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A wood netsuke of two shishiBy Tametaka, Nagoya, 18th centuryThe two shishi seated, curled around each other, their heads resting on each other's backs, one with a loose ball inside its open mouth, their voluminous curly tails trailing behind, the wood stained dark and slightly worn; signed on the underside of one foot Tametaka. 4cm (1 9/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付　獅子　銘「為隆」　18世紀Provenance:Harriet Szechenyi Collection.Purchased in these rooms, 8 November 2011, lot 29.Published:Bandini, SON, p.15, no.20.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a kappa on a tortoiseBy Naito Toyomasa (1773-1856), Tanba Province, early 19th centuryThe kappa with a bemused expression, sitting on top of the tortoise, its long hair flowing down its back, the tortoise with its head turned to the left, its limbs tucked in for compactness, the eyes of both double inlaid; signed Toyomasa. 3.7cm (1½in).Footnotes:木彫根付　亀に河童　銘「豊昌」　19世紀前期Provenance:R. Motola Collection, Italy.Purchased at Eskenazi, March 1984.Published:INS, PE, no.82.For a similar example from the M. T. Hindson Collection, see R. Bushell, CN, p.69, no.93.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood and stag-antler netsuke of a kappaBy Ryukosai Jugyoku, Edo, 19th centuryThe kappa of dark stained wood, clambering onto a large cucumber of green-stained stag-antler, looking ahead with an intense expression, its eyes double inlaid; signed on a mother-of-pearl tablet Jugyoku. 4cm (1 9/16in).Footnotes:木・鹿角彫根付　胡瓜に河童　銘「寿玉」　19世紀Provenance: Purchased at Sotheby's, London, 20 February 1986, lot 29.A very similar example is illustrated by F. Meinertzhagen, MCI, p.272. Another similar example by the artist is illustrated by B. Hurtig, MNA, p.182, no.756.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a sleeping ShojoBy Ikkan (1817-1893), Nagoya, 19th centuryLying with his head resting on his right hand, his long hair flowing down his back, his long robe decorated with a geometric design over a cloud-decorated under-robe; signed Ikkan. 4cm (1 9/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付　猩々　銘「一貫」　19世紀Provenance:Louis Gonse Collection, no.316.L. and Y. Laufer Collection.Purchased at Sotheby's, Paris, 18 December 2012, lot 277.The signature has been identified by different scholars as Ichiun or Ikkan.For similar examples by other artists, see B. Hurtig, MNA, pp.76, 121, and 172, nos.251, 479, and 704.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A boxwood netsuke of a kappaBy Sukeharu, Takayama, Hida Province, 19th centuryThe kappa standing on a large clam, the kappa attempting to extricate one foot caught in the shell, expressively rendered in stained boxwood, the eyes inlaid, the himotoshi ringed with bone, one stained green; signed Sukeharu. 3.4cm (1 5/16in).Footnotes:黄楊彫根付　河童　銘「亮春」　19世紀Provenance:Milgrom Collection.Purchased at Lucien Paris, Nogent-sur-Marne, 24 September 2015, lot 424.The maker appears to have been a contemporary of Matsuda Sukenaga and other carvers from Takayama in Hida Province, although hardly any of his output is recorded, but very similar examples by Suketada are illustrated by N. Davey, MTH, p.237, no.736; R. Barker and L. Smith, NMSJ, p.111, no.209; and G. Lazarnick, NIA, p.1050.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A collection of Japanese art and Japanese related auction catalogues, Christie's, Sotheby's and Klefisch (1981-2007)Including important netsuke owner collections, consisting of a broken run of the following: Sotheby's, London (1981-2007); Sotheby's, Honolulu and New York (1985, 1989); Christie's, London (1983-1987); Kunsthandel Klefisch, Cologne (1983-2004); together with Sotheby's, Paris Asian-art-related catalogues (2012, 2014). (a lot).Footnotes:クリスティーズ・サザビーズ・クレフィッシュ日本美術カタログコレクション　多数For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A collection of important reference books on netsukeComprising the following: Atchley, Virginia G; Bushell, Frances; Goodall, Hollis; and Izzard, Sebastian, The Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection of Netsuke: A Legacy at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Chicago, Art Media Resources, 2003; Arakawa, Hirokazu, The Go Collection of Netsuke: Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo, Kodansha International, 1983 (first edition); Bandini, Rosemary, In A Nutshell: Japanese Netsuke from European Collections, London, Rosemary Bandini, 2013; Bandini, Rosemary, Shishi and Other Netsuke: The Collection of Harriet Szechenyi, London, Rosemary Bandini, 1999; Bushell, Raymond, Collectors' Netsuke, New York and Tokyo, Weatherhill, 1979 (first published 1971); Bushell, Raymond, Netsuke: Familiar and Unfamiliar, New York and Tokyo, Weatherhill, 1975 (first edition); Bushell, Raymond, The Wonderful World of Netsuke, Tokyo, Charles E. Tuttle, 1982 (first published 1964); Cohen, George, In Search of Netsuke