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A glass jar and contents of various polished stones and pebbles; a box containing a small carved wooden Netsuke; carved stone and other ornaments etc.

A reproduction Japanese boxwood netsuke in the form of a monkey seated upon a barrel, h.5cm; together with various resin models of Buddha; resin model of an elephant etc

Japan 19. Jahrhundert Netsuke Katabori Shishi mit Ball und Kugel im Maul Meiji-Period, japanese wooden netsuke figure,Buchsbaum, Japan Meiji-Periode 1868-1912, Shishi mit Ball und beweglicher Kugel im Maul, H 4,2 cm x B 4,7 cm

Japan 19. Jahrhundert Netsuke Katabori Shishi mit Jungem, japanese wooden netsuke figure,Buchsbaum, Japan 19. Jahrhundert, Shishi mit Junges und beweglicher Kugel im Maul, H 3,2 cm x D 4 cm, zwei feine Risse am Boden

Japan 19. Jahrhundert Netsuke Katabori Shishi mit großem Ball, japanese wooden netsuke figure,Buchsbaum, Japan frühes 19. Jahrhundert, Kugel mit Signatur, Shishi mit großem Ball, H 4,2 cm x D 3,9 cm, min. Chip

Japan 19. Jahrhundert Netsuke Katabori Shishi mit Brokatball und Junges Meiji-Period, japanese wooden netsuke figure,Buchsbaum, Japan Meiji-Periode 1868-1912, unterhalb mit Signatur, Shishi mit Jungem und einem durchbrochenen Ball, innerhalb des Brokatballes eine bewegliche Kugel, H 3 cm x D 3,8 cm, umlaufend feine Risse

Japan 19. Jahrhundert Netsuke Katabori Shishi mit Brokatball, japanese wooden netsuke figure,Birnbaum, Japan 19. Jahrhundert, Shishi mit einem durchbrochenen Ball, innerhalb des Brokatballes eine bewegliche Kugel, H 2,8 cm x B 4,7 cm

Japan 18./19. Jahrhundert Netsuke Katabori sitzender majestätischer Shishi Meiji-Period, japanese wooden netsuke figure,Buchsbaum, Japan 18./19. Jahrhundert, sitzender Shishi, H 4,4 cm x L 5,2 cm, Kratzer am Boden

Japan 19. Jahrhundert Netsuke Katabori kugelförmiger Shishi mit Frauengesicht im Maul, japanese wooden netsuke figure,Buchsbaum, Japan 19. Jahrhundert, kugelförmiger Shishi, im offenen Maul befindet sich ein filigranes Damengesicht mit roten Lippen, H 4 cm x B 3,6 cm

Japan 19. Jahrhundert Netsuke Katabori Shishi mit großem Brokatball, japanese wooden netsuke figure,Buchsbaum, Japan 19. Jahrhundert, unterhalb mit Signatur, Shishi mit großem Brokatball, innerhalb des durchbrochenen Balls eine bewegliche Kugel, H 3,7 cm x L 4,3 cm

Japan 19. Jahrhundert Netsuke Katabori liegender Shishi Meiji-Period, japanese wooden netsuke figure,Buchsbaum, Japan Meiji-Periode 1868-1912, liegender Shishi, H 2,7 cm x B 3,8 cm

Japan 19. Jahrhundert Netsuke Katabori liegender Shishi mit Kugel im Maul Meiji-Period, japanese wooden netsuke figure,Buchsbaum, Japan Meiji-Periode 1868-1912, liegender Shishi mit Kugel im Maul, H 2,7 cm x B 5,1 cm, dünner Riss am Hals

Japan 19. Jahrhundert Netsuke Katabori zwei spielende Shishi Meiji-Period, japanese wooden netsuke figure,Buchsbaum, Japan Meiji-Periode 1868-1912, zwei übereinander liegende Shishi, H 3,6 cm x B 4,4 cm

Japan 19. Jahrhundert Netsuke Katabori Trommler mit Shishi Maske, japanese wooden netsuke figure,Buchsbaum, Japan Meiji-Periode 1868-1912, unterhalb mit Signatur, Trommelspieler der eine Shishimaske trägt, H 3 cm x B 3,3 cm

