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THREE JAPANESE NETSUKE OF ANIMALS EDO/MEIJI, 18TH/19TH CENTURY One carved as a large frog, its eyes inlaid with metal studs, signed underneath; another a seated monkey scratching its mouth in a quizzical manner; the third depicting a recumbent ram with its head turned towards its back, its large horns curling behind its ears, 4.4cm max. (3) Provenance: an English private collection, Somerset, purchased in Japan.

A JAPANESE FOUR-CASE GOLD LACQUER INRO BY HARA YOYUSAI (1772-1845/6)EDO PERIOD, 19TH CENTURYDecorated to one side with a scholar in an interior pensively holding a fan, with an open book before him and a screen decorated with bamboo at the back; the reverse with three boys, probably his students, one reading a book by a large vase of flowers; signed to the base, together with an agate ojime and a stag antler netsuke carved as a snake writhing around a tree stump, signed underneath, the inro 6.8cm.

A JAPANESE LACQUERED WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF OKINA EDO/MEIJI, 19TH CENTURY In the style of Ryuzan, the small face with an elongated forehead and deep lines, 4.2cm.Provenance: from the netsuke collection of Peter E. Müller, no.22.

A JAPANESE GOLD AND BROWN LACQUER TWO-CASE INRO BY MIZUTANI SHUTOHO EDO PERIOD, 18TH CENTURYThe wide body decorated with gold takamaki-e, black and red lacquer and raden mother of pearl inlays on the rich chocolate-brown ground, one side with a large cockerel and a hen and the other with large flowers and foliage, the flanges to the interior decorated with cracked-ice patterns, the base with a six-character signature for Mizutani Shutoho, with a filigrée metal ojime and a wood netsuke carved in openwork with views of thatched buildings by pine trees, together with a kiri box, the inro 7.6cm. (2)Provenance: an English private collection, Somerset.See Bonhams, London, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art, Part IV, for a related inro by Mizutani Shutoho decorated with chickens.

A JAPANESE WOOD RYUSA NETSUKE MEIJI ERA, 19TH CENTURYThe surface decorated in openwork with chrysanthemum, daisies and other flowers crisply carved, a metal ring at the back for suspension, 3.3cm.PLEASE NOTE THIS LOT IS TO BE OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE.

A JAPANESE WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF SANKA JOMEIJI ERA, 19TH CENTURYIn two parts linked by cord, the face with deep lines on its forehead and spiral scarifications to the cheeks, signed Deme at the back, 4.8cm.Provenance: from the netsuke collection of Peter E. Müller, no.30.

Japan, three boxwood netsuke, 20th century, comprising a hare, signed, a buffalo and a fish l. 4,5 cm max. [3]

Japan, boxwood netsuke, 19th/ 20th century, carved as a mask on a broom, signed h. 7,5 cm Provenace: from the collection of former Dutch pilot [1]

A Japanese Edo period Tsuishu red lacquer two part manju netsukecarved with Chinese sages and attendants in a landscape with trees on both sides, black interior with metal cord attachmentdiameter 4.8cm.Condition: Good condition

Two 19th Japanese Hirado porcelain netsukeEdo/Meiji period first in the form of seated shishi, with raised head and open mouth with a lose ball in its mouth, second in the form of a polychrome decorated seated monkey holding a peach, (2)first length 4cm, second height 3.5cm., Condition: Without chips or losses. Old hairline running across head from mouth

A 19th century Japanese netsuke of a silver octopus grasping a stick of coral Edo/Meiji period the octopus with gilt inlaid eyes, plain silver mount with swivel suspension ring, signed length 7.2cm.Condition: Small crack to one leg of octopus. Some movement to octopus For a similar example see the The Walters Museum Accession number 57.1344

A 19th Century Japanese cloisonne manju netsukeLate Edo / Meiji periodDiameter 4.2cm., diameter Condition: Good condition

Chinese carved antler netsuke in the form of a seated elderly man.Height: 1 3/4 in x width: 1 1/4 in x depth: 1 in. Weight: 14.6 grams. />Condition: No chips, cracks, or losses. Some losses to the pigment throughout. Some dirt collected in the recessed areas of the work. Two holes along the back to string a cord through.

JAPAN -- JÖRG, Chr.J.A. Fine & curious. Japanese export porcelain in Dutch collections. (2003). 4°. Ocl. w. dust-j. -- G. JAHN. Meiji Ceramics. The art of Japanese export porcelain and Satsuma ware 1868-1912. (2004). 4°. Obrds. w. dust-j. In or. slipcase. -- H. GOODALL, (a.o.). The Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection of Netsuke. A legacy at the Los Angeles County Mus. of Art. (2003). 4°. Owrps. -- And 2 o. (5).