and Inro, London, Jacey Group, 1974 (first edition); Coullery, Marie-Thérèse, Newstead, Martin S., The Baur Collection: Collections Baur – Netsuke, London and Boston, Kegan Paul, 1977 (first edition); Davey, Neil K., Netsuke: A Comprehensive Study Based on the M. T. Hindson Collection, London, Philip Wilson Publishers, 1982; Davey, Neil; and K., Tripp, Susan G., The Garrett Collection: Japanese Art – Lacquer, Inro, Netsuke, London, Dauphin Publishing Ltd, 1993; Earle, Joe, Netsuke: Fantasy and Reality in Japanese Miniature Sculpture, Boston, MFA Publications, 2001 (first edition); Hurtig, Bernard, Masterpieces of Netsuke Art: One Thousand Favourites of Leading Collectors, New York and Tokyo, Weatherhill, 1980 (first published in 1973); Jirka-Schmitz, Patrizia, Netsuke: 112 Meisterwerke – Masterpieces – The Trumpf Collection, (vols. 1 and 2), Stuttgart, Arnoldsche Art Publishers, 2000; Joly, Henri L., W. L. Behrens Collection: Part I. Netsuke, Saint Paul, Minnesota, Paragon Book Reprint Corp, 1966; Jonas, F.M., Netsuke, Tokyo, Charles E. Tuttle, 1973 (first published in 1960); Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst, Netsuke, Inro und Sagemono [Netsuke, Inro and Sagemono], Cologne, Klischees-Peukert, 1983; Sydney L. Moss, Eccentrics in Netsuke, Hong Kong, Andamans East International, 1982; Tsuchiya, Noriko, Netsuke: 100 Miniature Masterpieces from Japan, London, British Museum Press, 2014 (first edition); Ueda, Reikichi, The Netsuke Handbook, trans. Raymond Bushell, Tokyo, Charles E. Tuttle, 1981 (first published 1961); Weber, V.-F., Ko-ji Ho-ten: Dictionnaire à l'usage des amateurs et collectionneurs d'objets d'art japonais et chinois (Dictionary of Japanese and Chinese Art for Collectors), New York, Hacker Art Books, 1975 (first published 1923), complete set of 2 volumes. (22).Footnotes:根付参考書コレクション　21冊For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A collection of gallery and dealer catalogues from various locations related to netsuke and Japanese artIncluding incomplete runs of the following: Eskenazi (1978-1998), including Eighteenth to Twentieth Century Netsuke (1978), Japanese Netsuke from Private Collections (1979), Japanese Netsuke, Ojime, Inro and Lacquer-ware (1984), Japanese Netsuke, Inro and Lacquer-ware (1986). Japanese Netsuke from the Lazarnick Collection (1990), Japanese Netsuke from the Carré collection (1993), Japanese Netsuke, Ojime and Inro from the Dawson Collection (1997), Japanese Netsuke, Ojime and Inro from a Private European Collection (1998); Barry Davies Oriental Art (1990-2002), including Netsuke Classics (1990), The Netsuke Collection of W.G. Bosshard: Part I (1994), 100 Selected Pieces from the Netsuke Collection of Scott Meredith (1995), Netsuke from the Teddy Hahn Collection (1996), Netsuke Through Three Centuries (1996), The Robert S. Huthart Collection of Non-Iwami Netsuke (1998), Oriental Art (1999), Netsuke and Inro from European Collections (2002); Sydney L. Moss (1989-2006), including Japanese Netsuke: Outstanding Works Selected from American Collections (1989), Japanese Netsuke for Connoisseurs (1993), Unique Works by Individualist Japanese Artists (1998), Aesthetics and Connoisseurship in Japanese Netsuke (2000), two copies of Netsuke from the Willi G. Bosshard Collection (2008), Japanese Netsuke and Lacquer (2004), Japanese Netsuke and Ojime (2006); Sagemonoya (1975-2013), including Netsuke, Ojime and Masatoshi's Kabuki (1975), Sagemono and Netsuke Selection (1997), Netsuke and Sagemono (1998), Netsuke That Never Left Japan (2001), Ninety-Nine Netsuke and One Inro (2004), Sagemono and Netsuke (2004), The Netsuke Dancers (2005), Netsuke at the Miami Kappa Convention (2007), Netsuke and Sagemono Omnibus (2008), Sans Ivoire [Non Ivory] Netsuke and Sagemono Selection (2009), Netsuke Opus 20 (2011), Masatoshi Netsuke (2013), Netsuke and Sagemono (2013), So School Netsuke, Netsuke Selection (the first publication by Sagemonoya in the series of catalogues entitled 'Selection'); Rutherston and Bandini (2010, 2011), including Japanese Netsuke, Inro and Works of Art (2011), The Sheila M. Baker Collection of Japanese Netsuke and Inro (2011); Rosemary Bandini (2010-2016), including Japanese Netsuke, Inro and Works of Art (2010), Japanese Netsuke, Inro and Lacquerware (2013), Japanese Netsuke from the collection of Teddy Hahn (2014), Japanese Netsuke, Ojime, Kiseruzutsu and Inro (2015), Japanese Netsuke and Kiseruzutsu (2016); several duplicates of the above catalogues listed are included. (46).Footnotes:ギャラリー・ディーラー日本美術・根付カタログコレクション　46冊For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a fox with a drum (Kitsune Tadanobu)By Kokei, Kuwana, Ise Province, 19th centuryThe fox seated, leaning forward with its body turning to the right, clutching a wrapped tsuzumi (double-ended hand-drum), its tail trailing to one side, one leg forming the himotoshi; signed Kokei. 