Japan 19. Jahrhundert Netsuke Katabori kugelförmiger Shishi Meiji-Period, japanese wooden netsuke figure,Buchsbaum, Japan Meiji-Periode 1868-1912, kugelförmiger Shishi, H 2,9 cm x B 2,8 cm, feiner Riss hinter dem rechten Vorderlauf

Japan 19. Jahrhundert Netsuke Katabori sitzender Shishi mit Ball, japanese wooden netsuke figure,Buchsbaum, Japan frühes 19. Jahrhundert, unterhalb mit Signatur, sitzender Shishi mit Ball in der rechten Pranke, H 3,5 cm x B 3,7 cm

Japan 19. Jahrhundert Netsuke Katabori liegender Shishi mit Brokatball, japanese wooden netsuke figure,Buchsbaum, Japan 19. Jahrhundert, liegender Shishi mit einem durchbrochenen Ball, H 3,7 cm x B 4 cm

Japan Netsuke Katabori sitzender Shishi mit Brokatball Meiji-Period, japanese wooden netsuke figure,Buchsbaum, Japan Mitte 20. Jahrhundert, seitlich mit Signatur, sitzender Shishi mit einem durchbrochenen Ball, mit beweglicher Kugel im Maul, H 4,7 cm x B 3,2 cm

Japan 19. Jahrhundert Netsuke Katabori zwei spielende Shishi, japanese wooden netsuke figure,Buchsbaum, Japan 19. Jahrhundert, zwei übereinander liegende Shishi, H 2,7 cm x B 3,5 cm

Japan 19. Jahrhundert Netsuke Karakuri zwei Shishis mit Geheimfach, japanese wooden netsuke,Holz, Japan 19. Jahrhundert, ineinander steckbare Shishis, unterhalb des kleinen Shishi befindet sich ein verstecktes Fach, H 7,9 cm x B 3,5 cm, Inhalt des Geheimfachs fehlt, minimale Bestoße am unteren Rand

Japan 19. Jahrhundert Netsuke Rotlack Katabori zwei Shishis auf Podest, japanese wooden netsuke,Holz, Rotlack, Japan 19. Jahrhundert, zwei Shishis auf Podest, ein Shishi mit Ball und ein liegender Wächterlöwe, H 3,8 cm x B 3,5 cm, Rotlack- und Goldabrieb

Japan 19. Jahrhundert Netsuke Rotlack Katabori Shishi Meiji-Period, japanese wooden netsuke,Holz, Rotlack, Japan Meiji-Periode 1868-1912, Shishis auf Podest, Sockel umlaufend mit Ritzdekor und unterhalb mit schriftartiger Gravur, H 3,2 cm x B 3,6 cm, kleine Rotlack-Abplatzer am Sockelrand und Boden

Japan 18. Jahrhundert Netsuke Rotlack Manju Shishi, japanese wooden netsuke,Holz, Rotlack, Japan 18. Jahrhundert, beidseitig mit Figurenszenerien auf hanabishi-Untergrund, Innen matter Schwarzlack, Schriftzeichen am Unterboden, H 2,1 cm x D 4 cm

Japan 19. Jahrhundert Netsuke Pappmaschee Katabori Shishi auf Lotusblüten, japanese netsuke paper mache,Pappmaschee, Japan 19. Jahrhundert, Shishi mit Lotusblüten, alte Farbfassung, H 6,2 cm x B 7,5 cm, Farbverlust, Körper mittig gerissen, abgebrochene Blüte, kleine Löcher und feine Risse im Pappmaschee

Japan 19. Jahrhundert Netsuke Bernstein Katabori liegender Shishi, japanese amber netsuke,Bernstein, Japan 19. Jahrhundert, liegender Shishi, H 2 cm x B 4,8 cm, Chips am Pfoten und Gesicht

Japan 19. Jahrhundert Netsuke Bronze Katabori liegender Shishi mit floralem Dekor, japanese bronze netsuke,Bronze feuervergoldet, Japan 19. Jahrhundert, liegender Shishi mit floraler Gravur, H 1,8 cm x B 4,1 cm, Goldabrieb, Riss und Nachbesserung an beiden Hinterläufen

Japan Netsuke Keramik Katabori 3 Shishi, japanese ceramic netsuke,Keramik, Japan 19. Jahrhundert, ein Netsuke blau gefasst mit Shishi Relief, ein weißer Shishi mit beweglicher Kugel im Maul, sowie ein grünlicher Shishi, H 2,4 - 4,4 cm, Abrieb