A Japanese carved Netsuke in the form of a goat on hand

A Japanese carved Netsuke in the form of a tortoise

A Japanese carved Netsuke in the form of a Kappa and octopus on barrel

A Japanese carved Netsuke in the form of three tortoise on an egg

A Japanese carved Netsuke in the form of a boy riding a pig

A Japanese carved Netsuke in the form of a rabbit on basket

Three intricately and delicately carved figurines depicting different deities or legends. These pieces do not have a fully functioning netsuke cord hole. Largest piece measures 2"L x 1.25"W x 1.25"H. Condition: Age related wear.

A collection of oriental items to include cloissone lidded pot, resin netsuke, oriental teaware, oval fruit bowl, etc (1 tray)

A signed netsuke formed as a chicken. 5.5 cm long.

Okimono Netsuke Ryukei Hanasaka JijiMeiji Period (1868-1912)Okimono Netsuke mit Darstellung des Hanasaka Jiji. Meiji Periode (1868-1912). Buchsbaum, fein geschnitzt, Einlagen aus kleinen geschnitzten und gravierten Kugeln. Darstellung des Hanasaka Jiji, einer Figur aus einer japanischen Volkserzählung: ein alter Mann sitzend auf dem Stumpf eines Kirschbaums, im Arm eine Schale mit Asche, die er ausstreut und damit die Kirschblüten zum Blühen bringt. H. 6 cm. Am Boden auf einer Plakette signiert: RYUKEI (graviert).

Ɵ&nbspA group of Reference books mainly relating to Netsuke and Inro, comprising: Christies, The Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection of Netsuke Parts 1, 2 and 3; The Netsuke : A Comprehensive Study Based on the M. T. Hindson Collection, Davey, Neil K, 1974; Netsuke, The Miniature Sculpture of Japan, Barker, Richard & Smith, Lawrence, 1976, three copies; Inro Handbook: Studies Of Netsuke, Inro, And Lacquer, Raymond Bushell, 1979 and various other books and auction catalogues (21) Condition Report: some wear throughoutCondition Report Disclaimer

South East Asian stone figure of a ram together with a Japanese Netsuke made from a nut/seed

A carved netsuke modelled as an insect on a branch, with engraved signature to underside. No toggle holes. Approx. 5cm long.

Nine carved wood netsuke including camel, monkey and octopus, rat, rabbit with carrot, crab and snail, whale, and frog. (9)  All appear free from losses and in a generally good condition

Ten coloured resin netsuke including snake, dragon, walrus, rat, tortoise, etc.

Twelve resin netsuke including fish, monkey, elephant, frog, horse etc.

A Japanese carved wood rabbit netsuke and a similar small skull

TWO JAPANESE CARVED WOOD NETSUKE OF A HOUND AND A DEER, 20TH CENTURY each carved recumbent, the head resting between the front legs and the tail swished around the rear haunches, each 7.7cm long

TWO JAPANESE CARVED WOOD NETSUKE OF A WATER BUFFALO AND A RAM, MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1912) the buffalo carved recumbent, the head with a rope halter turned sharply to the left and the tail swished around the hind quarters, 4.5cm long, the ram also carved recumbent, 4cm long

A carved fossilised mammoth tusk signed Netsuke of a rabbit.

A carved fossilised mammoth tusk signed Netsuke of a horse.

A carved fossilised mammoth tusk signed Netsuke of a monkey.

Eighty-three various auction catalogues of Japanese Ceramics, Works of Art, Netsuke and Prints and Paintings1978 - 2022Comprising: twenty-three Sotheby's catalogues, non-continuous runs, various locations, 1978 - 2000; fourty-six Christies catalogues, various locations, non-continuous runs, 1983 - 2018; one Bonhams catalogue, New Bond Street, 12 November 2002; four various Wooley & Wallis catalogues, 2019 - 2022; and thirteen catalogues on swords, netsuke and inros, including important private collections, Sotheby's and Christie's, various locations, 1987 - 2000.Various sizes, some duplicates (83).一九七八 - 二零二二 日本藝術品拍賣圖錄一組八十三本

A Japanese wood netsuke of a screen flanked by an oni and a guardianEdo/Meiji period, 19th century, signed HidemasaCarved as a standing screen, one side with an oni holding a shield, the other with a guardian with a sword, the base with incised signature Hidemasa 秀正.3.5cm high.Hidemasa 秀正 was a prolific netsuke artist active in the early 19th century; he is known to have taught two students, who took his name in reverence. Condition Report: A few tiny nibbles to the edges, some expected minor surface wear including some scratches to the base, and a small restuck chip to the foot of the screen (refer to additional images from dept.)