3.5cm (1 3/8in).Footnotes:木彫根付　狐忠信　銘「虎渓」　19世紀Provenance: Purchased at LeBlanc, May 1983.This is apparently the only recorded example of this subject by Kokei.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of KuzunohaBy Masakazu, Nagoya, 19th centuryThe fox seated in a human attitude, protectively holding the infant Abe no Seimei swaddled in cloth, a writing brush in her mouth, her hind legs and bushy tail folded beneath, her feet forming the himotoshi, the slightly worn wood with a good patina; signed Masakazu. 3.5cm (1 3/8in) high.Footnotes:木彫根付　葛の葉　銘「正一」　19世紀Provenance:Purchased at Kyoto Gallery, Brussels, December 1982.For very similar examples by the artist, see N. Davey, MTH, p.199, no.603; H. Joly, HST, no.174, pl.6; and F. Meinertzhagen, MCI, p.425. For another example of the subject by Tadatoshi, see Sydney L. Moss, MRMT, no.33.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a man with the bunbuku chagama (badger tea-kettle)By Minkoku, Edo, 19th centuryThe man with a bemused expression, holding down the bunbuku chagama in his hands, his right foot stepping on the badger's tail; signed on an inlaid tablet Minkoku. 3.4cm (1 5/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付　文福茶釜　銘「民谷」　19世紀Provenance: R. Mathieu Collection.Purchased at Aguttes, Clermont-Ferrand, 1982.Published:Ducros, NS, 1978, p.85.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of Seiobo with a basket of peaches18th centuryThe Queen Mother of the West standing, leaning back slightly and looking up, her robes with fine detailing to the collar, a basket of peaches hanging from her right arm, the wood slightly worn and well patinated; unsigned. 10.1cm (4in) high.Footnotes:木彫根付　西王母　無銘　18世紀Provenance:H. G. Beasley Collection.Purchased at Sotheby's, London, 14 March 1984, lot 145.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A late wood okimono-style netsuke of Raiden and RaitaroLate 19th centuryThe former standing, berating his terrified son, threatening him with a raised fist, a hand-drum slung around the child's neck, the work delicately rendered, the wood lightly stained; unsigned. 5.3cm (2 1/8in) high.Footnotes:木彫根付　雷電と雷太郎　無銘　19世紀後期Provenance:Purchased at Siboni, Hotel Drouot, March 2006.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a nobleman and a dragonBy Masakazu, 19th centuryThe nobleman sitting on a rock, clutching a biwa (lute), the dragon encircling the nobleman menacingly; signed Masakazu. 3.7cm (1½in).Footnotes:木彫根付　貴人と竜　銘「正一」　19世紀Provenance:Purchased at Piasa, Paris, 1 June 1999, lot 472.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A compact wood netsuke of DaikokuBy Nobuyuki, 19th centuryDaikoku with a bemused expression, crouching over a captured thief struggling beneath, the thief holding a broken fan, Daikoku's robe carved with brocade designs; signed in cursive form in a raised rectangular reserve Nobuyuki. 3cm (1 3/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付　大黒　銘「信之」　19世紀Provenance:Purchased at Beaussant-Lefèvre, Hotel Drouot, 10 April 1997.For two similar examples, see M. Coullery, Baur, nos.C48 and C49.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of FukurokujuBy Tsuji, late 18th centuryFukurokuju in mid-stride, his face with an amused expression, holding his fan to his left side; signed with a small incised character Tsuji. 5.9cm (2 5/16in) high.Footnotes:木彫根付　福禄寿　銘「辻」　18世紀後期Provenance:S. Bing Collection.H. Seymour Trower Collection.F. Meinertzhagen Collection, no.47.Purchased at Klefisch, Cologne, 26 January 2008, lot 148.Published:Joly, LIJA, p.155.Joly, HST, pl.VIII, no.222.Meinertzhagen, MCI, pp.960-961.Two similar examples from the M. T. Hindson collection are illustrated by N. Davey, MTH, p.16, nos.2 and 3; another example is illustrated by A. Ducros, NS, p.69.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of HoteiBy Matsushita Otoman, Hakata, mid-19th centuryHotei smiling sweetly, holding the edge of his treasure bag with his hands and teeth, revealing two slumbering children inside; signed Otoman. 3.1cm (1¼in).Footnotes:木彫根付　布袋と唐子　銘「音満」　19世紀中期Provenance:H. Seymour Trower Collection.M. T. Hindson Collection.Scott Meredith Collection.Purchased at Barry Davies Oriental Art, September 1995.Published:Davey, MTH, p.264, no.818.Barry Davies Oriental Art, SM, no.66.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of Gama SenninBy Toyokazu, Tanba Province, mid-19th centuryGama Sennin seated, crying out, attempting to push away the large warty toad clambering on his head and back, the wood stained dark, the eyes of both inlaid; signed Toyokazu. 5.4cm (2 1/8in) high.Footnotes:木彫根付　蝦蟇仙人　銘「豊一」　19世紀中期For similar example by the artist from the Robert S. Huthart Collection, see Barry Davies Oriental Art, RSH, p.159, no.116. For another example by Toyomasa, see ibid., p.159, no.115.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of Hotei and a karako (Chinese boy) in a walnut19th centuryThe walnut naturalistically rendered, opening on a hinge to reveal Hotei and his young companion playing a game of go, Hotei holding up a cup with a dice inside, the wood slightly worn with a good patina, the boy's hair and the go stones inlaid; unsigned. 