A BLUE AND WHITE ARITA PORCELAIN DISH 'LEAPING CARP', EDOJapan, Edo Period (1615-1868), 19th century. The dish with lightly lobed rim, painted in underglaze blue with a carp leaping from crashing waves towards a waterfall.Condition: Very good condition, some wear, light surface scratches, and manufacturing flaws including dark spots and spur marks.Provenance: From the collection of Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt, and thence by descent to the present owner. Theodor “Teddy” Hahn was a well-known and respected collector of netsuke and other Asian works of art. A copy of a valuation from 1982 accompanies this lot.Weight: 958 gDimensions: Diameter 29.5 cm

A GOLD AND SILVER INLAID BRONZE 'DRAGON' VASE, EDOJapan, Edo Period (1615-1868), 18th century. Of baluster form with squared mouth, supported and a flaring foot, flanked by two mask handles suspending loose rings, finely cast with dragons in relief and with gilt takazogan details on a dense wave pattern. The base with an archaistic seal mark.Condition: Very good condition, signs of wear to the interior, and casting flaws.Provenance: From the collection of Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt, acquired at Charlotte Otto and Gerhard Müller Antiquitäten, Darmstadt on 10 September 1981, and thence by descent to the present owner. Theodor “Teddy” Hahn was a well-known and respected collector of netsuke and other Asian works of art. A copy of the original purchasing letter from Charlotte Otto and Gerhard Müller, dated 10 September 1981, accompanies this lot.Weight: 2,894 gDimensions: Height 29.1 cm

A GURI-LACQUER THREE-CASE INROUnsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved on either side with scroll designs framed by borders of rinzu (key fret) in multiple layers of red and black lacquer in typical deeply-cut guribori, the top and bottom similarly carved with stylized nyoi, the interior of black lacquer. HEIGHT 8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and traces of use, little rubbing to lacquer, few minute nicks. Remnants of old labels. Provenance: From the collection of Gaston Lazard (1878-1956) and his wife Jane Levy (1886-1985) and thence by descent within the same family.Museum comparison: Compare a related guri-lacquer four-case inro, dated early or mid-18th century, in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), accession number M.39.2.310a-c.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related guri-lacquer three-case inro with en suite manju netsuke and ojime, at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part V, 5 November 2014, London, lot 201 (sold for 2,000 GBP).

AN INLAID LACQUER FOUR-CASE INRO WITH ISLANDERS, EDOJapan, Edo period (1615-1868), 19th century Of rounded rectangular form, bearing a roiro ground finely decorated in gold, silver and brown takamaki-e and wood and coral takazogan to depict two south sea islanders, one holding a large branch of coral, the other seated atop an elephant and holding a small coral ball, the elephant rendered with fine details and inlaid tusk, the foreground with weathered rocks, the interiors of rich nashiji with gold fundame edges. Together with an inlaid lacquer ojime and a horn netsuke also carved as a South Sea islander, depicted seated as he holds a jar from which a choice piece of coral rises (now lost), his features neatly detailed, the mouth agape revealing teeth, with curly hair and clad only in a loincloth, the back with himotoshi.The interior with an old Japanese collection label.Condition: With surface wear and few tiny nicks here and there, some losses to the inlays and small cracks and chips to the interior. Overall, still presenting well. The netsuke with some age cracks, the ojime with some losses. Dimensions: Height 8 cm (the inro), and 3.8 cm (the netsuke)

KOMA KYUHAKU: A GOLD LACQUER FIVE-CASE INRO WITH A WOOD NETSUKEBy Koma Kyuhaku, signed Koma Kyuhaku Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Of rounded rectangular form, bearing a kinji ground finely decorated in gold and silver takamaki-e and hiramaki-e with kirikane, depicting to one side Jurojiin observing a minogame, the God of Longevity wearing ornate robes embellished with phoenix mon, the reverse with three cranes, the slender birds with details rendered in silver and red lacquer, the interiors of rich nashiji with gold fundame edges. The base signed KOMA KYUHAKU. Together with a wood netsuke carved as Jurojin accompanied by a little boy.Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and few tiny nicks. At the inro a small flake to the sleeve of Jurojin´s robe. Provenance: Irish private collection, Dublin.Dimensions: Height 9.5 cm (the inro), and 4.5 cm (the netsuke)Auction result comparison: An inro by the same artist was sold in these rooms in Fine Netsuke & Sagemono on 16th April 2021, lot 337, sold for EUR 2,806.

