leg, the eyes double inlaid in brass and dark horn; signed Minko. 4cm (1 9/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付 狼 銘「岷江」 18世紀後期Provenance:Purchased at Sotheby's, London, 16 June 1994, lot 206.A very similar example is illustrated by M. Coullery, Baur, p.339, no.C1058. For a similar example, see Barry Davies Oriental Art, RSH, p.229, no.171. Another example of the subject by Ranmin is illustrated by R. Barker and L. Smith, NMSJ, p.106, no.204.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of an eagle and monkeyBy Masatsugu, 19th centuryThe eagle crouching, leering down at the monkey pinned down in its claws, the monkey with its mouth open, crying out, the wood with a fine patina, the eyes of both double inlaid; signed in a polished oval reserve Masatsugu. 3.2cm (1½in).Footnotes:木彫根付 鷲と猿 銘「正次」 19世紀Provenance:Scott Meredith Collection.Purchased at Barry Davies Oriental Art, September 1995.Published:Barry Davies Oriental Art, SM, no.21.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of an eagle on a rock18th centuryThe eagle perched upon a smooth rock, hanging its head down to look below, the wood worn; unsigned. 4.4cm (1¾in) high.Footnotes:木彫根付 岩に鷲 無銘 18世紀Provenance:Purchased at Toledano, Bordeaux, December 1997.Similar examples are illustrated by H. Joly, WLB, pl.LXX, no.5378, and P. Jirka-Schmitz, Trumpf, p.284, no.607.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of an owlSecond half of the 19th centuryThe owl perched on a short bifurcated branch, foliage attached to the branch forming the himotoshi, the plumage naturalistically rendered, the eyes inlaid, the wood with an even stain; unsigned. 4.6cm (1¾in) high.Footnotes:木彫根付 梟 無銘 19世紀後期Provenance:Milgrom Collection.Purchased at Lucien Paris, Nogent-sur-Marne, 24 September 2015, lot 433.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of an owl19th centuryThe owl seated on a branch, turning its head to the left, bearing an alert expression, the wood stained, the eyes double inlaid; unsigned. 3.8cm (1½in) high.Footnotes:木彫根付 梟 無銘 19世紀Provenance:Milgrom Collection.Purchased at Lucien, Nogent-sur-Marne, 24 September 2015, lot 415.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Two lacquer netsuke of birds 19th centuryThe first a resting crane, its wings gold-lacquered, its neck bent and its head resting on its back, forming a compact composition, unsigned, 3.1cm (1¼in); the second a mandarin duck decorated with gold-lacquered medallions of formal designs over its body, signed in partially legible characters [...]sai, 3.6cm (1 7/16in). (2).Footnotes:漆塗木彫根付 二点（鶴、鴛鴦） 19世紀Provenance: The first: Purchased at Delvaux, Paris, 12 June 2013, lot 217.The second: Purchased at AuctionArt, Paris, 16 April 2015, lot 41.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of Kiyohime on the Dojoji bellBy Tametaka, Nagoya, late 18th centuryFully transformed into a dragon, the witch Kiyohime resting her head on top of the temple bell, her claws grasping the sides of the bell, her long tail curling around; signed O Tametaka (Owari Tametaka) with a kao. 4cm (1 9/16in) high.Footnotes:木彫根付 道成寺 銘「尾 為隆（花押）」 18世紀後期Provenance:Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection.Purchased at Sagemonoya, Tokyo, September 1998.Published:Bushell, CN, p.35, no.32.Jairus K. Hammond, 'Nagoya Style Zodiac Animals', NKSJ, vol.11, no.4, p.10, fig.8.BAFJ, no.61, p.1.Sagemonoya, NAS, p.6, no.20.The story of Kiyohime and her ultimately destructive unrequited love for the priest Anchin is the subject of a No drama, Dojoji.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of a toad on a lotus leafEarly/mid-19th centuryThe toad seated on the overturned large leaf and gripping the thick stalk for support, its body almost completely covered with ukibori pimples, the veins of the leaf carved in relief, the eyes inlaid; unsigned. 