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A selection of various Eastern figures including Japanese carved wood netsuke in the form of a squat figure; Eastern carved horn and wood grotesque figure, small bronze Buddha figure, an Eastern soapstone figure etc.

A HARDWOOD OCTOPUS NETSUKE.

Three fruitwood carved Japanese Netsuke.

A stag antler netsuke of a dutchman, 19th Century Most likey made by the dutch during their stay in Japan. Width 2 cm height 5 cm

World War I brass military issue compass, together with a carrier pigeon message case and three composite netsuke

Japanese carved boxwood netsuke in the form of an animal, signed to the base

A Netsuke of three dogs in basket and another dog with mouse

A carved Black Forest bear, a Buddha figure, a resin netsuke and a small carved figure

λ A single row coral, seed pearl and amethyst bead necklace, suspending a carved amethyst netsuke depicting a tiny bear climbing a persimmon, the pendant unscrews so that the necklace can be worn with two rows, length 86cm, together with a matching shorter necklace, length 42cm, and a Victorian carved coral brooch, set in gold, length 7cm

Japanese carved wooden Netsuke in the form of a mermaid curled around a rock. Inset mother of pearl signature. 7.25cm approx. Provenance: purported found by a prisoner of war during WWII. (B.P. 21% + VAT)

ROYAL WORCESTER PORCELAIN MODEL OF A CARVED RABBIT PATTERN NETSUKE, modelled crouching with ears back, 2” (5.1cm) long, printed mark and date code for circa 1910 C/R- crazing and light rubbing

4 Teile aus Bein und Stein, bestehend aus einem Netsuke als Penis mit Vulva, signiert, H. 4,5 cm. Einem mit Drachen beschnitztem Kreisel, H. 10 cm und 2 erotischen Paneelen aus Bein mit geschwärztem Ritzdekor, je 13 x 5 cm

Kiseru Pfeifen und Tabak Set, Japan, Ende 19. Jh. (Meiji). Leder mit Metallschließe mit Restvergoldung, figürliches Netsuke aus Ebenholz, ber., D. Netsuke 5 cm

A contemporary Japanese boxwood netsuke modelled as two fish, signed, length 40mm.

A small collection of Oriental items. Includes Chinese white metal Zodiac ingot, spherical netsuke depicting the twelve animals of the Zodiac and a Tibetan whistle.

A hand carved hardwood netsuke of a sitting frog

A hand carved hardwood netsuke of a pangolin, signed to base.

4 Netsuke carved animal figures, modelled as a Buddha, a monkey with young, rats and a mouse

5 Netsuke carved animal figures, modelled as a swan, Elephant, cat, monkey and a buffalo

Four Netsuke carved animal figures, modelled as a Ram, a tortoise, a dog and a Buddha.

5 Netsuke carved animal figures, modelled as a monkey, a tortoise, rabbits, a hare and a pig

A Japanese hardwood netsuke carved as a group of three frogs. 2" wide. Meiji

A Japanese hardwood netsuke, carved as a frog on a log. 2¼" long. Meiji.

A GROUP OF SIX CERAMIC OBJECTSJapan, Edo period (1615-1868) to Meiji period (1868-1912)The first consisting of a square blue and white kogo decorated with bells, the cover with a seated monkey wearing performance robes. The base inscribed with a single character.The second, a ceramic kogo charmingly molded with a beige and green crackle glaze with dark gray crosshatch decorations.The third, a celadon koto boldly formed into Hotei holding a fan, his round head and shoulders left unglazed.The fourth, a charming ceramic netsuke of a small, seated monkey clothed in performance attire, holding a small staff and wearing a conical hat. Himotoshi pierced through the base.The fifth consisting of a green glazed kogo in the form of a money bag, tied at the neck with a yellow-glazed rope.The finial kogo of conical form, covered in a clear glaze exposing the color of the bisque with a band of brown glaze along the base and cover, the pointed top covered in a thin layer of green glaze.HEIGHT 7.4 cm (the fourth)Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, firing flaws, and small nicks. The first with a small chip to the cover.Provenance: Estate of Wolfgang Zacke (1942-2022), co-founder of Galerie Zacke, thence by descent.

