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A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY AND YOUNGUnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The dark-reddish wood netsuke finely carved as two monkeys eating fruit, the adult inspecting the ear of its young while the latter sits on the adult's lap. The details such as the bony fingers and ears are very finely carved and the hairwork is neatly incised against the deeply polished wood. Natural himotoshi.HEIGHT 4.1 cm, LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and traces of use consistent with age and handling. Fine patina.

A HUMOROUS WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO MONKEYS AND PEACH, ATTRIBUTED TO MITSUHARUAttributed to Mitsuharu, unsignedJapan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)An amusing wood netsuke depicting a seated monkey holding a peach branch away from its infant, cradled in its arms, as the young monkey pulls on the stem tugging it closer to enjoy the succulent fruits. The parent with an impish expression as it smiles at its child's futile efforts. The large eyes inlaid with horn and the fur very finely incised. Asymmetrical himotoshi to the back.HEIGHT 4.2 cmCondition: Restoration to the foot, otherwise in good condition. Literature comparison:Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a monkey and turtle, signed Mitsuharu, in The International Netsuke Society Journal (INSJ), vol. 39, no. 1, p. 17, no. 14. Auction comparison:Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a monkey with peaches, inscribed Masakazu but by Mitsuharu, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono, 27 March 2020, Vienna, lot 42. (sold for EUR 2,907).

A WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO MONKEYSUnsignedJapan, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as two monkeys, one clambering on top of the other and eating a fruit stolen out of the larger monkey's hands. The hairwork is beautifully incised and the eyes are double inlaid in pale horn with dark horn pupils. The well-toned wood bearing a very fine patina. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi through the back of the larger monkey.HEIGHT 4.6 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear, few light scratches, a tiny old chip to the smaller monkey's left ear. Two inlaid pupils are replaced.

AN OLD IVORY NETSUKE OF THE SAMBIKI SARU (THREE WISE MONKEYS)UnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved and worn, depicting the three wise monkeys (hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil) arranged in a pyramid, covering each other's mouth, ears, and eyes. The smallest monkey sitting on top of the largest, simultaneously covering its own ears and the eyes of the other, while the largest covers the mouth of another small monkey seated at its feet. Two well-hollowed himotoshi to the base. The ivory is covered in a superb patina of a fine yellow tone.HEIGHT 4.6 cmCondition: Very good condition with wear, expected age cracks, and extensive rubbing which has smoothened the ivory to an exquisite sheen.Provenance: Ex-collection Marcel Lorber (1900-1986). Zacke, Japanische Netsuke - Ausstellung 1990, no. 93a. From the collection of Dr. Ferdinand and Dr. Gudrun Thaler-Szulyovsky, acquired from the above, and thence by descent in the same family. The couple, who had both been practicing law, met in 1967 through their mutual passion for art. Together they built a substantial and diverse art collection over many decades.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-0386).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.

KAIGYOKUSAI: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A FISHER GIRL (AMA) WITH TENAGA MONKEYSSchool of Kaigyokusai Masatsugu (1813-1892), signed Kaigyokusai 懐玉齋Japan, Osaka, second half of the 19th centuryFinely carved, the standing fisher girl turning to look up at the monkey seated on her shoulders, stabilizing the monkey's two legs, as the long-armed monkey reaches down and holds the arms of its young seated at the ama's feet. The fisherwoman dressed in the grass skirt of a pearl diver, having a serene expression on her face, a pouch tied to her waist. The monkeys are naturalistically carved and have inlaid eyes of tortoiseshell. The 'chimney type' himotoshi formed by one aperture to the back with the second beneath the skirt. Signed within a polished reserve KAIGYOKUSAI.HEIGHT 6.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear.This rather unique netsuke is finely balanced by the lanky arms which link the two monkeys, and which are a reference to the legendary yokai-fisherman Tenaga. In this amusing netsuke, the ama employs a Tenaga-monkey to fish its young out of the water.Auction comparisonCompare a related ivory netsuke attributed to Kaigyokudo (Kaigyokusai) Masatsugu, signed Masatsugu, depicting Okame with a monkey, at Christie's, The I.A. and Cecile Mann Victor Collection of Netsuke, 20 April 1989, New York, lot 58.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2307502999-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.

SHUZAN: AN EXCEPTIONAL WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAIL ACROBATBy Shuzan, signed Shuzan 周山Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Bandini, Rosemary (2013) In a Nutshell, A Loan Exhibition of Japanese Netsuke from European Collections, p. 82, no. 161.A very unusual and humorous twist to the classic netsuke subject of a snail emerging from a shell - here the snail's long and fleshy body loops over the shell, forming an arch, its anthropomorphic head upside down, the two antennae touching the shell, the mouth with a smile and the two eyes staring at the viewer, as if seeking some kind of acknowledgment of this incredible feat. The shell shows a clever arrangement of stippled markings to the smoothly polished, spiraling surface. The eyes of the snail are inlaid in dark horn. One large himotoshi to the underside of the shell, the other large opening 'natural' through the side. The dark-reddish wood bearing a superb, unctuous patina. Signed SHUZAN.This remarkably striking and possibly unique design is executed here in a bold manner, while still retaining a high degree of delicacy and imbued with a healthy dose of humor - all the hallmarks of what makes a netsuke truly special.HEIGHT 3.7 cm, LENGTH 4.6 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor typical wear including some light surface scratches and tiny nicks. One eye is likely replaced, but invisible to the naked eye. Beautiful patina.Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt. Theodor “Teddy” Hahn was a well-known and respected collector of netsuke and other Asian works of art. After spending time in museums to study the early cultures of the world, finding particular interest in their sculptures, he began collecting, remarking, “I somehow knew it would have a profound influence on my life. How right I was. And how happy I have been.” Teddy Hahn was a passionate collector of snail netsuke, arguably building the greatest collection of snail netsuke ever assembled.

TOMONOBU: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A FROG, NASUBI AND PUMPKINBy Arima Tomonobu, signed Tomonobu 友信Japan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved, the artist skillfully utilizing a variety of stains, depicting a frog clambering on top of a large pumpkin to which a nasubi (eggplant) is attached, one of its legs trailing and joining with the curved stem of the pumpkin to form the cord attachment. Signed within a raised rectangular reserve TOMONOBU.LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and traces of use consistent with age and handling.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a frog by Tomonobu at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part I, 8 November 2016, London, lot 169 (sold for GBP 1,625).