4.1cm (1 5/8in).Footnotes:木彫根付 蓮葉に蝦蟇 無銘 19世紀前期/中期Provenance:Purchased at Bondu, December 1986.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of a toad on a sandalBy Ryusansai Issan, Iwashiro Province, early 19th centuryThe toad crawling on an overturned straw sandal, the thong forming the himotoshi, the eyes double inlaid; signed in a raised rectangular reserve Issan. 3.9cm (1½in).Footnotes:木彫根付 草鞋に蝦蟇 銘「一山」 19世紀前期Provenance:Purchased at Cornette de Saint Cyr, Paris, October 1985.For a very similar example, see N. Davey, MTH, p.261, no.806, also illustrated by F. Meinertzhagen, MCI, p.239.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of frogs and a toad on a lotus leafBy Seimin, 19th centuryThe toad and smooth-skinned frog locked in combat on the leaf, two smaller frogs watching, one holding a small lotus bud, the toad's warts rendered in ukibori pimples, the eyes inlaid in brass; signed in a mother-of-pearl tablet Seimin. 3.5cm (1 3/8in).Footnotes:木彫根付 蓮葉に蝦蟇と蛙 銘「晴民」 19世紀Provenance:Purchased at Piasa, Paris, 17 May 2011, lot 58.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of a toad and youngBy Miwa, Edo, early 19th centuryThe adult toad grasping a worm in its forelimbs, its smooth-skinned young resting on its stippled warty back, the eyes inlaid; signed in a sunken rectangular reserve Miwa with a kao. 3.2cm (1½in) long.Footnotes:木彫根付 親子蝦蟇 銘「三輪（花押）」 19世紀前期Provenance:A Scandinavian private collection.Purchased at Christie's, London, 25 October 1984, lot 50.This netsuke was likely made by Miwa the Third.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of a turtle and youngBy Kokei, Kuwana, Ise Province, early 19th centuryThe parent almost completely hidden inside its shell, its six offspring clambering over each other, one having rolled onto its back, the slightly worn wood with a good patina; signed Kokei. 3.5cm (1 3/8in).Footnotes:木彫根付 親子亀 銘「虎渓」 19世紀前期Provenance:Randon Collection.Purchased at Piasa, Paris, 22 October 2004, lot 149.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of a turtle with two youngBy Kano Tomokazu, Gifu, mid-19th centuryThe adult tucking its head and legs inside its shell, its two young climbing over its carapace, the eyes inlaid, the wood lightly worn and well patinated; signed in an oval reserve Tomokazu. 3.4cm (1 5/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付 親子亀 銘「友一」 19世紀中期Provenance:A European private collection.Purchased at Sotheby's, London, 16 November 1983, lot 69.Published:Ducros, NS, p.78.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of an octopusBy Miwa, Edo, early 19th centuryThe anthropomorphic octopus standing, dressed in a sleeveless haori (jacket), pounding mochi (rice cakes) in a bowl with a long kine (pestle), the eyes double inlaid; signed Miwa. 6.4cm (2½in) high.Footnotes:木彫根付 蛸 銘「三輪」 19世紀前期Provenance:Legrand Collection.Purchased at Beaussant-Lefèvre, Hotel Drouot, 27 May 2004, lot 199.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of an octopus and monkeyEarly/mid-19th centuryThe octopus and monkey locked in combat, the monkey grappling with the octopus's two front tentacles, the remaining tentacles wrapped around, the octopus with a sweatband around its head, the wood stained, the eyes of both inlaid; unsigned. 3.1cm (1¼in).Footnotes:木彫根付 蛸と猿 無銘 19世紀前期/中期Provenance:Bullier Collection.Sold at Hotel Drouot, Paris, 9-12 March 1924, lot 127.Purchased at Hotel Drouot, Paris, October 1989.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A boxwood netsuke of a namazu (catfish)Late 19th centuryThe namazu swimming, a bifurcated stalk of reishi fungus by its side forming the himotoshi, the eyes inlaid in dark horn; unsigned. 7.2cm (2 13/16in).Footnotes:黄楊彫根付 鯰 無銘 19世紀後期Provenance:Purchased at Delvaux, Paris, 12 June 2013, lot 182.