A RARE AND LARGE PAINTED POTTERY OKIMONO OF A MONKEY EXAMINING A MONKEY NETSUKEJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)Well modeled and painted with polychrome pigments, the monkey seated with its legs crossed, looking through a magnifying glass (now lost) held in his right hand to examine a monkey netsuke in his left, the netsuke attached to a kinchaku (pouch) decorated with a diapered brocade pattern and a globular ojime, both the monkey and the netsuke with neatly incised fur, the primate further detailed with large ears, a short tail, and alert eyes. HEIGHT 22 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear and firing irregularities, including a small firing crack to the underside, the hand with old repair and minor touchups, few small chips to edges, the magnifying glass lost.Provenance: From an English private collection, by repute formerly in the Charlton Collection. The underside with three old labels, two numbered '985' and one inscribed in Japanese.Auction comparison:Compare a bronze okimono by Mitani depicting a similar subject, dated late 19th century, Meiji period, 10.2 cm high, at Bonhams, 16 September 2014, New York, lot 2162 (sold for 8,750 GBP).

BISEI: AN IVORY OKIMONO DEPICTING A MILLER AT WORKBy Bisei, signed BiseiJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)The miller seated on a reed mat and firmly gripping a wooden staff to craft two millstones, one on its side and the other lying down at his feet. A woodblock with two mallets resting on top, positioned next to the miller, with several other tools on its side. His robes decorated with various brocade patterns with his tobacco pouch and manju netsuke attached to his belt alongside his kiseruzutsu opened to reveal a thin pipe. His face is carved with an expression of calm determination, finely engraved and stained with naturalistic features. Signed to the underside within a red lacquer tablet BISEI.LENGTH 7.2 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear, expected age cracks, possibly some minor losses and a minor restoration to the end of his staff.Provenance: From a private collection in Belgium, published in the commissioned private catalogue 'The Nibajama collection' no. 21.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 2023/BE00323/CE). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A FINE IVORY OKIMONO OF A FISHERMANJapan, 19th centuryFinely carved, the elderly fisherman wears a grass skirt, posed walking with a fishing basket in one hand and a fishing spear in the other resting on his shoulder. A leather tobacco pouch (tabako-ire) hangs from his belt on one side, suspended from a netsuke, and a wood tonkotsu suspended on the opposite side. His charming expression with a large smile, masterfully rendered wrinkles, and gentle eyes under slightly raised brows. The base sealed with a red lacquer tablet.HEIGHT 13.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with only minor wear. The fishing spear possibly replaced.Provenance: Hungarian private collection.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-0339).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

TOSHIMUNE: A FINE IVORY OKIMONO DEPICTING A RESTING FLOWER SELLERBy Toshimune, signed ToshimuneJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)Exquisitely carved with naturalistic detail, the flower seller seated on a carrying pole (tenbinbo), propped between his two baskets, leaning forward with an amused look. Holding his narrow tobacco pipe (kiseru) in one hand and his inro with manju netsuke in the other, wearing several layers of elaborately patterned robes. Large peony and hibiscus blossoms wrapped in reed mats, one resting in a finely carved basket, are attached to both ends of his carrying pole. The man rests on a reed mat set on a naturalistically rendered ground. The base signed within an engraved and stained rope on a red lacquer tablet TOSHIMUNE.LENGTH 10.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with only minor wear and a plugged natural nerve channel.Provenance: From a private collection in Belgium, published in the commissioned private catalogue 'The Nibajama collection' no. 37. The base with several old labels.Auction comparisonCompare a related signed ivory okimono of a flower seller, at Christie's, Asian Art, 23 February 2006, London, lot 2413 (sold for GBP 4,560).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 2023/BE00398/CE). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