AN EARLY WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAKE AND FROGUnsigned Japan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Boldly carved as a snake consuming a helpless frog, one of its limbs caught in the serpent's mouth, the snake's body coiled in three layers, intricately carved with extensive openwork forming natural himotoshi, the nicely worn wood of an attractive color, with a warm, smooth patina.LENGTH 4.4 cmCondition: Very good condition, appealingly worn.The netsuke depicts the sansukumi motif, meaning 'mutual control'. The snake will consume the frog, however there is a catch - the frog has already eaten a poisonous snail, so too the snake must perish.Literature comparison: Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a snake with frog in Barry Davies Oriental Art, Netsuke from the Teddy Hahn Collection, London, 1996, pp. 80-81, no. 110.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a snake with frog at Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 2 November 2019, Vienna, lot 115 (sold for 4,550 EUR).

A YAMADA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAKE COILED AROUND A TORTOISEUnsignedJapan, Yamada, Ise province, late 19th centuryFinely carved, the snake tightly coiled around the tortoise, the scales of the snake and carapace of the tortoise carved with intricate detail and a heightened sense of naturalism. The underside is equally well-carved, the cord channel runs through underneath the snake's body. The eyes are inlaid in dark horn. The two reptiles were thought to have been from the same species due to their similar head shape. Therefore, rather than being engaged in a battle, these two creatures are depicted in a loving embrace.LENGTH 5 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related wood netsuke sold at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 4 June 2021, Vienna, lot 218 (sold for EUR 4,045). Another closely related wood netsuke was sold at Lempertz, Auction 1146, 7 December 2019, Cologne, lot 226 (sold for EUR 4,464).

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A TORTOISEJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)Boldly carved as a tortoise with its legs and tail completely retracted inside its carapace, the movable head emerging and facing ahead. Himotoshi through the underside. The wood stained in black to resemble ebony.LENGTH 5.1 cmCondition: Good condition with minor surface wear and shallow age cracks. Provenance: American private collection.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.

TOMOKAZU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF THREE TORTOISESSigned Tomokazu 友一Japan, Gifu, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved, the parent shown just emerging from its carapace with the head ever so slightly stretching outwards, two of its young clambering across its back, one on top of the other. The details are naturalistically rendered. Asymmetrical himotoshi to the base and signed within an oval reserve TOMOKAZU.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear.Museum comparison:A closely related wood netsuke of a turtle mother and young, by Tomokazu, from the Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection, is in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, accession number M.91.250.254.Literature comparison:Compare a closely related wood netsuke of three tortoises, two small ones crawling on the back of a larger one, by Tomokazu, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 900.

A FINE AKAGANE AND SHAKUDO MANJU NETSUKEUnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The two-part manju netsuke of rounded square form, inlaid with bands of akagane and shakudo, stimulating woven rattan to form a rinzu diapered ground. The interior with a looped cord attachment passing through the exterior.LENGTH 3.4 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear and few losses to the inlays.Provenance: Collection of Robert and Isabelle de Strycker, acquired from the above. Robert de Strycker (1903-1968) was a French engineer who specialized in metallurgy. He was a Stanford graduate, a professor at the University of Leuven, a director of the Institute of Metallurgy at the Universite Catholique de Louvain, and one of the most influential members of the faculty of applied sciences. After World War II, he made large contributions to France's post-war recovery. Robert and his wife Isabelle (1915-2010) first encountered Chinese art at the British Museum during a stay in London in the 1930s. Enamored with the style and beauty, they both decided to study and collect Japanese and Chinese works of art. In 1938 they eventually began to build their collection, buying from Belgian, Parisian, and English dealers. They kept close contact with the famous English collector Sir Harry Garner (1891-1977) and noted Czech collector and expert Fritz Low-Beer (1906-1976). In 1964, the couple lent 174 objects from their collection to the Belgian city of Leuven's museum for an exhibition titled Oude kunst in Leuvens Privebezit ('Old Art in Private Collections in Leuven'), and in 1967 they lent around thirty Japanese objects to the Royal Museums of Art and History in Brussels for their exhibition Kunst van Japan im belgischen Privatverzameingen ('Japanese Art in Belgian Private Collections').Auction comparison:Compare a closely related manju netsuke with rinzu pattern, at Van Ham, Asian Art, 7 December 2017, Cologne, lot 2394 (sold for 2,451).

AN IVORY AND METAL MANJU NETSUKE, 19th CENTURYJapan, 19th centuryConsisting of two parts, the beautiful stained ivory cover carved in openwork, neatly adorned with a shippo pattern and central flowers, the reverse made of metal with a central himotoshi. DIAMETER 4.4 cm Condition: Good condition with minor surface wear, one crack to the rim of the ivory cover, and the metal part with slight surface scratches. Provenance: Dutch collection. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 22NL306099/20).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 WOOD NETSUKE OF A SLEEPING TEMPLE SERVANT, EDO PERIODJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Carved as a temple servant (eji), standing in a gentle slumped position, leaning against a parasol, with his eyes peacefully closed. The two himotoshi to the back. HEIGHT 6.5 cm Condition: Very good condition with minimal wear. Provenance: From the collection of Gaston Lazard (1878-1956) and his wife Jane Levy (1886-1985) and thence by descent within the same family.

AN EARLY WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECLINING HOTEIUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)An old and pleasingly tactile netsuke depicting the lucky god Hotei reclining and supporting his head in the right hand, wearing a loosely fitted robe, opening at the chest and revealing his potbelly, the surface pleasingly worn, the back with very large and generously excavated himotoshi.LENGTH 8 cmCondition: Very good condition, the surface pleasingly worn, minor traces of use, fine patina.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF HOTEI AND A BOY INSIDE HIS TREASURE BAGJapan, 19th century The wood netsuke depicting the lucky god Hotei, inside his large treasure bag, peeking out from one side of the sack with a grim facial expression, on the other side we find a little boy, sticking out his head with a joyful expression. The two asymmetrical himotoshi at the bottom.HEIGHT 4 cm Condition: Very good condition with minimal surface wear. Provenance: European collection.

AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A HOTEI, 19th CENTURYJapan, 19th century The ivory netsuke with a fine honey to amber hued patina, depicting the lucky God Hotei standing on one leg, his treasure bag draped over his shoulder, dressed in long robes with neatly incised details, boasting a joyful facial expression and pendulous earlobes. The two himotoshi through the back. Appealing patina. HEIGHT 5.9 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, some age cracks. Provenance: Dutch collection. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 22NL306322/20).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 IVORY NETSUKE OF HOTEI WITH HIS TREASURE BAGJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved as the seated Hotei, his face with a joyful expression, the right arm resting on his treasure bag and holding a fan, the left on his knee, dressed in a decorated robe, open at the chest to reveal his chest hair. Asymmetrical himotoshi through the underside.LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear and minor expected age cracks, fine honey colored patina. Provenance: German private collection. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0662). 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.