3.3cm (1 5/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付　胡桃の中の布袋と唐子　無銘　19世紀Provenance: Purchased at Vignault, Parthenay, March 1983.A somewhat similar example of Hotei and karako playing go inside his sack is illustrated by B. Hurtig, MNA, p.122, no.485.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of Gama SenninBy Hokyudo Itsumin, Edo, mid-19th centuryGama Sennin seated on a huge toad, his head turned to the left, looking at the smaller toad on his back, bowed down by the weight, his face exhibiting surprise, the wood dark-stained, the eyes inlaid; signed Hokyudo Itsumin to (Carved by Hokyudo Itsumin). 4.1cm (1 5/8in).Footnotes:木彫根付　蝦蟇仙人　銘「蓬丘堂逸民刀」　19世紀中期Provenance:Purchased at Christie's, Paris, 19 November 2003, lot 110.Possibly the example described in detail by H. Joly, WLB, no.685.A similar example by the artist is illustrated by H. Joly, HST, pl.B, no.103. A somewhat similar example signed Namusai saku is illustrated by Barry Davies Oriental Art, NIEC, p.91, no.95.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of BenkeiBy Mitsushige, early 19th centuryBenkei wearing the garb of a Yamabushi warrior-priest, sitting in large conch shell, blowing a smaller conch horn, the slightly worn wood with a good patina, slight details inlaid in ivory; signed Mitsushige. 5.6cm (2¼in).Footnotes:木彫根付　弁慶　銘「光重」　19世紀前期Provenance:A. Brockhaus Collection.Purchased at Beaussant-Lefèvre, Hotel Drouot, April 1997.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: Y ФY Subject to CITES regulations when exporting items outside of the EU, see clause 13.Ф This lot contains or is made of ivory. The United States Government has banned the import of ivory into the USA.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

Three boxwood netsuke19th centuryThe first a simulated Bizen stoneware model of Hotei holding a fan, partially hollowed out beneath, signed on the reverse Shisui with a seal Koku, 3.4cm (1 5/16in) high; the second of Sato Tadanobu lifting a goban with one hand and the hem of his robe with the other, with painted details, signed Shuzan, 5.4cm (2 1/8in) high; the third a blind masseur strengthening his muscles by lifting a large boulder, signed Gyokkei, 3.2cm (1¼in) high. (3).Footnotes:黄楊彫根付　三点（布袋、佐藤忠信、按摩）　19世紀Provenance:The first: Purchased at Tajan, Paris, 11 March 2011, lot 66.The second: Paul Corbin Collection.The third: Purchased at Aguttes, Clermont-Ferrand, March 1982.Published:The second: Weber, KH, pl.LIX, no.6.For further information on Nagamachi Shuzan, see N. Davey, MTH, p.56.A very similar example of the third is illustrated by B. Hurtig, MNA, p.114, no.434; another is illustrated by A. Ducros, NS, 1978, p.104.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of Shoki and oniBy Tomokazu, Gifu, early/mid-19th centuryThe oni crawling on a basket, trapping Shoki inside, his sword poking through the basket, the oni's teeth and button of bone, Shoki's buttons and the eyes of both inlaid in horn; signed in an oval reserve Tomokazu. 3.1cm (1¼in).Footnotes:木彫根付　鍾馗と鬼　銘「友一」　19世紀前期/中期Provenance:Scott Meredith Collection.Purchased at Barry Davies Oriental Art, September 1995.Published:Barry Davies Oriental Art, SM, no.54.For other examples by the artist, see Barry Davies Oriental Art, RSH, p.225, no.169, and A. Ducros, NS, p.83, figs.117-121. A similar example of the subject is illustrated on the back cover of BAFJ, no.49.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a Dutchman18th centuryThe slender Dutchman standing, his mouth open, holding a large rooster in his arms, his divided coat carved in relief depicting breaking waves, his wide-brimmed hat with a peacock-feather plume, the wood slightly worn with a good patina; unsigned. 9.5cm (3¾in) high.Footnotes:木彫根付　阿蘭陀人と鶏　無銘　18世紀Provenance:Grandvuinet Collection.Purchased at Sotheby's, London, 9 June 2004, lot 1128.For a very similar example, see H. Joly, WLB, pl.XLI, no.3329. This example was sold at Sotheby's, New York, 8 February 1989, lot 153.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A boxwood netsuke of Saigyo Hoshi viewing Mount FujiBy Nagamitsu, late 18th/early 19th centuryThe poet and priest Saigyo Hoshi seated at the foot of Mount Fuji by a pine tree, gazing up, his hat resting at his side, the well-patinated wood slightly worn; signed Nagamitsu. 5cm (2in).Footnotes:黄楊彫根付　西行法師と富士山　銘「長光」　18世紀後期/19世紀前期Provenance:Purchased at Tessier-Sarrou, Paris, 7 May 2015, lot 179.A similar item from the British Museum, formerly part of the Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks Collection, is illustrated by H. Joly, LIJA, p.155.Saigyo Hoshi was descended from Tawara Toda Hidesato, renouncing his secular life in 1137. He started a long journey with a broad hat and staff, with which he is always depicted. Trainee artists sometimes learned to draw by representing him with a few cursive strokes, a motif known as Saigyo ni Fuji or Fujimi Saigyo.