TOMOTADA: A GOOD KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A DOG WITH AWABIAttributed to Yamaguchi Okatomo, signed Tomotada 友忠Japan, Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A sublimely carved and beautifully worn, old ivory netsuke, bearing an unctuous yellowish patina, depicting a dog wearing a collar and holding a large awabi shell between its paws. The dog (inu) has floppy ears, inlaid eyes, and a pleasingly curling tail, all executed in the manner of Yamaguchi Okatomo. The hairwork is neatly incised but heavily worn, mostly visible in the crevices and unexposed areas of the carving. Signed underneath one leg TOMOTADA. Large himotoshi formed by one cord hole underneath and two further holes to one side.HEIGHT 3.5 cm, LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Good condition with several natural age cracks and some tiny old, smoothed-out chips.Literature comparison:Compare a closely related ivory netsuke depicting the same subject, signed Okatomo, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 620.Auction comparison:Compare a related ivory netsuke of a dog and pup, attributed to Yamaguchi Okatomo, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 22 April 2022, Vienna, lot 47 (sold for EUR 7,584).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number DE-K-230523-296 ). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

TOMOTADA: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A DOG WITH BALLSigned Tomotada 友忠Japan, Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The dog (inu) wearing a collar with bell and protectively holding a large ball between its paws, its face with a charming expression, the eyes inlaid in reddish horn. The details, such as the curling tail and pronounced spine and rib cage, are finely carved. The ivory bearing a beautiful, warm yellowish patina, clearly loved and handled by several generations. Large himotoshi underneath and to the side. Signed TOMOTADA within a rectangular reserve under the left hind paw.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: Good condition with several age cracks. Attractively worn with a fine patina.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related ivory netsuke of a female dog and pup, signed Tomotada, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 52 (sold for 5,688 EUR).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207511156-K). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A RARE HORN NETSUKE OF A PUPPY NESTLED WITHIN A ROOF TILE, ATTRIBUTED TO HORAKUAttributed to Horaku, unsignedJapan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved in the manner of Horaku to depict a puppy nestled within a roof tile, the chubby canine with peculiar tiny eyes, very much in the style of the Kyoto carver Horaku, and with minutely incised fur. The end of the roof tile decorated with a mitsutomo-e crest. Generously excavated himotoshi to the base.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: Losses to the horn, one eye replaced, the natural material with typical crackling and natural fissures, otherwise presenting well.Museum comparison:A closely related bat on roof tile, by Horaku, formerly in the Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection, is in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), accession number AC1998.249.3.

TOMOTADA: A POWERFUL WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNARLING SHISHISigned Tomotada 友忠Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Superbly carved as a seated shishi turning its head curiously, the face with a prominent reishi nose. The details are finely carved - the mythical lion dog has a thick bushy tail and curling mane, accentuated with light black staining for effect. Natural himotoshi, the signature TOMOTADA within a rectangular reserve underneath.LENGTH 4.6 cmCondition: Restoration to the upper snout and expected minor wear, otherwise in good condition.Museum comparison: Wood netsuke bearing the signature Tomotada are to be considered rare, for another example depicting a shishi and signed Tomatada, formerly in the Trumpf collection, see the Linden Museum, Stuttgart, accession no. OA 18970.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A SHISHI LION, EDO PERIODJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting a recumbent shishi atop an oval base, the muscular body well rendered, the wild mane, bushy tail, and fur finely incised, its forepaws resting against a huge ball. The lion's head turned to the side, with a fierce expression, a typical attitude as it protects the large ball. The underside with a single central himotoshi. HEIGHT 2.8 cm, LENGTH 3.9 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: Czech private collection.

MASATOMO: A BOXWOOD NETSUKE OF A SHISHI LION, EDO PERIODBy Masatomo, signed Masatomo 正友Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting a shishi lion seated on its haunches, its fur and bushy curls neatly incised, its head turned to the right, with inlaid eyes, its mouth agape in a growl as it protects a brocade ball at its feet. The lion's long mane flowing down at the sides and its tail trailing in several tresses beneath, forming the himotoshi, the artist signature MASATOMO incised in a cartouche at the underside. HEIGHT 3.2 cm Condition: Good condition with minor surface wear, and one crack at the bottom. Provenance: Private collection, Belgium.