HOJITSU: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO KARAKO PLAYING WITH HOTEI'S BAG, 19th CENTURYBy Hojitsu, signed Hojitsu 法實 Japan, 19th century Finely carved, depicting two karako playing with the lucky god's treasure bag, one of them up to his neck inside the big sack, the other trying to climb on top of the bag, both taking a hold of Hotei's fan. The two himotoshi at the underside as well as the artist signature HOJITSU. Fine patina. LENGTH 11.1 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor traces of wear and age, and some natural age cracks. Provenance: Collection Prof. Dr. Henk C. Hoogsteden, Rotterdam. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-0042).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.

RENSAI: AN INLAID IVORY MANJU-STYLE NETSUKE DEPICTING A BOY, 19th CENTURYBy Rensai, signed Rensai 蓮齋 Japan, Asakusa, Tokyo, second half of 19th century Of rectangular form with rounded edges, the ivory bearing a fine honey hued patina on the backside, the front depicting a seated boy playing with a coral inlaid object against a diaper-ground, all carved within a raised border. The two symmetrical himotoshi to the back as well as the artist signature RENSAI zo (made by Rensai). HEIGHT 3.1 cm, LENGTH 4 cm Condition: Good condition with minor surface wear, discoloration, and few tiny age cracks. Provenance: From the collection of Gaston Lazard (1878-1956) and his wife Jane Levy (1886-1985) and thence by descent within the same family.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-0144).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 WOOD KARAKURI NETSUKE WITH HOTEI AND KARAKO PLAYING SUGOROKU, MEIJIJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)The exterior well carved, depicting Hotei's treasure bag with a neatly incised cord tassel, opening to reveal the lucky god Hotei and a karako seated at a table, playing sugoroku, the boy's hair tufts, and the game pieces inlaid with bone and dark horn, the trick mechanism fully functional with a small wood peg. The bottom with a large central himotoshi. HEIGHT 2.8 cm, WIDTH 3.7 cm Condition: Good condition with some surface wear, small age cracks, and one small chip to the bottom.

INTERIOR OF A WOOD KARAKURI NETSUKE WITH TWO IMMORTALS PLAYING SUGOROKU, EDO PERIODJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The inner part of the karakuri netsuke depicting two immortals seated at a table, engaging in a play of sugoroku, carved with neatly incised details. The game pieces inlaid with bone and dark horn. HEIGHT 3 cm, LENGTH 2.9 cm Condition: Overall good condition with minimal traces of wear and age. Provenance: From the collection of Gaston Lazard (1878-1956) and his wife Jane Levy (1886-1985) and thence by descent within the same family.

A LARGE IVORY AND MIXED METAL KAGAMIBUTA WITH ROOSTER, BAMBOO, SNAIL AND SPIDERUnsignedJapan, c. 1860The shibuichi disc worked in iro-e takazogan with a proud long-tailed rooster and offspring next to bamboo shoots and a long bamboo stalk with a crawling snail, the top showing bamboo leaves and a spiderweb with a spider hanging from a loose thread. The back with a central himotoshi, the cord attachment beneath the disc.DIAMETER 5 cmCondition: Very good condition with few expected natural age cracks to the bowl and some nibbling to edges of the metal disc.Provenance: La Licorne, Paris, September 1995. Ex-collection Guy de Lasteyrie, acquired from the above. De Lasteyrie is a member of the Lasteyrie du Saillant family and is considered among the leading French collectors of netsuke.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207506418-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.

MITSUNOBU: A WOOD NETSUKE OF THE CLAM'S DREAMBy Mitsunobu, signed Mitsunobu 光信Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Beautifully modeled as a clam revealing within its depths the insides of a pavilion rendered in anabori, a few small figures walking in and around the Palace of the Dragon King, the intricate scene framed by scrolling clouds to the top and tumultuous waves to the bottom. Asymmetrical himotoshi to the base and signed MITSUNOBU.LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and some light surface scratches.According to popular belief, the clam exhales in a purple mist and pearly tints the form of the island Horai with the palace of Ryujin. This mirage is often called 'the clam's dream' and is often seen as a netsuke carved between the slightly opened shells in minute details where the palace of Ryujin becomes visible.Literature comparison:A closely related boxwood hamaguri netsuke with the Clam's Dream, by Mitsunobu, is illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 550.

RYUKOKU: A RARE WOOD FIGURE OF A DRUMMING ISLANDERBy Ryukoku, signed Ryukoku 龍谷Japan, Edo (Tokyo), late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The islander standing with his left arm raised, holding a mallet with which he is about to strike the drum held in his lowered right hand. The man is clad only in a fundoshi, his muscular arms and legs, his rotund belly, and his spine and rib cage are well detailed and heightened by skillful staining. His brows and hair are neatly incised, his face with a somewhat grotesque expression, his cavernous eyes inlaid with dark wood. The back with asymmetrical and generously excavated himotoshi below the signature RYUKOKU. The wood with a fine, smooth, dark patina.HEIGHT 6.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, appealingly worn, few tiny nicks.Literature comparison: Compare a wood netsuke by Ryukoku of a crane dancer, illustrated in Coullery, Marie-Therese / Newstead, Martin S. (1977) The Baur Collection, p. 246, C 703, and in Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, vol. 2, p. 893.

A FINE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF ONO NO KOMACHIUnsignedJapan, Nagoya, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Ono no Komachi, one of the 6 great poets of the 9th century, once a beautiful and vibrant woman, is depicted here as an old woman seated on the floor with a large straw hat on her back and a gnarled cane in her left hand, her right hand clutching a pouch. Dressed in a tattered robe decorated to the hem with a geometric design, her long hair, parted in the middle, falls over her back. The deep-reddish cherry wood bearing a superb patina. Good himotoshi to the back.HEIGHT 3 cmCondition: Losses to the staff and some minor wear, otherwise in good condition.Ono no Komachi was a Japanese waka poet, one of the Rokkasen (six best waka poets of the early Heian period) and was renowned for her extraordinary beauty. Several legends tell of her mistreatment of her many lovers. In the arts, she is often depicted as an old, withered hag and has thus become a symbol of the impermanence of beauty.Literature comparison:Compare a closely related boxwood netsuke of Ono no Komachi, signed Masakatsu, illustrated in Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 225, no. 690.