A THREE-CASE MOTHER-OF-PEARL SOMADA STYLE INRO WITH BOXWOOD NETSUKEJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of upright rectangular form and oval section, with Somada-style aogai inlays. The front and back of the inro depicting an idyllic landscape scene including pine trees, little huts, hills, figures, and bridges over the river, the top, bottom, and sides are attractively inlaid with a dense linear pattern. Together with a hardstone ojime and a 19th century boxwood netsuke of a scholar dressed in a long robe and holding a scroll, the himotoshi through the backside.Condition: Overall good condition with some wear, tiny losses to the inlays and with a chip to either shorter side. Provenance: French private collection. Dimensions: Height 10 cm

MORIMASA: A FINE LACQUERED WOOD FOUR-CASE INRO DEPICTING A DRAGON AND TIGERBy Morimasa, signed Morimasa 守正 saku 作Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The wood bearing an attractive grain, finely decorated in gold and colored takamaki-e with kirikane to depict on one side a snarling tiger striking a dynamic pose amid bamboo and to the other a three-clawed dragon writhing amid thick swirling clouds. The base signed MORIMASA saku [made by Morimasa].HEIGHT 8.5 cm (the inro)Condition: Very good condition with only very minor wear to lacquer, the manju netsuke with few losses to inlays. The manju netsuke with a similar wood grain finely decorated in takamaki-e and inlays of mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshell, horn, and stained bone to depict a bird perched on a flowering prunus branch amid further prunus branches. The tiger and dragon both have important meanings in Buddhist and Taoist philosophy, together representing the yin and yang, the earth and sky, or the male and female. Furthermore, they represent strength, resilience, and courage.The artist Morimasa is recorded in Wrangham, E. A. (1995) The Index of Inro Artists, p. 184, where the author notes that “[t]he two inro and a manju netsuke so far recorded by this artist are all decorated in lacquer on polished wood grounds; it is thought that he may have been connected to the Toyo(sai) school. The seal Hozan is also found on an inro signed Kiyokawa, suggesting a very close connection.”

ZONSEI: A FINE TSUIKOKU (CARVED BLACK LACQUER) FOUR-CASE INRO DEPICTING CHORYO AND KOSEKIKOBy Zonsei, signed Zonsei 村靖 zo 造Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Each side bearing a sunken panel, one carved in relief with Kosekiko chasing the unseen dragon though crashing waves near a mountain, the other with Kosekiko presenting the shoe to Choryo, who sits on his horse galloping over a bridge. The various layers of lacquer are intricately carved with rinzu and wave grounds, complementing the finely incised crashing waves, roughly textured craggy rockwork, and smooth wispy clouds. The top and base carved with further swirling clouds. One side neatly incised with the signature ZONSEI zo [made by Zonsei]. With a black-lacquered wood ojime of faceted ovoid form and decorated with mother-of-pearl inlays. HEIGHT 7.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear. Provenance: Swiss private collection. The interior with two inscribed labels, '4928 18 Jun 05' and '59'. Zonsei, who appears to have worked exclusively in tsuishu and tsuikoku, is listed in Wrangham, (1995) The Index of Inro Artists, p. 347.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 inro shows Choryo chasing the unseen dragon through crashing waves on one side, while the other shows side shows the aftermath: the proud Choryo, standing on the vanquished dragon, 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.Auction comparison:Compare a related tsuikoku four-case inro by Zonsei, similarly carved with a different subject, 7.3 cm high, also dated 19th century, with a black-lacquered ojime, at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part V, 5 November 2014, London, lot 199 (sold for 1,500 GBP).