TAMAYA: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A SHISHI, EDO PERIODBy Tamaya, signed TamayaJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Boldly carved as a seated shishi atop a rounded rectangular base. The mythical animal has a grim expression with furrowed bushy eyebrows, the flaming mane and bushy tail delicately incised. The central himotoshi though the base next to the signature TAMAYA.HEIGHT 3.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and few natural age cracks. Provenance: Czech private collection.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A SHISHI WITH BALLUnsignedJapan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a shishi protecting a large, smooth ball, its fur neatly engraved and with a well-carved bushy mane and tail. Its mouth is opened showing teeth and tongue as it snarls, the eyes are inlaid with dark horn. Himotoshi to the side and underside. The wood bearing a fine patina. The carving of the thick curls and paws is reminiscent of the Tanba school.LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and traces of use.Provenance: A noted private collection, USA.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.

A GOOD IVORY NETSUKE OF A POWERFUL SHISHI ATTRIBUTED TO MITSUHARUUnsigned, attributed to MitsuharuJapan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The powerful shishi, executed in ideally rounded netsuke form, with a flowing mane and mighty curls. It is holding a large and smooth ball between its clawed paws, and has its head tilted backwards, roaring with all its might, eyes wide open with inlaid pupils of dark horn and bared teeth. The carving is unsigned, however certainly attributed to the workshop of Mitsuharu, who was famous, amongst other carvings, for his shishi, which are unique in their style, expression, and power. Good and large himotoshi through the bottom and side and loose ball in the mouth of the mythical beast.HEIGHT 4.4 cmCondition: Good condition, the patina somewhat rubbed. Provenance: Czech private collection, formerly in the collection of His Royal Highness Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester (1900-1974), sold at Christie's London, 12th-13th July 2006, lot 661.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0587). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A RENSAI STYLE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHISHI, MEIJIJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)Of flattened form. Finely carved as a recumbent shishi resting on a rectangular base. The mythical animal shows a grim expression with furrowed bushy eyebrows and ringed pupils. The curly mane and tail are well carved. The underside carved in shishiabori (sunken relief) with a flowering branch and hosting two himotoshi. LENGTH 4.7 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and a single natural age crack. Provenance: From the collection of Felix Tikotin, and thence by descent within the family. Felix Tikotin (1893-1986) was an architect, art collector, and founder of the first Museum of Japanese Art in the Middle East. Born in Glogau, Germany, to a Jewish family, his ancestors had returned with Napoleon from Russia from a town named Tykocin. He grew up in Dresden and after World War I, he traveled to Japan and immediately fell in love with the culture. In April 1927, he opened his own first gallery in Berlin. The entire family survived the holocaust, and in the 1950s Tikotin slowly resumed his activities as a dealer in Japanese art. He became, once again, very successful and prominent, holding exhibitions all over Europe and the United States. When he first visited Israel in 1956, he decided that the major part of his collection belonged in that country. In 1960, the Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art was opened in Haifa. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-0271). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