A RARE MARINE IVORY NETSUKE BY TANUKI HARA TSUZUMI, ATTRIBUTED TO MASATAMIAttributed to Masatami, unsignedJapan, Tokyo, second half of the 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Depicting tanuki no hara tsuzumi (belly drumming raccoon dog), the fur finely incised, the lustrous marine ivory beautifully stained, the spine expressively carved, the face with sharp fangs, upwards turned snout, double-inlaid eyes in mother-of-pearl and black horn, and a jovial expression - he is visibly delighted as he drums on his large and smooth belly, with his left front paw raised in a dynamic posture. Himotoshi to the underside and to the back.HEIGHT 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with only minor surface wear and a flaw to the material by the creature's shoulder.Provenance: Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 4 June 2021, Vienna, lot 202. German private collection, acquired from the above.The tanuki possesses magical powers and can change forms, sometimes into Buddhist monks; they are jovial, but also dangerous, as they have been known to suffocate hunters with their enormous scrotums. The act of drumming on the belly, according to legend, was used by tanuki to beguile travelers and hunters and to lead them astray. However, it has also been said that tanuki would get together just for fun, drumming on their bellies under the moonlight, perhaps even with some sake involved.Museum comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke, signed Masatami, at the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, object number B70Y1039.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-0363). 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 TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF ASHINAGA WITH A CANDLEUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The long-legged Ashinaga standing tall, wearing a straw skirt tied round his waist with rope, suspending a gourd, his bony legs, emaciated ribcage, curved spine, and muscular arms well detailed. The legendary fisherman is holding a candle in front of him with his right hand and scratching his head with the other, his mouth wide open with the tongue stretched out, his curled hair and beard finely carved and neatly incised. The back with two large himotoshi. The ivory bearing a superb, honey-yellow patina.HEIGHT 15.9 cmCondition: Losses, old repairs and touchups, including to the beard and feet. Minor age cracks.Museum comparison:Compare a related ivory netsuke of Ashinaga holding a fish, formerly in the Trumpf collection and now in the Linden Museum Stuttgart, inventory number OA 18670. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-0252).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 IVORY NETSUKE OF KADORI MYOJIN WITH NAMAZUJapan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved as Kadori Myojin sitting on namazu, while grasping a hyotan (double gourd). The giant earthquake fish is well carved, its face neatly detailed and showing an eerily grinning expression marked by bared teeth, the large visible eye inlaid in dark horn. Generously excavated himotoshi to the underside. LENGTH 5.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with little wear, a few light surface scratches. Fine patina and with a few age cracks.Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0305).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.

HOGEN SHUZAN: A SUPERB AND LARGE WOOD NETSUKE OF SHOKI AND ONISigned Hogen Shuzan 法眼周山Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The tall figure boldly carved as a standing Shoki, with menacingly grim expression, grabbing a flailing oni by its hair, his iconic ken-sword drawn behind his back. The reddish wood bearing an attractive, dark patina and the eye-pupils of both inlaid in black wood. Good, functional himotoshi to the back and signed Hogen SHUZAN.HEIGHT 9.8 cmCondition: Good condition with some typical wear and few old chips and nicks here and there.The work can be attributed to Yoshimura Shuzan (1700-1776) or a close follower. Yoshimura Shuzan was a painter who also carved netsuke, being mentioned in the Soken Kisho (the first publication on netsuke) in 1781. He came from Shimanouchi, Osaka, and studied with the Kano-school painter Niekawa Mitsunobu and received the honorary rank 'hogen'. While the design and remarkably bold execution are certainly in line with this artist's work, his netsuke were usually carved from cypress wood and painted with polychrome pigments. It is also said that he never signed his works. For the reasons above, a firm attribution is impossible.Literature comparison: Compare a related saishiki (painted hinoki wood) netsuke, attributed to Yoshimura Shuzan and of similar design, illustrated in the International Netsuke Collectors Society Journal (INCSJ), vol.3, no. 1, p. 26, no. 33.Auction comparison:Compare a related Shuzan-style wood netsuke, unsigned and without polychrome pigments, of similar size and boldness, depicting a Chinese general, 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 24 (sold for EUR 20,480). The design for this netsuke is also illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 800.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF SHOKI CAPTURING ONIAfter Ittan, inscribed Ittan 一旦 with kakihanJapan, late 19th - early 20th centuryThe demon queller with fierce expression, dark inlaid eyes, wearing characteristic armor with sword attached to the back, pressing down with all his might with both arms and one foot on a flat tub, only a small claw of one oni (out of presumably thousands trapped inside) is visible. Natural himotoshi and signed within an oval reserve ITTAN.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko.Neil Davey writes on Ittan, “A fine artist, who worked entirely in wood, producing small models, chiefly of animals but occasionally of legendary figural subjects. His work is full of intricate details, the eyes being inlaid in dark horn and the himotoshi being formed by a natural gap in the form.” (Netsuke, 1974, p. 194) Literature comparison: For a closely related netsuke by the same carver and with the same subject, see Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 249.

A BOXWOOD NETSUKE OF SHOKI AND ONIJapan, 19th centuryThe demon queller standing on one foot, dressed in a voluminous robe with long draping sleeves, his downward-pointing sword at the ready, and holding on to the brim of his hat on which a oni hides. The back with asymmetrical himotoshi, one through Shoki's sleeve.HEIGHT 6.6 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear.

HOSAI MASAHIRO: A FINE ANABORI IVORY NETSUKE REFERENCING THE LEGEND OF CHORYO AND KOSEKIKOBy Hosai Masahiro, signed Masahiro 正廣 with seal Hosai 芳齋Japan, Tokyo, c. 1860A remarkable and intricately carved ivory netsuke, the manju-type netsuke fitted with a 'faux lid' carved in relief with a ferocious sinuous dragon forming a circle, one side pierce-carved in anabori with a design of Choryo handing back the shoe to Kosekiko after having defeated the water dragon. Two himotoshi and signed MASAHIRO with red seal HOSAI underneath. The artist was known for his meticulous anabori carvings and was a pupil of Adachi Masanobu.DIAMETER 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with few natural age cracks.Provenance: Sold at Sotheby's, 13 March 1987, London, lot 39. German private collection, acquired from the above.Zhang Liang (known as Choryo in Japanese) was a Chinese military strategist and politician who lived in the early Western Han dynasty. The present netsuke depicts the legend of when Choryo met the old man Kosekiko (Huang Shigong) on a bridge. The old man began to teach the art of war to Choryo and one day Kosekiko wanted to test Choryo and threw a shoe into the river where a powerful water dragon lived. The dragon seized the shoe and Choryo defeated it and gave the shoe back to Kosekiko. The present netsuke shows exactly this scene - the proud Choryo, with one foot on the dragon's head, is presenting the shoe to Kosekiko who is mounted on a horse atop a bridge. According to legend, Choryo used the teachings of Kosekiko as a military adviser to Liu Bang, the founder of the Han dynasty.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number DE-K-230523-303). 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.