AN EXQUISITE INLAID WOOD THREE-CASE INRO DEPICTING RABBITSUnsigned Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)The wood ground finely decorated with Shibayama-sytle inlays of mother-of-pearl, coral, malachite, aventurine, wood, gold, and stained bone to depict two hares seated on the ground, one with its head raised toward the sky, no doubt looking up at the moon, both animals well detailed with neatly incised fur, round eyes, and long funnel-shaped ears, the ground further carved to indicate pebbles, the resulting recesses filled with gold dust. HEIGHT 8.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, some light scratches to the top case. Provenance: From an old East German private collection, assembled before 1980. Auction comparison: Compare a related gold-lacquer Shibayama-inlaid four-case inro also depicting two rabbits, the inlay by Masayuki, 9 cm high, dated Meiji period, with a wood netsuke in the form of a mushroom and a glass bead ojime, at Bonhams, 11 May 2017, London, lot 90 (sold for 2,750 GBP).

A MASTERFUL WALRUS TUSK FOUR-CASE INRO DEPICTING A SWALLOW AMONGST FLOWERSUnsigned Japan, Osaka/Tokyo, late 19th centurySuperbly carved in relief to one side with a swallow flying above a chrysanthemum blossom amid bamboo stalks and smaller aster blooms, the other side with flowering peony and bamboo stalks, each side framed by scrolling clouds to the top and craggy rockwork to the base, the top carved with a diapered wave design and the base carved with a leaf. The swallow's visible eye is inlaid. The narwhal tusk netsuke carved with a foliate rim and small openings, the center fitted with a gold-inlaid shibuichi kanamono in the form of a flowering branch. The bone ojime carved in openwork with a floral design. HEIGHT 10.2 cm (the inro), LENGTH 6.2 cm (the netsuke), DIAMETER 1.6 cm (the ojime)Condition: Very good condition with three tiny chips to the edge of three leaves. Few natural age cracks.The overall quality of the inro strongly suggest the master carver Kaigyokusai Masatsugu (1813-1892), or at the very least a close follower. Though rarely, Kaigyokusai was known to work in marine ivory and his inro usually featured floral décor carved in unparalleled relief. The artist of this superb inro clearly had a superior appreciation for this material, as the natural marbling and typical striations enhance the effect of the composition beautifully.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related ivory inro by Kaigyokusai Masatsugu, with similar relief carving to the floral depiction, at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part II, 10 May 2011, London, lot 328 (sold for 24,000 GBP). Another related inro carved from ebony, by Kaigyokusai Masatsugu, was sold at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part V, 5 November 2014, London, lot 203 (sold for 21,250 GBP).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.

TENKAICHI SHIOMI MASANARI: A SIDE-OPENING LACQUER INRO FITTED WITH DRAWERSBy a member of the Masanari family, Signed Tenkaichi Shiomi MasanariJapan, Edo period (1615-1868)Of rounded rectangular section, bearing a pale gold ground decorated in gold, brown and black depicting a continuous riverside landscape with pavilions, trees, and rocks. A hinged vertical side panel opens to reveal four drawers with metal handles. The interiors of nashiji and with a shell ojime. Signed underneath Tenkaichi Shiomi Masanari. Condition: With some wear and few age cracks, otherwise good and stable condition. Dimensions: Height 6.8 cmAuction result comparison: Compare to another inro by a member of the Masanari family sold in these rooms in Fine Netsuke & Sagemono on 16th April 2021, lot 341, sold for EUR 7,320.

A LACQUER FIVE-CASE INRO DEPICTING A ROOSTER, HEN AND CHICKS AMID BAMBOO WITH A CARVED WALNUT NETSUKEUnsignedJapan, 18thcentury, Edo period (1615-1868) The roiro ground finely decorated in gold and iro-e takamaki-e and kirikane as well as nashiji with a cockerel, a hen, and chicks foraging beneath tall stems of bamboo. The interior of nashiji with gold fundame edges. With a walnut netsuke carved with a dragon amid crashing waves, with two asymmetrical himotoshi, one of which shows a chrysanthemum design, and a wood ojime of rounded square section incised with a rinzu (key-fret) band. HEIGHT 7.4 cm (the inro) and 3 cm (the netsuke)Condition: The inro in worn condition with some surface scratches, minimal losses and minor flaking to lacquer, few tiny nicks, light scratches. The netsuke with minor chipping to the upper edge.