A mixed lot of carved hard stone including jade, netsuke, earrings, carvings.

A 20th century Japanese signed carved wood netsuke in the form of a tigress with tiger cub with glass beaded eyes. Signed to flank. Measures 40mm tall.

A group of Chinese and Japanese Works of ArtQing dynasty and Meiji periodComprising: three porcelain snuff bottles, two rosary bead bracelets carved of fruit kernels, one with figures, the other with pomegranates; four Japanese wood netsuke, a pair of bronze-lined Japanese kernel pendants in the shape of double-faced heads; and a small Japanese kernel carving of Fukurokuju.The tallest snuff bottle, 7.3cm high (11).清及明治時期 雜項一組Condition Report: The celadon snuff bottle: fritting, surface wear, chips to the foot, nibbles to the extremities.The blue glazed snuff bottle: surface wear with nibbles to the extremities.Blue and white snuff bottle: firing imperfections including pitting, iron spots, and fritting, nibbling to the foot.Four netsukes: indentation, surface wear, cracks and scratches, all commensurate with age.Kernel carving: good condition.Rosary bead bracelets: the shorter one with minor staining and tiny chips to the carvings; the longer one with a chipped area to the larges bead, and cracks to other beads commensurate with age.A pair of kernel beads: general surface wear with indentation.

Six Japanese silk and leather tobacco pouches, early 20th c, with chased and silvered brass dragon or chrysanthemum or other floral clasp, chains, ojime netsuke and kagamibuta, 13.5cm l Generally good condition

2 Netsuke, Japan, wohl 19. Jh. (Edo/Meiji), Hartholz. Dämonenmasken, 1 x mit beweglicher Nase. Leicht ber., D. bis 4,5 cm

2 erotische Netsuke, Japan, 19./20. Jh., dunkles Hartholz, jeweils auf kleiner Beinplakette in rot gefärbter Ritzung signiert, leicht ber., H. bis 8 cm

A LATE 19TH CENTURY JAPANESE BLACK LACQUERED FOUR SECTION INRO WITH HARES JUMPING ABOVE WAVES, one side with a full moon, no cord, height 7cm x 5cm, together with a bone netsuke of a male figure standing holding a leaf shaped fan, height 6.4cm and a treen netsuke of a male figure holding an open fan, height 5cm (3) (Condition Report: the top tier and bottom tier of the inro have splits along the side of the protruding cord holder, but generally in reasonable condition commensurate with age and use, light gilding loss, both netsukes are ok but the treen one looks to have lost some definition)

'A Gift of Heritage: Selection from the Xubaizhai Collection of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy',two volumes in a slipcase, by the Urban Council, Hong Kong,1992,'Chinese Porcelain: The S C Ko Tianminlou Collection',two volumes in a slipcase, by the Hong Kong Museum of Art, presented by the Urban Council, Hong Kong, 1987,'The Signature Book of Netsuke, Inro and Ojime Artists in Photographs',published by Reed Publishers, USA, 1976,'Ming Ceramics in the British Museum',by Jessica Harrison-Hall, published by the British Museum Press, 2001 (6)Condition ReportTianminlou - cover faded and stained, sleeve with tears. Binding worn.Ming ceramics - binding with tear, knocks to cover.Overall good condition.