ITTAN: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF RAIJIN PEERING THROUGH CLOUDSBy Ittan, signed Ittan 一旦 with kakihanJapan, Nagoya, c. 1850, Edo period (1615-1868)A powerful wood netsuke of the thunder god Raijin squatting, leaning forward to peer through a hole in the swirling clouds supporting him. The oni-like deity carved with muscular arms and legs with finely detailed clawed feet. His drum is suspended from his neck and resting on his back, and his head is finely detailed with horns and curly hair. His face is set with a furious expression, his furrowed brows visible from the side and his fierce eyes visible through the hole in the clouds. One fine himotoshi to the base of the clouds exiting through the swirl design behind the deity. Signed along the underside ITTAN with the artist's characteristic kakihan.LENGTH 3.4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wearProvenance: Ex-collection Randon. Piasa, 1 June 2005, Paris, lot 115. A private collection in France, acquired from the above. Literature comparison:Compare a closely related wood netsuke of Raijin peering through the clouds, signed Ittan, illustrated in Coullery, Marie-Therese / Newstead, Martin S. (1977) The Baur Collection, p. 61, C 17.

HOMIN: A GOOD WOOD NETSUKE OF RAIJIN WITH BATHING WOMANBy Homin, signed Homin 法眠Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-186)Boldly and amusingly carved as Raijin, having descended to earth on a cloud, resisting the advances of a young woman sitting in a tub, who is trying to drag him down to her, while he makes a gesture with his finger in his mouth akin to a fishhook, perhaps knowing that he will not be able to resist much longer. The details are finely incised and darkly stained. Note the beautifully carved, wispy cloud which partially engulfs the tub. The underside with two himotoshi and signed HOMIN within a rectangular reserve.HEIGHT 4.2 cmCondition: Very good condition, appealingly worn.Provenance: Old private collection in Berlin, Germany. Kunsthandel Klefisch, 6 December 1997, Cologne, lot 303. German private collection, acquired from the above.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke by Sensei, 4.3 cm high, dated c. 1800, at Galerie Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 131 (sold for 4,803 EUR).

A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A BLIND MASSEUR AND CLIENT, ATTRIBUTED TO JOBUNAttributed to Jobun, unsignedJapan, Edo (Tokyo), late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Amusingly and boldly carved, the client grimacing in agony with one eye closed and the other rolling to the side as the blind masseur holds his arm back with one hand, digging the other hand into the back of his neck. A central tama-shaped himotoshi through the base. The expressions are masterfully crafted in the manner of Jobun, whom this work is confidently attributed to (see Museum comparison).LENGTH 4.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, particularly to the underside. A small age crack to the side with an associated old fill.Museum comparison:Compare a related wood netsuke of a blind masseur lifting a strength stone having a closely related expression, signed Jobun, in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), accession number M.91.250.168.

A TSU SCHOOL DARK WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO WRITHING DRAGONSUnsignedJapan, Tsu, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely and densely carved as two writhing dragons, their scaly bodies intertwining and forming a tightly wound composition, each with flames emanating from their bodies and with long, flowing whiskers. The underside with two himotoshi.LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Tiny repairs to two of the whiskers. Otherwise good condition with minor typical wear. Presents beautifully.

A REMARKABLE TALL WOOD NETSUKE OF CHINNAN SENNIN WITH DRAGON, ATTRIBUTED TO SOSHINAttributed to Soshin, unsignedJapan, Osaka or Kii, c. 1800, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Hurtig, Bernard (1973) Masterpieces of Netsuke Art: One Thousand Favorites of Leading Collectors, p. 201, no. 841.Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2006) More Things in Heaven and Earth, pp. 40-41, no. 11.A remarkable wood figure of the immortal Chinnan stroking a loose strand of hair and holding an alms bowl from which a minutely carved dragon emerges, the creature looking up at its conjuror and gently placing one claw against Chinnan's chest. This small yet striking detail is executed with peculiar sensitivity, almost surprising the viewer, giving a rare glimpse into the bond shared by the dragon and sennin. Chinnan's glaring eyes, inlaid in pale and dark horn, and opened mouth confirm this heightened sense of pleasure induced by the dragon's touch. The immortal wears a neatly incised leaf cloak and has a curious horn-like protrusion emerging from his head, which is usually an attribute of rishi such as the immortal Ikkaku. The back with large, asymmetrical, and generously excavated himotoshi placed at an angle. The wood bearing a fine, dark patina.HEIGHT 9.3 cmCondition: The feet have been replaced a long time ago (already visible in the 1973 publication quoted above) and are convincing and respectful repairs. They have been probably lost due to fire damage as indicated by some light singing to the left sleeve. Few natural age cracks and typical wear. Appealingly dark patina.Provenance: Ex-collection Georges Weil. Georges Weil (b. 1938) was a jewelry designer and sculptor of precious metals who formed an important collection of netsuke in the 1960s and also started carving netsuke in the 1970s. His works have been featured in many important exhibitions throughout the world, and are in the collections of many noted museums, such as the British Museum. With Sydney Moss Ltd., London, 1993. An American private collection, acquired from the above. Christie's, 21 December 2009, Paris, lot 46. Ex-collection Guy de Lasteyrie, acquired from the above. De Lasteyrie is a member of the Lasteyrie du Saillant family and is considered among the leading French collectors of netsuke.Literature comparison:Compare a related figure of Tekkai sennin, by Soshin, note the similar crispness of the carving and the expression with peculiarly inlaid eyes, illustrated in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2006) More Things in Heaven and Earth, no. 37.

A WALRUS TUSK RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE OF RAKAN HADAKA SONJA CONJURING A DRAGONJapan, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved in openwork and depicting a large dragon emerging from the alms bowl which Handaka Sonja holds aloft. Two attendant sitting next to the rakan, one holding a hossu (fly whisk) up towards the writhing dragon. Two himotoshi to the back.LENGTH 3.9 cmCondition: Very good condition with wear, natural flaws, and small nicks.Provenance: French private collection.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.

YOSHINAGA: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF GAMA SENNIN, EDO PERIODBy Yoshinaga, signed Yoshinaga Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Of triangular section, Gama Sennin is shown in a dancing posture with one foot raised above the other, holding a fruiting peach branch, his three-legged toad, with large dark horn inlaid eyes, to be found on his back. His cloak is finely engraved with cloud patterns. Very attractive and irregular himotoshi on the reverse, as well as the signature YOSHINAGA in a rectangular reserve. HEIGHT 5.8 cm Condition: Very good condition with few faint age hairline cracks. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-0227 ).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 IVORY NETSUKE OF A JOYFUL SENNIN, EDO PERIODJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved, depicting a bearded Sennin with a large hat strapped to his back, standing on one foot, the other leg slightly raised, both arms lifted and positioned next to his head. The immortal with a cheerful facial expression, the mouth wide open, revealing his tongue, framed by a long chin beard. The two himotoshi at the back. HEIGHT 6.3 cm Condition: Good condition with minimal wear, and few age hairline cracks. Provenance: Private collection, Southern France.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-0104).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.