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a coral fishermanBy Soichi, late 19th centuryThe fisherman standing, arms crossed over his chest, his curly hair flowing down to his shoulders, brow furrowed and lips pursed, a large piece of red coral strapped to his back, a small tabako-ire (tobacco pouch) of amber hanging from his belt, his eyes inlaid and the himotoshi lined with ivory; signed on a green-stained ivory tablet Soichi. 8.2cm (3¼in) high.Footnotes:木彫根付　珊瑚漁師に蛸　銘「奏一」　19世紀後期Provenance:René Vassal Collection.Purchased at de Ricqlès, Hotel Drouot, 13 April 1994, lot 329.The artist is likely Shibayama Soichi, a student of Kyokusei. For a similar example by Kyokusei, see N. Davey, MTH, p.171, no.511.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: Y ФY Subject to CITES regulations when exporting items outside of the EU, see clause 13.Ф This lot contains or is made of ivory. The United States Government has banned the import of ivory into the USA.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a coral fishermanBy Miwa, Edo, late 18th centuryThe fisherman standing, wearing a short wrap-around skirt tied at the waist, making the bekkanko gesture, turning to the right and pulling down one eye, his other hand holding a small branch of red coral behind his back, the wood rather worn with a fine patina; signed Miwa with a kao. 8cm (3 1/8in) high.Footnotes:木彫根付　珊瑚漁師　銘「三輪（花押）」　18世紀後期Provenance:Purchased at Tajan, Paris, 11 March 2011, lot 49.Published:MNM, no.363, December 2006.Sagemonoya, NMKC, p.38, no.51.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of Kawazu Sukeyasu and Matano KagehisaBy Masakazu, Gifu, late 19th centuryThe two famous sumo wrestlers locked in combat, Sukeyasu slightly lifting the resisting Kagehisa, using the Kawazu throw, the wood stained, the eyes inlaid; signed Masakazu. 5.4cm (2 1/8in) high.Footnotes:木彫根付　河津祐安と股野景久　銘「正一」　19世紀後期Provenance:Anne Papillon Collection.Purchased at Tajan, Paris, November 2009.For similar examples in ivory signed Masakazu, see M. Coullery, Baur, p.155, C350. Another similar example by Hidemasa is illustrated by F. Meinertzhagen, MCI, p.141.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A lacquered wood netsuke of a Noh actorBy Issai, late 19th centuryAssuming the role of Kiyohime in the play Dojoji, the actor standing, leaning forward in a fierce posture, holding a staff with a flower at one end, a long red wig flowing down the back of his formal robe decorated with clouds on a black-and-gold-lacquered geometric ground; signed Issai. 3.7cm (1½in) high.Footnotes:木彫漆塗根付　能役者（道成寺）　銘「一哉」　19世紀後期Provenance:René Vassal Collection.Purchased at de Ricqlès, Hotel Drouot, 13 April 1994, lot 279.For the maker, see E. Wrangham, TIIA, p.92.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a man applying moxaAttributed to Miwa, late 18th/early 19th centuryThe man seated, his face contorting in pain as he applies a burning moxa pellet to his left leg, expressively rendered in slightly worn and well-patinated wood; unsigned. 3.5cm (1 3/8in) high.Footnotes:木彫根付　灸を据える男　無銘　18世紀後期/19世紀前期Provenance:Marcel Lorber Collection (by repute).Randon Collection.Purchased at Piasa, Paris, 9 March 2005, lot 62.An almost identical example signed Miwa (sold at Sotheby's, London, 20 October 1984, lot 39) is illustrated by N. Davey, MTH, p.97, no.269, and F. Meinertzhagen, MCI, p.569. On his reference card, Meinertzhagen states: 'A precisely similar figure, evidently by the same carver, but without the 'improvements' or signature and coming from the Behrens collection, was shown to me by Marcel Lorber in November 1952'. It is likely that this is the netsuke offered here.Another example in the Baur Collection is illustrated by M. Coullery, Baur, p.211, no.C554.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a family of ratsBy Tametaka, Nagoya, circa 1770-1780The large parent crawling over and around its six young, all resting upon a bed of leaves; signed in an oval reserve Tametaka. 5.4cm (2 1/8in).Footnotes:木彫根付　親子鼠　銘「為隆」　1770-1780頃Provenance:W. G. Bosshard Collection.Purchased at Sydney L. Moss, November 2009.Published:Sydney L. Moss, SSDMO, p.153, no.75.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a coiled ratBy Nobuyoshi, mid-late 19th centuryThe small rat curled up in a ball, cleaning itself, its feet resting on its ears, using its right claw to hold one leg in place, the other leg forming the himotoshi, its tail curling beneath, the stained wood slightly worn, the eyes inlaid in dark horn; signed Nobuyoshi. 2.4cm (15/16in) high.Footnotes:木彫根付　鼠　銘「信義」　19世紀中期/後期Provenance:Purchased at Sotheby's, London, 13 June 1985, lot 533.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of three ratsBy Kazutomo, Gifu, 19th centuryTwo of the rats curling around the other, the third crawling on top of its two companions, forming a compact composition, the eyes inlaid in dark horn, the teeth of one rat inlaid; signed in an oval reserve Kazutomo. 3cm (1 3/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付　鼠　銘「一友」　19世紀Provenance:Sydney L. Moss.Purchased at Tajan, Paris, November 1995, lot 245.The model probably originating from Tomokazu, see Sydney L. Moss, JNSA, no.35, and Eskenazi, JNOIL, no.80.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