AN INLAID IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT SHIBAYAMA SHISHIJapan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)The shishi's head shows a grim expression, and the style of carving is very much reminiscent of shishi by the celebrated carver Ishikawa Rensai. Curly whiskers, mane, and tail as well as tassel-shaped decorative inlays throughout in shibayama style inlays made from precious stones and red coral. Inlays also on the flat, oval base, but made from metal and silver. The pupils are inlaid and the himotoshi are located on the underside.HEIGHT 4.4 cmCondition: Good condition, with very minor losses to inlay and surface scratches to the underside of the base. Provenance: Czech private collection. Formerly in an Austrian private estate.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B- 0586). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A POWERFUL KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHISHIA bold and impressive ivory netsuke of a recumbent shishi executed in distinct Kyoto style, probably carved by an artist of the Okatomo school. The shishi has a bushy tail, mane, floppy ears and is scratching its densely bearded chin with its hind leg. The powerful expression is a mixture of a deep satisfaction and an expressively powerful snarl. The shishi's spine and rib cage are articulated and the large himotoshi are located on the underside.HEIGHT 3.5 CM, LENGTH 5 CMCondition: The patina is slightly rubbed in some areas, and the two front legs have been reattached and fixed with a pegProvenance: Czech private collection, acquired at Zacke. Previously in the 40-Year Collection of a London GentlemanAuction comparison: A comparable shishi was sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, New York, 19 March 2008, lot 5079.A comparable shishi by Okatomo was sold at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, London, 6 November 2011, lot 18.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0585).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A RARE EBONY WOOD NETSUKE OF A BATUnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved in the manner of Horaku to depict a flying bat, the wings folded together just touching above, drawn in to form a compact composition with a narrow base on which the netsuke stands. The bat's body covered with fine hairwork and its beady eyes inlaid with dark horn, the base with the asymmetrical himotoshi, the larger of which is generously excavated to accommodate the knot.LENGTH 4.6 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear.Literature comparison:Compare a closely related netsuke of a bat by Horaku in Rutherston and Bandini (2011), The Sheila M. Baker collection of Japanese netsuke and inro, no. 56.

A VERY LARGE WOOD SASHI NETSUKE OF A DEERJapan, 20th centuryCarved as an elongated deer, its hind legs stretched out, its front legs drawn in for compactness, the head slightly raised, the long antlers drawn back, and with inlaid eyes. Asymmetrical himotoshi at the bottom. LENGTH 18.6 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear.

AN UNUSUAL WOOD NETSUKE OF A HORSEUnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The large and unusual wood netsuke finely carved, the horse standing with its hooves drawn delicately together, its tale swishing to its side as it cranes its neck over its back. The animal's parted mane is carved with fine incision work. Himotoshi to the side and through the underbelly. The rich, reddish wood is of a fine grain with a naturally grown patina.HEIGHT 7.2 cmCondition: One ear with a restoration, otherwise good condition with minor wear and presenting very well.The horse (uma) is the seventh animal of the zodiac and is responsible for the 5th month and the hours between 11am and 1pm. As the mount of the samurai, it symbolizes courage, masculinity and endurance. The horse as netsuke is also considered a talisman for success and happiness in love.

A SUPERB AND LARGE WOOD NETSUKE OF A HORSEUnsignedJapan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved, the horse standing with its hooves drawn delicately together. Its tale swishing to its side as it cranes its neck over its back. Its mane is parted and carved with fine incision work. A single himotoshi to the side and another to the underbelly. The rich, reddish wood is of a superb grain with a naturally grown, dark patina.HEIGHT 8.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and a few tiny nicks here and there.Provenance: Ex-collection Guy de Lasteyrie. De Lasteyrie is a member of the Lasteyrie du Saillant family and is considered among the leading French collectors of netsuke.Auction comparison:Compare a related wood netsuke of a standing horse similarly posed, signed Tomotada, at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, London, lot 145 (sold for GBP 30,000).