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of a snailBy Tametaka, Nagoya, 18th centuryThe large snail emerging from its shell, its optic feelers fully extended, part of its long foot continuing to the underside of its shell to form the himotoshi, the wood stained dark; signed in a sunken reserve Tametaka. 3.5cm (1 3/8in).Footnotes:木彫根付 蝸牛 銘「為隆」 18世紀Provenance:Purchased at Hans Seleger, Zurich, September 1995.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of a mermaidBy Tadatoshi, Nagoya, early 19th centuryThe mermaid lying, turning to her left, curling up as she clutches her tail, forming a compact composition, the wood well patinated; signed in a rectangular reserve with ukibori characters Tadatoshi. 3.3cm (1 5/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付 人魚 銘「忠利」 19世紀前期Provenance:Coulomb Collection.Purchased at Ader, Hotel Drouot, December 1987.A very similar example by the artist from the Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection was sold in these rooms, 10 May 2017, lot 25. Another is illustrated by INS, PE, no.33. For other similar examples, see R. Bandini, SON, p.36, no.52, and M. Coullery, Baur, p.115, no.C224.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of a branch with an applied metal snailBy a member of the Tsuchiya Yasuchika lineage, early 19th centuryThe snail crawling up a section of branch, the shell of shibuichi and the body of silver, the details finely rendered, the wood slightly worn; signed Yasuchika. 3.5cm (1 3/8in).Footnotes:金工・木彫根付 枝に蝸牛 銘「安親」 19世紀前期Provenance:Purchased at Sotheby's London, 18 November 1982, lot 99.Artists of the lineage founded by Tsuchiya Yasuchika (1670-1744) were best known for their sword fittings but also occasionally made netsuke and other items: an inro with Kinko Sennin on a carp signed Yasuchika was sold in these rooms, 12 May 2016, lot 272.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of a wasp in a loofah gourdBy Kogetsu, early 19th centuryThe wasp gnawing a large hole into the gourd, the smooth gourd pierced with decayed holes, the vine trailing down, the wood well patinated, the wasp's eyes inlaid, signed Kogetsu; with a wood storage box inscribed Kogetsu saku Kibori hechima ni hachi sashi netsuke (Wood sashi netsuke of a loofah gourd and wasp made by Kogetsu). 15.4cm (6cm). (2).Footnotes:木彫差し根付 糸瓜に蜂 銘「江月」 19世紀前期Provenance:S. Kaneko, Yokohama.A. V. K. Murray Collection.Purchased at Sotheby's, London, 13 March 1989, lot 94.Published:JINCS, December 1975, vol.3, no.3, p.17, no.9.INS, PE, no.94.For a very similar example signed Ittokusai, see J. Earle, NFR, p.228, no.192. Another similar example by Gekko is illustrated by R. Bushell, CN, p.102, no.139.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of a wasp and nestEarly 19th centuryThe wasp resting outside the nest section, several open cells containing inlaid grubs, a decaying hole forming the himotoshi; unsigned. 3.3cm (1 5/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付 巣に蜂 無銘 19世紀前期 Provenance:Purchased at S.V.V. Duma, Lyon, December 1997.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of reishi fungusBy Shibata Zeshin (1807-1891), late 19th centuryThe four stalks of fungi with heads of differing size, seven tiny ants delicately applied in black lacquer, one of the stalks forming the himotoshi; signed in black lacquer Zeshin. 4.5cm (1¾in) high.Footnotes:木彫根付 霊芝 銘「是真」 19世紀後期Provenance:Leblanc Collection.Purchased at Beaussant-Lefèvre, Hotel Drouot, 20 November 2009, lot 243.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of a mushroom with inlaid metal antsBy Jikan Ganbun, Kyoto and Tokyo, late 19th centuryThe mushroom with a broad cap, the thick stalk partly gnawed, characteristically inlaid with three tiny ants of gilt metal and shakudo, the wood well patinated; signed on an inlaid ebony tablet Gyonen rokujusai Ganbun tsukuru (Made by Ganbun at the age of 60). 