An okimono-style wood netsuke of oni no nenbutsuBy Kyokumin, mid-late 19th century The demon seated wearing a solemn expression, holding his drum beater with one hand, the other grasping the handle of a bucket beside him, his robe with a manji mon (swastika crest) on the back; signed Kyokumin. 3.1cm (1¼in).Footnotes:木彫根付　鬼の念仏　銘「旭民」　19世紀中期/後期Provenance:Purchased at Toledano, Bordeaux, November 2007.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A kurogaki (black persimmon) wood netsuke of a coiled ratBy Masanao, Ise, 19th centuryThe rat curled in a typical attitude, one paw scratching its snout, clutching its tail around its chubby body with another, one leg forming the himotoshi, the wood stained, the eyes inlaid; signed in a polished oval reserve Masanao. 3.2cm (1½in).Footnotes:黒柿彫根付　鼠　銘「正直」　19世紀Provenance: Purchased at Tajan, Paris, May 1996.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a ratBy Masakazu, 19th centuryThe small rat of spherical form, its stubby limbs, facial features and tail delicately rendered, its left hind foot lifted to cover its mouth, its tail curling around its body, the eyes inlaid; signed in an oval reserve Masakazu. 2.5cm (1in).Footnotes:木彫根付　鼠　銘「正一」　19世紀Provenance:L. and Y. Laufer Collection.Purchased at Sotheby's, Paris, 18 December 2012, lot 269.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a rat on peanutsMid-19th centuryThe rodent sitting upon two peanuts and scratching its ear with its left hind leg, the wood darkly stained, the eyes inlaid; unsigned. 3.1cm (1¼in).Footnotes:木彫根付　落花生に鼠　無銘　19世紀中期Provenance:Leblanc Collection.Purchased at Beaussant-Lefèvre, Hotel Drouot, 20 November 2009, lot 228.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a rat with its head turned backBy Ikkan (1817-1893), Nagoya, mid-19th centuryThe rat turning to its right, its right forelimb bringing its hind limb to its face, its long tail curled underneath, the eyes inlaid; signed in an oval reserve Ikkan. 3.4cm (1 5/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付　鼠　銘「一貫」　19世紀中期Provenance:Purchased at Picard, Paris, 5 December 1995.Published:BAFJ, no.50, p.2.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

An ebony netsuke of a recumbent ox and youngBy Tanaka Minko (1735-1816), Tsu, Ise Province, late 18th/early 19th centuryThe parent twisting its body, its head turning to the left , tenderly licking the back of its calf, the calf looking on, their legs drawn in to form a compact composition, the eyes double inlaid, with traces of red lacquer around the nose and mouth; signed Minko with a kao. 3.7cm (1 7/16in).Footnotes:黒檀彫根付　親子牛　銘「岷江（花押）」　18世紀後期/19世紀前期Provenance:Harriet Szechenyi Collection.Purchased in these rooms, 8 November 2011, lot 115.Published:Bandini, SON, p.66, no.84.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a recumbent oxBy Kokei, Kuwana, Ise Province, late 18th centuryThe ox lying, its legs drawn in, forming a compact composition, its tail turning back, resting on its left haunch, the eyes inlaid in dark horn; signed Kokei. 4.4cm (1¾in).Footnotes:木彫根付　雄牛　銘「虎渓」　18世紀後期Provenance:Purchased at Sotheby's, London, 20 December 1983, lot 23.A similar example is illustrated by Sydney L. Moss, JNSA, no.33.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a seated tigerBy Hakuryu II, Kyoto, 19th centurySeated with its head turned to the right, its tail passing forward over the back, its stripes stained in ink, one leg forming the himotoshi, the eyes inlaid in mother-of-pearl; signed Hakuryu. 3.1cm (1¼in).Footnotes:木彫根付　虎　銘「白龍」　19世紀Provenance:Purchased at Dumas, Lyon, December 1997.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a tiger and cubBy Kokei, Kuwana, Ise Province, late 18th/early 19th centuryBoth seated, the parent affectionately licking its cub's side, the cub lifting its face to the parent, its long tail passing forward onto its back, the stripes stained in ink, the parent's eyes inlaid in dark horn; signed in a polished reserve Kokei. 3.8cm (1½in).Footnotes:木彫根付　親子虎　銘「虎渓」　18世紀後期/19世紀前期Provenance:Purchased at Rambouillet, November 1984.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a tigerBy Kokei, Kuwana, Ise Province, early 19th centuryThe tiger seated, turning its head to lick its left hind foot, its long tail passing forward onto its back, the stripes stained in ink, its eyes double inlaid in brass and dark horn; signed Kokei. 3.4cm (1 5/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付　虎　銘「虎渓」　19世紀前期Provenance:A German private collection.Purchased at Klefisch, Cologne, 9 December 2006, lot 34.