A POWERFUL IVORY NETSUKE OF KAN'UUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The ivory netsuke of triangular sankaku type, typical for early ivory netsuke, depicting the God of War standing tall, one hand pensively stroking his beard, the other holding his halberd down. Clad in a voluminous robe with gauntlets peeking through his billowing sleeves, his expression powerful and contemplative. The facial hair and the surface of the robe finely engraved and stained for texture. The back with an attractive honey-yellow patina and with good, asymmetrical himotoshi.HEIGHT 8.8 cmCondition: Excellent condition with expected age cracks and typical minor wear.Provenance: From a German private collection.Auction comparison:Compare a related large ivory netsuke of Kan'u at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25th September 2020, Vienna, lot 26 (sold for EUR 7,584).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-0356).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 GOOD IVORY NETSUKE OF A DUTCHMAN WITH DOGUnsignedJapan, late 18th century to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Standing, his body twisted ever so gently as he cradles a European mutt with a turned nose against his chest, one hand supporting its hindlegs, the other held against its shoulder. Dressed in a long coat stopping well above the knees, exposing his paned breeches. The face with a stifled smile under a characteristically large hat. The back with an attractive honey patina and an asymmetrical himotoshi.HEIGHT 8.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, commensurate with age and few age cracks.Provenance: From a German private collection.Museum comparison:Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a Dutchman with dog in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, Museum number FE.284-1995.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been grantedThis 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 GOOD TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF A TARTAR ARCHERUnsignedJapan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved standing with the feet pointing in opposite directions, wearing an elaborately patterned robe with wavy collar, key-fret band, and cloud and wave designs, carrying a quiver of arrows on his back and holding a bow tightly to his side with his left hand, the right hand raised toward his shoulder, his head turned upward to the side, the face showing a fierce expression with large bulging eyes, inked pupils, a broad nose with flaring nostrils, and a wide-open mouth, two asymmetrical himotoshi to the back. The ivory bearing a fine patina.HEIGHT 11.4 cmCondition: Very good condition with only minor surface wear and expected natural age cracks.Provenance: Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 23. German private collection, acquired from the above.The Tartars were a race of Mongolian nomads, occupying areas in Northern China. They tended to drive south in the winter and invaded China and Japan in the 13th century, finally founding the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368) in China under Kublai Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related netsuke at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 12 May 2016, lot 245 (part lot, sold for GBP 4,375). Another was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 28 April 2023, Vienna, lot 19 (sold for EUR 4,940).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-0359).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 GOOD TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF A SARUMAWASHI (MONKEY TRAINER)UnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Superbly carved as a monkey trainer wearing a cloud-patterned robe, a food basket tied to his waste, holding a long taming stick in one hand, the other hand handing a peach to the monkey clambering on his shoulder. The foreigner-esque face of the sarumawashi is carved expressively with large eyes and a wide grin baring teeth. The ivory bearing a deep-yellowish patina, turning honey-colored in the back, the back with large and asymmetrical himotoshi placed at an angle to each other.HEIGHT 9.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with wear and traces of use consistent with age and handling. Several natural age cracks. A tiny old chip to the edge of the monkey trainer's hat.Provenance: Sotheby's, 25 October 1994, Amsterdam, lot 663. Ex-collection Dr Anton C. R. Dreesmann (1923-2000), old inventory no. E-41 pasted to the back. Sold at Christie's, The Dr Anton C. R. Dreesmann Collection: Dutch Pictures & Works of Art, 16 April 2002, London, lot 1330.Dr Anton C. R. Dreesmann (1923-2000), third-generation member of the founding family of the biggest Dutch department store, Vroom & Dreesmann, was a passionate collector, amassing over 1,300 works of art, barely ever selling any of his beloved acquisitions. Among his collection were famous works by French impressionist and post-impressionist painters such as Claude Monet and Georges Seurat, but he also formed a small collection of netsuke mostly depicting foreigners and Dutchmen.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2307507150-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 FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF ROSHI ON AN OXUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The ox meekly standing foursquare, its nose pierced and roped, controlled by Roshi seated atop the cattle holding on to the incised rope. The old master clad in a voluminous robe with billowing sleeves, his face carved with a flowing beard, his hair tied into a topknot. The animal with its head bowed, its tail and fur finely detailed, all supported on thick strong hooves. The ivory bearing an attractive patina with a superb golden-yellow hue.HEIGHT 6.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and few natural age cracks.Provenance: Sharen Chappell, 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. Roshi, the ancient philosopher, the venerable Prince, is the founder of the Taoist system of philosophy. According to legend, Roshi's mother conceived at the sight of a falling star and carried Roshi for eighty-one years in her body. He was born with a grey beard, with a white and yellow face. He had large eyes, fine eyebrows, ragged teeth in a square mouth, a double ridge to his nose, ten toes on each foot, and ten lines in each hand, and his enormous ears had three passages each. Artistic representations, however, do not adhere to this depiction and Roshi is usually shown as an old Chinese man, seated upon an ox on which he is miraculously carried to paradise.Literature comparison:Compare a closely related ivory netsuke, depicting Laotse seated on a bullock, illustrated in Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures (LNIA), Vol. 1, p. 84.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207506627-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 TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF A SENNINUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A powerful, tall ivory netsuke depicting a sennin-immortal holding an unravelling scroll before him and securing his large hat in the back. The balding immortal is depicted with long hair falling against his shoulders and with a long, pointed beard, his loosely fitted artemisia leaf robe opening at the chest, the himotoshi in the back formed by one hole above the waist, the cord channel running through an opening of the draping sleeve. The sennin's expression is boldly crafted, the mouth agape dramatically, the glaring eyes inlaid with dark horn pupils. The ivory bearing a superb, honey-yellow patina.HEIGHT 9.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear and only very few light age cracks.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207512278-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 GOOD IVORY NETSUKE OF ROSEI'S DREAMUnsignedJapan, early 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Rosei is depicted as a reclining figure resting on his side, one hand supporting the head, the other wrapped around the handle of the uchiwa, wearing a floral scroll and karakusa detailed robe cinched at the waist with a hyotan to the back. The face lost in a daydream with a gentle smile across the face. Excellent himotoshi through the underside, the larger oval hole generously excavated.LENGTH 7.4 cmCondition: Very good condition with natural age cracks and a few natural imperfections.In the original 8th century Chinese tale, Rosei (Lu Sheng) leaves his village in search of an illustrious career in the civil service. This tale inspired the 15th Century Japanese Noh play 'Kantan,' and was modified to reflect the Buddhist philosophy of Noh Theatre's elite warrior audience. In the Noh drama, Rosei falls asleep at an inn while waiting for his meal and dreams that he is visited by a grand entourage that invites him to become the emperor. When the innkeeper awakens him, Rosei immediately realizes that his fifty-year reign as emperor was only a vain dream. Rosei's awakening is comparable to a spiritual awakening or enlightenment that recognizes the transience of human life and the vanity of human ambition. Rosei abandons his dream of self-advancement and returns to his village.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207512942-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 TALL IVORY NETSUKE OF THE PRAWN SENNIN KENSUUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: OEstasiatiska Museet (1999) Netsuke, p. 63.Exhibited: OEstasiatiska Museet, Sweden, Stockholm, 16 October 1999 – 9 January 2000.Kensu (in Chinese Xianzi), also known as the Ebi (prawn) Sennin or shrimp eater, was a Zen monk famous for breaking the Vinaya code on eating meat, and thus paradoxically gaining enlightenment. He was rumored to wander riverbanks and fish only for lobster and clams. The tall ivory netsuke shows him holding a lobster slung over his shoulder with an ecstatic expression, signifying his enlightenment. He wears only a straw skirt, shoes and shin guards, his body slightly emaciated, the rib cage and spine in the back vividly expressed. The backside shows a fine honey patina and the asymmetrical, generously excavated himotoshi.HEIGHT 12.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor expected wear and few natural age cracks.Provenance: Ex collection Mrs. Gunvor Bjorkman. Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 27 March 2020, Vienna, lot 13. 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-0358).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 AND RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF AN AMA (DIVING GIRL)UnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A tall and pleasingly worn wood netsuke depicting an ama with sensitively crafted features, naked save for a loincloth, lifting one leg and slightly hunched over to wring the water from her skirt, her long hair neatly tied and lacquered in black. Very large and generously excavated himotoshi to the back. The well-toned wood bearing a beautiful and dark, unctuous patina.HEIGHT 10.9 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear. The black-lacquered details attractively worn. Provenance: Kirin Gallery, December 1990. 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.Netsuke depicting ama are much more commonly seen carved from ivory, moreover they are usually depicted holding a shell or knife. The present piece is not only unusual due to the choice of material, but the size and rather unique portrayal make this netsuke a true rarity.