A RARE INLAID LACQUER SINGLE-CASE INRO WITH A FINE RYUSA STAG ANTLER NETSUKE, MEIJIJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Of horizontal rectangular form and oval section, bearing a lustrous roiro ground finely decorated in gold takamaki-e and aogai inlays to depict shimenava motifs, one side with three lanterns (chochin), the other with a paper charm and a pine sampling, the interior of roiro and neatly divided into two sections. With a coral ojime and a Ryusa style kagamibuta netsuke carved with a design of scrolls and fitted with a shakudo plate. Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, few small age cracks. Dimensions: Height 5 cm

AN INLAID WOOD THREE-CASE INRO DEPICTING AUTUMN GRASSES IN THE MOONLIGHT, ATTRIBUTED TO SHIBAYAMA SOICHIAttributed to Shibayama Soichi, unsigned Japan, late 19th centuryThe wood ground finely inlaid in mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshell, stained bone, and pewter to depict grasses and leaves waving in the wind under the full moon. The combination of inlays with pewter is typical for the artist Shibayama Soichi. With a clay ojime inlaid in mother-of-pearl with floral and foliate designs.HEIGHT 7.8 cmCondition: Restorations to some inlays, one case with a small age crack, few small losses to bone inlays. In Japan, gazing at the moon and listening to the sounds of insects have long been tranquil ways to spend an autumn evening. Gardens planted to evoke deserted fields of autumn wildflowers inspired poets and artists in many media: painting, ceramics, lacquer, and textiles. Eulalia and Japanese bush clover were the most appreciated of the autumn plants for their appearance of wildness and abundance when waving in the wind, as well as for their suggestion of melancholy when withered.Auction comparison:Compare to a related wood netsuke with similar inlays, attributed to Shibayama Soichi, at Bonhams, The Julius & Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part III, 6 November 2018, London, lot 161 (sold for 1,750 GBP).

A LOT WITH FIVE WOOD SAGEMONO SETS, EDO - MEIJIJapan, Edo period (1615-1868) - Meiji period (1868-1912) The first a one-case wood inro with a simplistic stag antler netsuke and a wooden miniature tonkotsu. The second a wood tonkotsu of oval shape, with a coral ojime and an elongated stag antler netsuke carved as a longish rock with two cambering turtles and surmounted by a minogame. The third a wood tonkotsu carved in imitation of a leather pouch, the hinged lid inlaid in shell with a hatching tengu, together with an ojime of Daruma, a bamboo and metal kiseru, and a lacquered kiseruzutsu imitating wood, with several ghost eyes and peaks. The fifth and last, an earthy wood sagemono with a stag antler netsuke. Condition: Overall good condition with wear and traces of use. Some with chips, small cracks, flakes, or losses. Provenance: Collection of Ted Adameck, thence by descent in the same family. Ted Adameck (1924-2019) was a legendary collector of Netsuke, active for many decades, operating two antique shops in Honolulu and writing countless articles and books on the subject as well as many others on Asian art and culture. Dimensions: Height 6.5 cm to 15 cm

A LOT WITH THREE LACQUER INRO AND TWO NETSUKE, EDO - MEIJIJapan, Edo period (1615-1868) - Meiji period (1868-1912) The first a four-case inro, lacquered in dark brown and deeply carved to both sides with a scholar in a garden. The second a three-case inro crafted from wood and decorated in gold with a mon crest on each side, with an agate ojime and a stag antler netsuke depicting Hotei with his treasure bag, the backside with himotoshi and signature SHOICHI. The third a three-case red lacquered inro in a brown lacquered case executed in openwork, with a resin ojime and a stag antler netsuke of compressed globular form and carved in openwork enclosing a landscape. Condition: Overall good condition with some wear. The first with flakes to the interior. The second with shallow surface scratches and few tiny nicks. The compartments of the third resistant to opening smoothly, the netsuke with an age crack. Provenance: Collection of Ted Adameck, thence by descent in the same family. Ted Adameck (1924-2019) was a legendary collector of Netsuke, active for many decades, operating two antique shops in Honolulu and writing countless articles and books on the subject as well as many others on Asian art and culture. Dimensions: Height 8 cm, 7.6 cm, and 7. 3 cm (the inros), 3 cm and 2 cm (the netsuke)