3.1cm (1¼in) high.Footnotes:木彫根付 茸に蟻 銘「行年六十歳眼文造」 19世紀後期Provenance:Purchased at Delvaux, Paris, 12 April 2013, lot 137.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of bamboo shootsBy Yoshikazu, late 19th centuryThe two bamboo shoots carved side-by-side, one curling beneath the other, the larger one with wormholes, revealing inside a small figure of Moso, one of the Twenty-four Filial Exemplars, the root nodules inlaid in dark horn; signed in a stained red wood oval cartouche Yoshikazu. 6cm (2 3/8in).Footnotes:木彫根付 筍の中の孟宗 銘「美一」 19世紀後期Provenance:Purchased at Chayette & Cheval, Hotel Drouot, March 1982.A very similar example by Yoshikazu is illustrated in F. Meinertzhagen, MCI, p.984 and an almost identical example from the A. R. Wright Collection was sold at Sotheby's, London, 1 November 1933.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A boxwood netsuke of a chestnutBy Ouchi Sosui (1911-1972), mid-20th centuryThe chestnut of slightly flattened form, carved in a naturalistic manner, the smooth skin contrasting with the calyx textured with ukibori pimples; signed Sosui. 3.1cm (1¼in).Footnotes:黄楊彫根付 栗 銘「藻水」 20世紀中期Provenance:Purchased at Sotheby's, London, 18 November 1982, lot 98.Published:INS, PE, no.89.For similar examples by Soko and Gyokuso, see Sagemonoya, SSN, p.24, nos.62-66.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of Okame on a long-nosed tengu maskLate 19th centuryOkame climbing up the long phallic nose of a tengu (crow demon), wearing an amused expression as she recognises the erotic significance, the mask's eyes double inlaid; with an obscure signature and a kao. 8.8cm (3 7/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付 天狗の仮面にお亀 在銘 19世紀後期Provenance:Rolf Schmoll Collection.Isaakson Collection.For an example in ivory of Okame with a shorter-nosed tengu mask, see V. F. Weber, KH, pl.XLII, no.10.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Two boxwood netsuke of vegetable subjects19th centuryThe first a persimmon open on the underside revealing a large spider crab within the cavity, the wood slightly worn with a good patina, signed Hoichi, 3.5cm (1 3/8in); the second an erotic carving of a large-crowned mushroom with a mask of Okame carved at the side, the stalk forming the himotoshi, unsigned, 4.2cm (1 11/16in). (2).Footnotes:黄楊彫根付 二点（柿に蟹、茸にお亀面） 19世紀Provenance:The first: Purchased at Bondu, December 1986.The second: Prieur Collection.Purchased at Delvaux, Paris, 12 April 2013, lot 151.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of three shishiBy Sato Masayoshi, mid-19th centuryThe shishi playfully fighting, two rolling on their sides with raised heads, the third climbing over them, biting into the haunch of one, forming a compact composition, one leg forming the himotoshi, the slightly worn wood with a good patina, the eyes inlaid; signed Masayoshi. 3.3cm (1 5/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付 獅子 銘「正義」 19世紀中期Provenance: Scott Meredith Collection.Purchased from Barry Davies Oriental Art, London, 1995.Published:INS convention catalogue, New York, 1995, no.16. 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 by N. Davey, MTH, p.202, no.612, while a very similar example in wood by Masamitsu is illustrated in ibid., p.203, no.616.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A wood netsuke of a shishiBy Suketada, Takayama, Hida Province, late 19th centuryThe shishi seated, its head turning to the right with mouth open, resting one forepaw on a pierced openwork ball, the interior with three loose balls, one leg forming the himotoshi, the wood lightly stained, the eyes inlaid; signed in an oval reserve Suketada. 4cm (1 9/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付 獅子 銘「亮忠」 19世紀後期Provenance:Purchased at Sarot, 30 March 1995.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
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