A SUPERB AND RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A TENNIN (BUDDHIST ANGEL)UnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Joly, Henri (1908) Legend in Japanese Art, p. 521.Joly, Henri L. (1912) The W. L. Behrens Collection, Part 1, Netsuke, no. 274 and illustrated on pl. V.The Buddhist angel (apsara in sanskrit) depicted in mid-flight, her celestial scarf and the tail feathers of her hagoromo (feather dress) swaying gracefully in the wind. Her hair is tied in a high chignon mounted by a chrysanthemum-tiara and she holds a lotus flower with both hands before her. Her facial features reflect her beauty and divineness as she smiles gracefully. The ivory bearing a lovely, warm, and lustrous patina. Good asymmetrical himotoshi through the underside, the larger oval hole generously excavated to accommodate the knot.LENGTH 7.2 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear and few age cracks. Some old, non-distracting chips here and there.Provenance: Ex-collection W. L. Behrens (1861-1913). Sold at Sotheby's, 19 June 1996, London, lot 170. 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.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a tennin, of slightly larger size (7.9 cm), at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 23 (sold for EUR 15,168).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR220750619-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 LARGE AND RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A FOX PRIEST (HAKUZOSU)UnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Standing enveloped in a long robe, a large cowl draped over its head, tied at the back, the superbly carved face with a sly expression. The carving is imbued with fantastic movement, as the kitsune confidently turns its head to left, its loosely fitted robe with billowing sleeves swaying in the wind as a result. Generously excavated and very large himotoshi to the back. The beautifully worn, old wood netsuke bearing a stunning, dark patina.HEIGHT 9 cmCondition: Worn condition with few old chips and tiny nicks here and there. A section of the staff lost. Presents well.Hakuzosu is the name of a popular kitsune character who shapeshifted into a priest in the Kyogen play Tsurigitsune. Kitsune are creatures imbued with magical powers and are known to have the ability to shapeshift. They are also believed to be animated by the devils.Auction comparison:While many variants of this 18th-century subject exist in ivory, they are exceedingly rare carved in wood. For another example carved in wood, unsigned, see Sotheby's, Fine Netsuke from the Henri Vever Collection, 27 March 1974, London, lot 90.