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of RaijinBy Ittan, Nagoya, mid-19th centuryThe god of thunder seated on a swirling cloud, peering down through a hole, judging where to unleash his next storm, his thunder drum slung on his back, the well-patinated wood slightly worn; signed Ittan with a kao. 3cm (1 3/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付　雷神　銘「一旦（花押）」　19世紀中期Provenance:Randon Collection.Purchased at Piasa, Paris, 1 June 2005, lot 115.A similar example by the artist is illustrated by M. Coullery, Baur, p.61, no.C17.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a seated tigerBy Hakuryu II, 19th centuryThe tiger seated, its head turned to the right snarling, its long tail passing forward over its back, one leg forming the himotoshi, the wood stained for effect, the eyes inlaid with mother-of-pearl; signed Hakuryu. 3cm (1 3/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付　虎　銘「白龍」　19世紀Provenance:Purchased at Alain Ducros, Paris, December 1982.Exhibited:Alain Ducros, Paris, December 1982.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a tiger and youngBy Kokei, Kuwana, Ise Province, late 18th/early 19th centuryThe parent prowling on a large rock, one cub resting on top, the other sitting below under an overhanging ledge, forming a compact composition, the dark stained wood slightly worn; signed Kokei. 3.3cm (1 5/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付　親子虎　銘「虎渓」　18世紀後期/19世紀前期Provenance:Purchased at Malcolm Fairley, London, November 2010.Another example of a tiger with two young by the artist is illustrated by F. Meinertzhagen, MCI, p.364.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a tigerBy Minsai, Tsu, Ise Province, early 19th centuryThe tiger seated, snarling as it turns its head to the left, its tail passing forward over the back, forming the himotoshi, the eyes inlaid in aogai (shell); signed Minsai with a kao. 3.7cm (1 7/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付　虎　銘「岷斎（花押）」　19世紀前期Provenance:Purchase at Alain Ducros, Paris, June 2007.The kao is that used by both Tanaka Minko and Minsai suggesting that they had a master-apprentice relationship.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A boxwood netsuke of a tiger and cubBy Masayoshi, 19th centuryThe parent resting on a rocky outcrop, turning to its left, facing its cub, the cub looking up, their tails both passing forward, the wood stained, the eyes inlaid; signed Masayoshi. 5cm (2in).Footnotes:黄楊彫根付　親子虎　銘「正義」　19世紀Provenance:Purchased at Tajan, Paris, 12 June 2007, lot 198.A similar example with three adults and two cubs was sold in these rooms, 6 November 2018, lot 15. Another similar example with three tigers is illustrated by F. Meinertzhagen, MCI, p.488.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a tiger and dragonBy Masatsugu, late 19th centuryThe tiger seated on the dragon's twisting body, its head resting on the tiger's back, part of the dragon's body forming the himotoshi; signed in a raised rectangular reserve Masatsugu. 3.4cm (1 5/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付　龍に虎　銘「正次」　19世紀後期Provenance:Randon Collection.Purchased at Piasa, Paris, 22 October 2004, lot 125.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A boxwood netsuke of a tigerBy Masataka, early 19th centuryThe tiger seated, its head lowered to the left, licking its raised forepaw, its long tail curling around its feet, forming the himotoshi, the slightly worn wood with a good patina, the eyes inlaid; signed in a rectangular reserve Masataka. 3.6cm (1 3/8in).Footnotes:黄楊彫根付　虎　銘「正高」　19世紀前期Provenance:Purchased at Sotheby's, London, 1980, lot 239.The signature erroneously read as Shosai in the Sotheby's catalogue.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a long-eared rabbitAttributed to Ranko, 19th centuryThe small rabbit with its legs drawn in, forming a compact position, one ear slightly lifted, the other resting along its back, its eyes inlaid, the wood lightly stained and well patinated; unsigned. 3cm (1 3/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付　兎　無銘　19世紀Provenance:Sydney L. Moss.L. and Y. Laufer Collection.Purchased at Sotheby's, Paris, 18 December 2012, lot 271.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of two rabbitsBy Kokei, Kuwana, Ise Province, 19th centuryOne rabbit seated, bending forward nibbling at morsels on the ground, the other nestled against its side, resting on its forepaws, the wood slightly worn and finely patinated, the eyes inlaid in dark horn; signed Kokei. 3cm (1 3/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付　兎　銘「虎渓」　19世紀Provenance: Purchased at Bondu, December 1986.A similar example is illustrated by Sydney L. Moss, MRN, no.56. Another example in ebony is illustrated by R. Bandini, SON, p.81, no.112.