MASAMARU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT HORSEBy Masamaru, signed Masamaru 正丸Japan, Nagoya, c. 1800, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved, the dark-reddish cherry wood beautifully smoothed and bearing a fine patina. The horse (uma) is sensitively crafted, rearing its head back over its left shoulder, the mane neatly incised and falling in tresses over its neck. The underside is equally well-carved, showing the legs with superbly carved hooves tucked underneath for compactness. Signed MASAMARU in a polished area on the haunch underneath.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition, only very minor wear. Small repair to one ear. Superb patina.Provenance: Ex-collection Philip Schneider (1908-1983), sold at Sotheby's, Japanese Works of Art, 21 March 1997, New York, lot 318. A noted private collection, USA, acquired from the above.The artist is a rare artist from the Nagoya school, his output being fairly limited and mostly focused on netsuke depicting shojo. The comparison of this netsuke with Ichiyu's kirin (lot 72) and Masayasu's goat (lot 74) is certainly instructive and interesting, particularly when comparing the undersides. The present horse netsuke is surely slightly earlier, and the three carvings together provide insight into the evolution of Nagoya carver's techniques with more attention given to fur and an increased use use of sukashi-bori (openwork), as netsuke became more ornamental during the 19th century, rather than being worn.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related Nagoya school wood netsuke of a horse by Ittan was sold at Christie's, Japanese Art & Design, 11 May 2011, London, lot 301 (sold for 3,750 GBP).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.

HIDARI ISSAN: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT OXBy Hidari Issan, signed Hidari Issan 左一山Japan, Iwashiro Province, c. 1840, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a recumbent ox, bearing irresistible character and charm, the carving somewhat rustic, yet still remarkably refined. The ox has its head slightly lowered and turned to the left, the crisply carved feet are tucked under the body for compactness, the spine and neck folds are expressed, the eyes inlaid in dark horn, and the hairwork beautifully incised. The underside with two himotoshi and signed to the haunch within the typical raised oval reserve HIDARI ISSAN.LENGTH 3.9 cmCondition: Very good condition. Microscopic nicks to the edge of one hoof and one ear. Minor expected wear.Literature comparison:Oxen are a rare subject by Hidari Issan. For another example see Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 250.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT OXInscribed Tomotada 友忠Japan, 19th centuryBoldly carved, the ox seated on its legs craning its neck to the side. A rope attached to the ox's harness lies across the back of the bulky animal. Two well-hollowed himotoshi to the base and signed within an oval reserve TOMOTADA.LENGTH 5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and few small nicks.Provenance: Dutch collection.

SHOTO: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A WILD BOARBy Shoto, signed Shoto 松涛Japan, Iwashiro Province, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A superbly carved wood netsuke, of compact design, depicting a recumbent long-snouted boar with a wild hairstyle and meticulously engraved fur. The eyes are inlaid in dark horn encircled with gilt metal, which is typical for the school of Hidari Issan, whom this carver is associated with. The underside shows the beautifully carved feet which are folded underneath the body, the asymmetrical himotoshi, the smaller hole ringed in stained bone, and the signature within an oval reserve underneath the right haunch SHOTO.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only minor wear.Literature comparison:The artist was a rare follower/pupil of Hidari Issan and only a few of his netsuke are recorded. A wood netsuke depicting a dragon clutching a tama, signed Shoto, published in Barker & Smith (1976), Netsuke: The Miniature Sculpture of Japan, no. 247 and located in the British Museum, accession no. F. 296. further illustrates this point.Auction comparison:Compare to a wood netsuke of a boar, by Hidari issan, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art including Selections from the Collection of Ruth and Carl Barron, 16 September 2014, New York, lot 2074 (sold for 5,625 USD).

AN AMUSING OSAKA SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A TIGERUnsignedJapan, Osaka, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A compact depiction of a recumbent tiger, or tora, its head slightly raised and its tail curling over its back. The tiger is the third animal of the zodiac, the tiger and dragon are considered the most powerful animalistic forces in the universe. Tigers also served as talismans for a safe return, as it was said that a tiger could travel for a thousand miles and still safely return home. This tiger's expression is crafted in Osaka style and is very amusing. The eyes are inlays of reddish horn. Good, thoroughly excavated himotoshi underneath.LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Good condition with some natural age cracks and surface wear.Provenance: Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 24 November 2018, Vienna, lot 11. German private collection, acquired from the above.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-0344). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