A GOOD IVORY NETSUKE OF A FOX PRIEST (HAKUZOSU)UnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Standing enveloped in a long robe, a large cowl draped over its head, the two ears visible through the cloth at the top, the face with a sly expression, the mouth slightly agape. The attractive pose, standing on one leg with the head turned to the right looking down, draws the eye and captures the balance of the composition. Generously excavated, perfectly functional himotoshi to the back.HEIGHT 9 cmCondition: Expected age cracks, natural fissures, minor losses, the staff likely lost. The ivory has a rich yellow patina darkening along the back.Provenance: Kunsthandel Klefisch, 30 June 1982. Collection Caliari, Milan, acquired from the above. Kunsthandel Klefisch, 27 April 2013, Cologne, lot 180 (sold for EUR 2,750). German private collection, acquired from the above.Hakuzosu is the name of a popular kitsune character who shapeshifted into a priest in the Kyogen play Tsurigitsune. Kitsune are creatures imbued with magical powers and are known to have the ability to shapeshift. They are also believed to be animated by the devils.Auction comparisonCompare a related ivory netsuke of a fox priest, 9.5 cm high, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 4 November 2022, lot 6 (sold for EUR 7,150).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-0366).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 SUPERB SAISHIKI NETSUKE OF SHOKI WITH HIS SWORD, ATTRIBUTED TO YOSHIMURA SHUZANAttributed to Yoshimura Shuzan, unsignedJapan, Osaka, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Boldly carved from cypress (hinoki wood) and well-painted as the demon queller Shoki lifting his left leg while holding his sword in his right hand. The fierce expression on Shoki's face marked by large, furrowed brows and a long, neatly incised beard and long hair falling down the middle of his back. Good, functional himotoshi finely excavated to the back.With an associated shikibako box bearing an attestation by the famous artist Kano Tessai (1845-1925) confirming the attribution to Yoshimura Shuzan. The top reading:'Shuzan saku, shoki, netsuke' [A netsuke, Shoki, by Shuzan] and the underside of the hakogaki sealed 'Ko' [of Kotaro, art name of Tessai] and reading, 'The carving knife is handled freely by the master, as if it is a living thing, this is undoubtedly a genuine work of Shuzan, attested by Tessai, a man of Tao, at the residence in Nara in the early winter of the year of Tsuchinoto-hitsuji (Taisho 8, 1919).'HEIGHT 8.1 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear, the remnants of blue, green, gold, and red pigments with expected losses.The polychrome pigments and gesso, as well as the gold accents are well preserved, as it is known that coloring applied by Yoshimura Shuzan, who was a Kano school painter, would not wear off so easily as later copies. The finely preserved pigments as well as the attribution to him by the artist Kano Tessai strongly advocate this netsuke was made by the great master himself.Kano Tessai (1845-1925) came from a Gifu family and started his life as a Buddhist priest, though his father instructed him in the art of carving. He studied Chinese literature and drawing and was a professor at Tokyo art school in 1872. He was also on the examining committee for investigating the ancient art of Japan and subsequently went to Nara where he engaged in the reproductions of old objects of art.Auction comparisonCompare a related Saishiki netsuke of Shoki and oni, in the style of Yoshimura Shuzan, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, lot 275 (sold for EUR 12,640).