MASAAKI: AN AMUSING BOXWOOD SHUNGA NETSUKE OF A KAPPA, MEIJIBy Masaaki, signed MasaakiJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)Depicting a seated kappa, carrying a nut in one hand, the other holding a maple leaf over his lab, covering its genitals, which are visible underneath. It's warty skin finely rendered, the shell on its back well carved, wearing an amusing facial expression with a broad smile, and large glaring eyes with inlaid pupils. The two himotoshi to the bottom as well as the artist signature MASAAKI.HEIGHT 3.4 cm Condition: Excellent condition with minimal wear.

A LARGE WOOD NETSUKE OF A DRUMMING ASHINAGA WITH MOVABLE TONGUEUnsignedJapan, Edo (Tokyo), late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a long-legged Ashinaga, depicted as an islander with curly hair and dressed only in a loincloth, arching his body as he leans backwards in a jubilant pose with his head tilted back and his mouth wide as he calls out. The balding head of the elderly islander set with a wrinkling forehead as he raises his brows; his eyes are minutely inlaid with dark buffalo horn. Holding a drum with similar buffalo horn inlays and its mallet, the islander's chest is visible above his brocade skirt, which suspends a pouch on one side. Like the mallet, his loose tongue is minutely carved from bone. Good, functional himotoshi to the back. The wood is of an attractive grain and has a rich, naturally grown patina. Unsigned, however attributable to an early Edo school artist such as Chikuyosai Tomochika I or Hara Shugetsu.HEIGHT 8.9 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear, the left foot restored.Provenance: Kunsthandel Klefisch, 16 November 1991, lot 1570. Damm collection, Grünwald, acquired from the above. Kunsthandel Klefisch, 27 April 2013, lot 214. Ex-collection Guy de Lasteyrie, acquired from the above. De Lasteyrie is a member of the Lasteyrie du Saillant family and is considered among the leading French collectors of netsuke.While the figure has an exaggerated posture, arching his back forward, the composition remains balanced. The flat feet support the figure perfectly, giving the carving a remarkably realistic appearance imbued with spectacular movement.Literature comparison:Compare a closely related wood netsuke in Barry Davies Oriental Art (2002) Netsuke & Inro from European Collections, p. 105, no. 115.

KAIGYOKUSAI MASATSUGU: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF JO AND UBA INSIDE A PINECONESchool of Kaigyokusai Masatsugu (1813-1892), signed Kaigyokusai Masatsugu 懐玉齋正次Japan, Osaka or Tokyo, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Depicting a pinecone, carved from two parts, hinged together and openable, the lustrous exterior superbly polished, naturalistically carved, and with pine needles, the inside revealing a densely carved and remarkably intricate depiction. The famous elderly couple Jo and Uba are nestled under an imposing pine tree, sharing tea. The other side of the pinecone is carved in relief with swirling clouds. Signed underneath KAIGYOKUSAI MASATSUGU.HEIGHT 4 cmCondition: The hinged mechanism is repaired. A tiny chip to the edge of the pine tree to the interior. Generally good condition and presenting well.Provenance: Old French private collection, acquired in Tokyo, May 8, 1968, from the Tokyo Art Club.Jo and Uba, the pine spirits who were thought to inhabit two pines at Takasago and Sumiyoshi, are depicted here as an old couple. According to legend, Jo makes a trip to Sumiyoshi nightly to visit his love. The two spirits represent eternal fidelity, good fortune, and longevity.Auction comparison:Compare a near-identical ivory netsuke, attributed to Kaigyokusai Masatsugu, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 19 May 2009, London, lot 170 (sold for GBP 3,600).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2307500499-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.

TAKUSAI: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A MERMAID (NINGYO)By Tachikawa Takusai (1817-1887), signed Takusai 啄齋Japan, Suwa, Shinano Province, mid to late 19th centuryPublished: Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2006) More Things in Heaven and Earth, p. 92, no. 39.Finely carved as a gleefully smiling mermaid clutching her tail and pulling it toward herself, her other hand holding a sacred tama (jewel), her facial features expressively carved, her arms distinguished with developed muscles, her lower body well detailed and neatly incised with scales and fins, her long hair flowing elegantly down her back in finely incised strands forming the 'natural' himotoshi. Signed within a smooth oval reserve TAKUSAI.LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor expected wear. Tiny chip to the edge of the tail fin and a tiny chip to the fin underneath. Provenance: Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, 2006. A noted private collection, USA, acquired from the above.The present netsuke is carved from shitan (purple sandalwood), which is riddled throughout with the traces of unusually small woodworm. Paul Moss concluded in More Things in Heaven and Earth that the wormholes were already in the material when Takusai chose it, as evidenced by the grooves lying on the surface of the wood. Other netsuke by Takusai illustrated in Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, vol. II, p. 1055-1056, show evidence of the same woodworm as the present netsuke.Tachikawa was proposed by George Lazarnick as a group of carvers with the same family name (which had been previously read as single names including most often Ryusen and less often Tatsukawa, Tatsugawa, and seldom Tachikawa). The selection of characters used in the names, the very style of rendering of these characters and the reserves in which they are often placed, the invariable use of wood, as well as the information recorded about them all point to an interrelationship among them. See Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, vol. II, p. 1053.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke by Tachikawa Takusai depicting the same subject, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 833, where Meinertzhagen described it as “a little gem of art”, and in Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, vol. II, p. 1055, at Bonhams, 25 March 2010, New York, lot 2051 (sold for 4,575 USD).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.

MIWA I: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A BOY WITH HANNYA MASKBy Miwa I, signed Miwa 三輪 with sealJapan, Edo (Tokyo), 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Boldly carved from plum or isu wood, of an attractive grain and color, depicting a young boy wearing an elaborate hairstyle and dressed in an apron and jacket, the eyes double inlaid in bone and dark wood, and sticking his coral-inlaid tongue out to emulate the expression of the Hannya mask he holds before his body. The Hannya mask with remarkably expressive features, the back with very large, asymmetrical himotoshi. Signed underneath the right foot MIWA with the aritst's characteristic seal.HEIGHT 8.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear.Fuld's Netsuke and Ojime Index records several netsuke depicting karako with Hannya masks, although these are all of relatively small size and invariably show the boys seated with the mask behind their backs. Furthermore, these are likely carved by the followers of the first Miwa, while the present lot is carved by Miwa I.Auction comparison: Compare a related tall wood netsuke of an islander, attributed to Miwa Katsusuke, at Bonhams, The Jamese A. Rose Collection of Netsuke and Sagemono, 17 September 2013, New York, lot 2067 (sold for USD 22,500).