MASANAO: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNARLING TIGER, EDO PERIODBy Masanao, signed Masanao 正直Japan, Ise-Yamada, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) A delicate, yet remarkably powerful carving of a snarling tiger, its body twisted and tail curling, forming a compact composition. The characteristic tiger stripes are rendered with alternating finely etched and smoothly polished areas, the eyes are inlaid in white bone with black horn pupils. Natural himotoshi through the tail and signed to the underside MASANAO.HEIGHT 3 cmCondition: Good condition, some age cracks, few tiny nicks, and expected wear. Auction comparison: Compare to a similar wood netsuke by Masanao sold at Bonhams, The James A. Rose Collection of Netsuke and Sagemono, 17 September 2013, New York, lot 2016 (sold for 5,250 USD). Also compare to a similar wood netsuke by Masanao sold at Lempertz, Netsuke from the Albert Brockhaus Collection, 27 June 2020, Cologne, lot 528 (sold for 10,000 USD).

KOKEI: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A TIGER AND CUBBy Kokei, signed Kokei 虎溪Japan, Kuwana, Ise Province, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A beautifully refined and compact wood netsuke of a tigress snarling and protectively placing one paw on her cub's back, while the young tiger nestles up against her body, the head raised in order to lick its mother's neck. The fur is achieved in the typical manner of the artist through alternating areas of incision work and polished sections. Note also the superbly carved tail which curls around over the mother tiger's back. The underside shows the many well-carved, chubby paws and the signature KOKEI within a polished reserve. Natural himotoshi.LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with only very little wear. Possibly a tiny chip to the very edge of the tail.Provenance: A noted private collection, USA.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a tigress and cub, by Kokei, sold at Bonhams, The Julius & Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 60 (sold for 4,375 GBP). Also compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a tiger and cub, by Kokei, sold at Bonhams, Fine Netsuke from a French Private Collection, 4 November 2020, London, lot 48 (sold for 5,312 GBP).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.

SHIGEKAZU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A TIGERBy Shigekazu, signed Shigekazu 重一Japan, Tanba Province, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a seated male tiger (tora) with a beautifully worked fur coat, the tiger stripes rendered with polished areas against the neatly incised hairwork, the docile feline turning to its left, rather amusingly trying to appear like a powerful creature, its mouth closed with fangs visible at the corner, and the enigmatic, somber eyes inlaid with lustrously polished, brown horn. The underside shows the well-carved paws and the signature within an oval reserve SHIGEKAZU - a rarely encountered pupil of Shugasai Toyokazu who is widely regarded as the most accomplished pupil of Naito Toyomasa (1773-1856), founder of the Tanba school of carvers.LENGTH 4.2 cmCondition: A tiny, old chip to the edge of one paw. A section of the tail has been lost with associated repair. Minor touch-up to the right ear.Provenance: From an old private collection in Geneva, Switzerland.Auction comparison:Compare a related wood netsuke of a tiger by Toyokazu at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr, Myth, Mirth and Magic - Important Netsuke and Sagemono from the Guy de Lasteyrie Collection, 14 June 2023, Paris, lot 67 (sold for EUR 15,360).

MINICHI: A RARE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED RAT LICKING ITSELFBy Minichi (Tamikazu), signed Minichi 民一Japan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved, of spherical form, the animal amusingly detailed with its tongue stretched out to lick itself, further with eyes inlaid in horn, large funnel-shaped ears, long paws, and neatly incised fur and tail, incised with the signature MINICHI within an oval reserve. HEIGHT 3.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, few small nicks. Auction comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke of a tiger licking itself by Kokei, dated early 19th century, at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part I, 9 November 2010, lot 111 (sold for 6,240 GBP).

GYOKUZAN: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A RAT WITH EDAMAME BEAN PODSBy Gyokuzan, signed Gyokuzan 玉山Japan, Gifu or Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A fine and pleasingly tactile wood netsuke depicting a fat rat crouching on top of two edamame bean pods, nibbling at the end of one, its well-carved curling tail nestled in-between its body and the beans. The hairwork is beautifully incised and the large eyes are inlaid in dark buffalo horn. Signed underneath GYOKUZAN within an oval reserve. Natural himotoshi.The artist appears to be unrecorded but evidently worked in the style of Kano Tomokazu and Ikkan.LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and few light surface scratches.