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of Futen with his bag of windBy Kiraku, late 19th centuryThe wind god walking, wearing an intense expression on his face, holding a sack of wind on his back over a swirling cloud, part of cloud rising behind him to form the himotoshi; signed Kiraku. 3.5cm (1 3/8in) high.Footnotes:木彫根付　風神　銘「鬼楽」　19世紀後期Provenance:Purchased at Siboni, Hotel Drouot, 17 March 2006.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A boxwood manju netsuke of two dragons19th centuryThe netsuke of oval form, carved and pierced in Ryusa style depicting two dragons in dispute amid swirling clouds, a tama (sacred jewel) between their claws; unsigned. 4.1cm (1 5/8in).Footnotes:黄楊彫柳左根付　竜　無銘　19世紀Provenance:Purchased at Art du Japon, Paris, November 1983.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a dragonBy Tametaka, Nagoya, 18th centuryThe dragon coiled in two loops, flames licking about its flanks, its large head and forelegs resting on top, part of its coiled body beneath forming the himotoshi, the wood slightly worn and stained dark; signed Tametaka. 3.6cm (1 3/8in).Footnotes:木彫根付　竜　銘「為隆」　18世紀Provenance:Purchased at Hotel Drouot, Paris, March 1990.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood sashi netsuke of a hiryu (flying dragon)18th centuryThe limbless beast looking forward, its large head with double-inlaid eyes, its open mouth containing a loose ball, the flame-like wings carved in relief on each side, its truncated tail curling back; unsigned. 15.3cm (6in) long.Footnotes:木彫差し根付　飛竜　無銘　18世紀Provenance:Purchased at Josette Schulmann, Paris, July 1983.Published:INS, PE, no.61.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a standing screen with a dragon and tigerBy Tametaka, Nagoya, 18th centuryThe tsuitate (free-standing screen) with a painted dragon and tiger coming to life in high relief, the dragon flying in stormy clouds, glowering down at the tiger, the tiger with a feeble expression, its long tail raised to its face, the reverse with bamboo, the wood well patinated; signed Tametaka with a kao. 3.7cm (1 7/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付　衝立に竜と虎　銘「為隆（花押）」　18世紀Provenance:Sold at Sotheby's, New York, 13 December 1979, lot 21.Sold at Sotheby's, New York, 8 December 1981.An Austrian private collection.Purchased at Sotheby's, Paris, 10 June 2014, lot 370.The depiction of the dragon as much more powerful than the petrified tiger represents the superiority of the elements over all animals, even the tiger which is considered the most powerful in the world.The motif of a dragon coming to life could also allude to the Tang dynasty painter Go Doshi (Chinese: Wu Daozi), whose works were said to be so realistic that they would come to life. Another example by the artist depicting a tsuitate with a shishi and two young boys creeping around it was sold in these rooms, 15 May 2014, lot 50.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A boxwood netsuke of a snake and skullBy Kawakata Masanori, late 19th centuryThe human skull realistically rendered, the snake winding around and through, its head resting at the top, its tongue extending out in between the eye sockets, the wood slightly worn; signed Masanori. 3.4cm (1 5/16in).Footnotes:黄楊彫根付　蛇と頭蓋骨　銘「正則」　19世紀後期Provenance:Lu Xiaguang Collection.Purchased at AuctionArt, Paris, 21 February 2014, lot 36.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A wood netsuke of a snakeBy Tametaka, Nagoya, 18th centuryThe snake coiled in several tight loops, its head resting on top, part of its body forming the himotoshi, the wood slightly worn and of a good colour; signed Kinjonan Tametaka with a kao. 4cm (1 9/16in).Footnotes:木彫根付　蛇　銘「金城南為隆（花押）」　18世紀Provenance:Purchased from Josette Schulmann, Paris, December 1983.For somewhat similar examples by the artist are illustrated by N. Davey, MTH, p.188, no.563; F. Meinertzhagen, MCI, p.834 (the example from the James Orange Collection described but not illustrated); and A. Ducros, NS, p.80. Another, from the Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection, is illustrated by Sydney L. Moss, EIN, p.81, no.56; and A. Katchen, N7, p.31, no.K328, and further snake netsuke by Tametaka are illustrated by G. Lazarnick, NIA, p.1075; R. Barker and L. Smith, NMSJ, p.95, no.164; and R. Bandini, SON, p.82, no.116.Kinjonan is an alternative name for the city of Nagoya.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com

A boxwood netsuke of a coiled snakeBy Nobumitsu, 19th centuryThe snake coiled in several irregular loops, its head resting at the top, the thick part of its body forming the himotoshi beneath, the wood slightly worn and of a good colour; signed in an oval reserve Nobumitsu. 3.5cm (1 3/8in).Footnotes:黄楊彫根付　蛇　銘「信光」　19世紀Provenance:Sold at Piasa, Paris, 16 December 2004, lot 181.Leblanc Collection.Purchased at Beaussant-Lefèvre, Hotel Drouot, 20 November 2009, lot 283.For a similar example, see M. Coullery, Baur, p.313, no.C955.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com