OKAKOTO: AN IMPRESSIVE AND LARGE IVORY NETSUKE OF A TARTAR ARCHERBy Yamaguchi Okakoto, signed Okakoto 岡言Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published & Exhibited: Association Franco-Japonaise, Netsuke Sagemono, Paris, 2019, p. 66, no. 110.A dramatic representation of a Tartar archer dynamically swinging his bow back, his loose sleeve swinging upwards as a result, and readying two arrows as he eyes an enemy in the distance. His detailed robe is beautifully carved and engraved with various sumi-stained patterns, the buttons of his coat are inlaid in dark horn, as are the eyes and finial of his quadrilobed hat. The archer has a grim expression with a wild windswept beard, reminiscent of the demon queller Shoki. The superbly carved backside, which is unusually thick and appealingly rounded, shows the kirin-form quiver with neatly incised scales and head, and the beautifully excavated, asymmetrical himotoshi next to the signature within a rectangular reserve OKAKOTO. The ivory bearing a deep-yellow patina, particularly to the back.HEIGHT 8.2 cmCondition: Very good condition, few natural age cracks and typical wear.Provenance: Jan Lühl Antiques, Paris, April 1991. Ex-collection Guy de Lasteyrie, acquired from the above. De Lasteyrie is a member of the Lasteyrie du Saillant family and is considered among the leading French collectors of netsuke.Yamaguchi Okakoto was a pupil and younger brother of Yamaguchi Okatomo. His work is considerably rarer than those of other members of the Oka school. While this is a known subject by Okakoto (Fuld's Netsuke and Ojime Index lists five examples) this appears to be the largest and finest model of this group, possessing remarkable sculptural quality and boldness in the execution.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related, yet smaller (6.8 cm), ivory netsuke of a Tartar archer by Okakoto at Christie's, Japanese Art & Design, 12 May 2010, London, lot 1 (sold for GBP 10,625).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207506631-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.

YOSHITOSHI: A SUPERB AND LARGE WOOD NETSUKE OF KAN'U STROKING HIS BEARDBy Yoshitoshi, signed Yoshitoshi 慶寿Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sagemonoya (2022) A Selection of Netsuke & Sagemono from the Collection of Georgina & Gabor Wilhelm, p. 12, no. 9.A powerfully sculpted and large netsuke of remarkable thickness depicting the God of War Kan'u (Guan Yu) standing proudly and stroking his long and elegantly flowing beard. The legendary general wears a cloud-patterned robe below a cuirass with beast-masked shoulder plates. Note the superbly carved facial features and fingers which curl around his beard and are placed against his hip. Two large himotoshi to the back and signed towards the hem of the robe YOSHITOSHI.HEIGHT 8.8 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear and traces of use. Some light chipping with associated repairs to the edge of the robe in the back.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Guan Yu (died 220) was a Chinese military general serving under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han dynasty of China. Guan Yu's life was lionised and his achievements glorified to such an extent after his death that he was deified during the Sui dynasty. He is reported to have had a 'peerless beard'. In the present netsuke he is depicted in a portraitist manner with particular attention devoted to the long beard, which is central to the composition, the eyes of the viewer being immediately drawn to the curved, elegant fingers caressing this legendary figure's facial hair.Literature comparison:Only two works are recorded by this exceptionally rare artist in Fuld's Netsuke and Ojime Index. One depicting Gama Sennin is illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 992, and the other depicts a man tying his fundoshi illustrated in Barry Davies Oriental Art, The Netsuke Collection of W.G Bosshard Part 1, no. 92.

TAMIYOSHI: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A WOMAN AND A HINOKI OFURO (BATHING BARREL)By Tamiyoshi, signed TamiyoshiJapan, 19th centuryThe oval hinoki ofuro with a heating pipe fitted through one side, the nude lady standing on a small stand moving to enter the bath. Two himotoshi to the base of the barrel. The base signed TAMIYOSHI.HEIGHT 4.2 cmCondition: Good condition with wear, extensive rubbing, and small nicks.Provenance: French private collection.

A BOXWOOD NETSUKE OF AN ONI NEMBUTSU, MEIJIJapan, 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)The repentant demon depicted standing and soliciting funds for a temple, holding an account book inscribed ´Hoga cho' ('subscription list') in one hand and a drum-beater in the other, with a gong hanging from his neck. Two himotoshi through the backside. HEIGHT 6.5 cm Condition: Good condition with some surface wear and few tiny nicks here and there. A chip to one toe.

AN EXQUISITELY SMALL WOOD NETSUKE OF A FOX DANCER, ATTRIBUTED TO JUGYOKUAttributed to Ryukosai Jugyoku, unsignedJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid to late 19th centurySuperbly carved as a young boy performing the kitsune odori (fox dance) wearing tightly fitted cloths with a cowl over his head, wearing a fox's mask and tail. The dancer stands on one leg (the netsuke actually is perfectly balanced and stands on that leg), the other leg lifted dynamically, and the two hands are raised in a dancing posture. Two himotoshi to the back. Unsigned, however attributed to Ryukosai Jugyoku who treated this subject and used the same type of reddish wood.HEIGHT 4.1 cmIn some areas of Japan, the kitsune odori was performed during O-bon (a traditional festival honoring the dead), the boys wearing white close-fitting costumes including a fox's mask and tail. The small size of this netsuke may indicate it was made for a young boy, the subject matter here making it a suitable gift.Condition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Ex-collection Irene Segeler, Zurich. Irene Segeler specialized in collecting tiny children's netsuke, acquiring over 80 examples, which is quite remarkable as they are exceptionally rare. A few pieces from her collection are illustrated in Children's Netsuke (2001), The International Netsuke Society Journal (INSJ), vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 26-30.Literature comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a fox dancer, by Jugyoku, illustrated in Coullery, Marie-Therese and Newstead, Martin S. (1977) The Baur Collection, pp. 247-247, no. C 699.

A FINE SASHI NETSUKE OF A HARUKOMA (HOBBY HORSE)UnsignedJapan, 20th centuryFinely carved in the form of a bridled hobby horse with a patterned brocade caparison. Its mane is nicely incised, and its mouth is modeled open exposing its short teeth. The himotoshi is naturally formed by the bridle which wraps around the hobby horse.HEIGHT 10.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and small nicks.Provenance: French private collection.