KAZUTOMO: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A RAT WITH SHOGI TILEBy Kazutomo, signed Kazutomo 一友Japan, Gifu or Nagoya, c. 1850, Edo period (1615-1868)A finely carved wood netsuke of a male rat, looking up and gripping a shogi chess tile under its forepaw, the other paw raised, its thick tail coiled neatly under the body. The hairwork is finely incised and the eyes are inlaid in dark horn. Natural himotoshi and signed in an elliptical reserve KAZUTOMO - a pupil of Kano Tomokazu. The underside of the shogi tile is inscribed with the character To と, which signifies a promoted pawn.LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and few light surface scratches.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related wood netsuke depicting the same subject by Tomokazu at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 22 April 2022, Vienna, lot 114 (sold for EUR 6,952). Another by Ikkan was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 28 April 2023, Vienna, lot 86 (sold for EUR 7,150).

A RARE COROZO NUT NETSUKE OF A RAT ON A GOURDUnsignedJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)Finely carved, the naturalistically rendered rat resting one paw on the vine of the oval gourd as it grips the vegetable with the other hand, resting its head on the gourd in a charming manner. Its large ears flank its slender face with dark-horn inlaid eyes, and its body covered in finely incised hair. The hair and rat rest on top of a large leaf. The himotoshi formed by the stem of the gourd.LENGTH 4.6 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and natural cracks.This material is rarely encountered in netsuke art as it is notoriously difficult to carve but was on occasion used by carvers of the Tokyo school. Corozo nut is also known as 'vegetable ivory' due to its similar appearance. The surface of the present netsuke is reminiscent of deeply stained, caramel-toned ivory from the 18th century.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A RAT ON DAIKOKU'S WISH-GRANTING MALLETUnsignedJapan, 19th centuryFinely carved as a large rat with neatly carved fur and horn-inlaid eyes perched on top of Daikoku's wish-granting mallet, its tail extending downwards to the tama-incised edge. The handle is separately carved and inset into the composition. Two himotoshi underneath.LENGTH 5.2 cmCondition: Good condition with typical wear. The ears slightly chipped.

IKKO: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A RABBIT EATING A LOQUATBy Ikko, signed Ikko 一光Japan, probably Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Naturalistically carved from a choice piece of ivory, the hare (usagi) sitting on the stem of a loquat branch and holding the fruit delicately with one paw, biting into it. Its ears are laid back and the fine hairwork is incised with minute strokes. The himotoshi is formed by the natural hollow between the branch and its leaf beneath the rabbit. The underside of the branch signed IKKO. The ivory has a rich, yellowish patina.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear, light expected age cracks, a natural nerve channel between the ears, one of the eyes has been replaced.Provenance: Galerie Zacke, Vienna, 24 November 2018, lot 13. German private collection, acquired from the above.Auction comparison:Compare a related ivory netsuke of a hare from the same school, signed Rantei, sold at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 131 (sold for 2,750 GBP).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-0345). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A CHARMING KUROGAKI (BLACK PERSIMMON) WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY AS A SAMBASO DANCERUnsignedJapan, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A charmingly and finely carved kurogaki wood netsuke depicting a seated monkey dressed in courtly robes neatly embellished with pines and a crane in relief, wearing a tall eboshi hat, and holding a bell tree and fan. The eyes are inlaid in dark horn above some red staining. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi underneath.HEIGHT 3.9 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear.

A CHARMING WOOD NETSUKE OF MONKEY WITH TWO YOUNGUnsignedJapan, 19th centuryFinely carved as a small family of monkeys, the mother seated cross-legged, her arms cradling a young monkey who appears to drift off into deep slumber, while another offspring clambers on her back, clutching a peach. The fur neatly textured and inked for detail. Large himotoshi to the back.HEIGHT 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and typical traces of use.