A CHARMING IVORY NETSUKE OF DAIKOKO LIFTING A RICE BALEUnsignedJapan, 18th centuryThe God of Wealth and Agriculture, Daikoku, dressed in voluminous garments, grimaces as he crouches over a bale of rice straining to lift it. The bale secured with neatly incised ropes. Large himotoshi to the base opening to the back.HEIGHT 3 cmCondition: Good condition with minor age cracks.Provenance: Collection of Dr. Ferdinand and Dr. Gudrun Thaler-Szulyovsky, thence by descent in the same family. The couple, who had both been practicing law, met in 1967 through their mutual passion for art. Together they built a substantial and diverse art collection over many decades.Literature comparison:Compare a related netsuke of Daikoku with a rice bale by Masakazu, illustrated in Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 65, no. 164.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-0389).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 LARGE WOOD NETSUKE OF A DUTCHMANUnsignedJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)Well-carved as a standing Dutchman depicted here wearing a large coat and hat. His face is set with a quizzical expression, holding a large staff. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi through the back. The wood bearing a fine patina.HEIGHT 14.8 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear, expected age cracks with associated touchups, and a small chip to the hat.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF BENKEI BRANDISHING AN AXUnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1612-1868) - Meiji period (1868-1912)Carved standing, leaning to one side under the weight of his large axe, his face with a fierce, snarling, almost evil expression with intense eyes, furrowed brows, and a grim smile. Two large asymmetrical himotoshi to the back.HEIGHT 4.6 cmCondition: The staff of the ax and right hand with repairs. Otherwise in good condition with minor expected wear.Provenance: From a German private collection, assembled prior to 2007.

A SET OF TWO PRESSED HORN MANJU NETSUKEUnsignedJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)The first carved in relief depicting an actor wearing a mask, dressed in samurai robes holding a lotus stem. The reverse with a peony blossom and a single character. The two asymmetrical himotoshi at the underside.The second depicting an arrangement of eleven theater masks, including Okame, Okina, Beshimi, Shojo and others with finely carved facial expressions and neatly incised details. The two symmetrical himotoshi at the underside.DIAMETER 4.4 cm and 4.5 cmCondition: The first in fair condition with wear, few small nicks, and split in half along the circumference. The second in very good condition with minor wear and few small nicks.Provenance: Galerie Souquet, Paris, September to October 1942. Gallery Eymery, Paris, April 1943. Collection of Robert and Isabelle de Strycker, acquired from the above. Robert de Strycker (1903-1968) was a French engineer who specialized in metallurgy. He was a Stanford graduate, a professor at the University of Leuven, a director of the Institute of Metallurgy at the Universite Catholique de Louvain, and one of the most influential members of the faculty of applied sciences. After World War II, he made large contributions to France's post-war recovery. Robert and his wife Isabelle (1915-2010) first encountered Chinese art at the British Museum during a stay in London in the 1930s. Enamored with the style and beauty, they both decided to study and collect Japanese and Chinese works of art. In 1938 they eventually began to build their collection, buying from Belgian, Parisian, and English dealers. They kept close contact with the famous English collector Sir Harry Garner (1891-1977) and noted Czech collector and expert Fritz Low-Beer (1906-1976). In 1964, the couple lent 174 objects from their collection to the Belgian city of Leuven's museum for an exhibition titled Oude kunst in Leuvens Privebezit ('Old Art in Private Collections in Leuven'), and in 1967 they lent around thirty Japanese objects to the Royal Museums of Art and History in Brussels for their exhibition Kunst van Japan im belgischen Privatverzameingen ('Japanese Art in Belgian Private Collections').

AN IVORY AND IRON KAGAMIBUTA NETSUKE DEPICTING A CRANE AND THE MOON, EDOJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of circular form, the ivory bowl fitted with an iron plate finely decorated in low relief and silver takazogan to depict a crane in flight, below the moon and above a meandering stream. Central himotoshi to the back, the cord attachment to the back of the plate. DIAMETER 4.2 cm Condition: Good condition with expected surface wear, remains of gilt, and few natural age cracks to the bowl. Provenance: Estate of an Austrian collector, the collection was assembled in the 1980s - 1990s through purchases at Galerie Zacke and other specialized galleries in Vienna. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-0242).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 WOOD KAGAMIBUTA NETSUKE WITH SHIBUICHI PLATE DEPICTING CRABS ON A MOONLIT SHOREUnsignedJapan, 19th centuryThe shibuichi plate engraved in with two crabs, standing on the shore side beneath a large silver-inlaid moon. The bowl is well turned and very light, displaying a beautiful grain. Central himotoshi and looped cord attachment on the inside.DIAMETER 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and tarnishing to the shibuichi plate.

A GROUP OF FIVE NETSUKEJapan, 19th centuryThe first, an ivory carving of a frog seated atop a folded lotus leaf with dark bone inlaid eyes, the lotus step attached to the base of the leaf with a single bud issuing from it. Signed to the base.The second, an ivory netsuke depicting Daikoku riding a large rat across a bridge while holding a sack and below the bridge Shiei rides a large fish. A single himotoshi through the base. The base signed within a red lacquer rectangular reserve.The third consisting of a stained ivory netsuke of a recumbent ox. The ox naturalistically rendered with a lead rope attached to its nostrils. Two himotoshi along the base.The fourth, an ivory mixed metal kagamibuta depicting a beauty stirring the water with a stick. The disc is fitted into a superbly polished, shallow ivory bowl. Central himotoshi to the back, the cord attachment beneath the disc.The fifth, an ivory netsuke depicting a seated Hotei holding his fan, wearing checkered robes and a two-case inro attached to his belt by a manju netsuke. Two himotoshi to the base. The base incised with a signature.LENGTH 6.8 cmCondition: Good condition with wear, expected age cracks, chips, small nicks, and losses.Provenance: German private collection.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number DE-K-221108-386).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 GROUP OF FIVE WOOD NETSUKEUnsignedJapan, 19th centuryThe first wood netsuke carved as a joined pair of flat shoes with two seams along the toe. Good himotoshi through the center of the shoe. The second finely carved netsuke of a lotus pod with one loose and movable seed inside the pit. The stem curling, forming part of the himotoshi. The third carved in openwork as an ingyo (seal) netsuke with a shishi standing on the seal base, its mouth open in a roar. Well worn, a single himotoshi through the back of the shishi. The fourth of oval shape, carved in the round as Buddha seated in dhyanasana on a lotus pedestal, hands resting in dhyana mudra, flanked by a radiating mandorla and halo. The reverse inscribed on a rectangular tablet with himotoshi naturally formed behind the Buddha's neck. Tactile and well worn, the fifth netsuke carved as an eggplant, its stem still attached to the branch. Good himotoshi to the back.HEIGHT 6 cm (tallest)Condition: Good condition with wear, rubbing, shallow scratches, and small chips.Provenance: From a German private collection, assembled prior to 2007.