KATSUO: A MASTERFUL SOLID GOLD OJIME OF A SARUMAWASHIBy Katsuo, signed Katsuo 勝小 Japan, Meiji period (1868-19812)Superbly worked as a kneeling monkey trainer wearing finely incised and patterned robes, his monkey clambering over the large bag slung over his back. Both the cheerful sarumawashi and the monkey with well detailed faces, especially considering the minute size.. The underside incised with the signature KATSUHIRA to one leg beside the lower cord hole.HEIGHT 1.8 cmWEIGHT 6.8 gCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear. Provenance: Christie's, 4 July 1984, London, lot 573. A Distinguished Private Collection, acquired from the above.Literature comparison: Compare a related gold ojime of a sarumawashi by Masayoshi illustrated in Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, vol. 1, p. 744.Auction comparison: Compare two related gold ojime from the same collection as the present lot and also previously at Christie's, 4 July 1984, London, lot 567, at Galerie Zacke, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 314 (sold for 17,696 EUR) and 315 (sold for 10,112 EUR).

A GROUP OF SEVEN LEATHER TABAKO-IRE SETS, EDO - MEIJIJapan, Edo period (1615-1868) - Meiji period (1868-1912)The first and second each embroidered with a dragon, the dragon motif is also shown on the brass kanamono (clasp), a Bakelite (in imitation of ivory) and metal dragon kagamibuta netsuke is attached by a multi-strand chain secured by a gilt metal dragon guard, the interior with three compartments, the central one closing with a clasp. The third similarly decorated, having a silver plate of the kagamibuta netsuke depicting a peony in place, missing the bowl. The fourth also with a silvered copper dragon kanamono and a multistrand chain attached to the wood and stag antler manju netsuke, which is executed in openwork with a flower head. The last three with metal kanamono depicting a horse, the famous story of Shiba Onko, and a boat respectively; the pouch with the boat clasp bearing a wood netsuke carved as a grazing horse. Condition: Good condition with traces of wear and use as well as some losses and soiling. One dragon pouch missing the clasp. Provenance: Family collection of either Felix Tikotin (1893-1986) or his son-in-law Louis (Loek) Borensztajn (1935-2021), Netherlands. Felix Tikotin (1893-1986) was an architect, art collector, dealer, and founder of the first Museum of Japanese Art in the Middle East. He became one of the world's leading collectors of Japanese art, starting at the age of 18, and continued to collect and work as an art dealer in Berlin in the 1920s. In the 1930s Felix Tikotin fled from the Nazis and hid his collection in the Netherlands. After the war, he decided that his collection should be taken to Israel, where in 1959 and with the help of Abba Hushi, who was the mayor of Haifa, The Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art was established. The Museum's collection comprises more than 8,000 items of art and crafts. Dimensions: Length c. 12 cm to 15 cm

A LOT WITH TWO FINE TABAKO-IRE SETS, MEIJIJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)The first crafted from leather and decorated in forbidden stitch (knotted stitch) and satin stitch with a pair of cockerels, the metal kanamono (pouch fitting) depicting irises, the ivory manju netsuke is attached by a multi-strand chain secured by a metal dragon guard and carved and inlaid with daikoku and a boy, the backside with Daikoku´s attributes. The second crafted from fabric, the exterior bearing floral decoration and with a metal dragon kanamono, an ivory and metal peony kagamibuta netsuke is attached by a multi-strand chain secured by a metal dragon guard. Condition: Good condition with minor traces of wear and use as well as few small losses. Provenance: Family collection of either Felix Tikotin (1893-1986) or his son-in-law Louis (Loek) Borensztajn (1935-2021), Netherlands. Felix Tikotin (1893-1986) was an architect, art collector, dealer, and founder of the first Museum of Japanese Art in the Middle East. He became one of the world's leading collectors of Japanese art, starting at the age of 18, and continued to collect and work as an art dealer in Berlin in the 1920s. In the 1930s Felix Tikotin fled from the Nazis and hid his collection in the Netherlands. After the war, he decided that his collection should be taken to Israel, where in 1959 and with the help of Abba Hushi, who was the mayor of Haifa, The Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art was established. The Museum's collection comprises more than 8,000 items of art and crafts. Dimensions: Length 13.5 cm and 10 cm Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-2076).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 KISERUZUTSU WITH PINE, BAMBOO AND CHRYSANTHEMUM, ATTRIBUTED TO TOKOKUAttributed to Suzuki Tokoku (1846-1913), unsigned Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa District, late 19th centuryOf musozutsu form, superbly carved in high relief against a finely stippled and stained ground with towering bamboo segments bearing neatly incised leaves as well as blossoming chrysanthemum amid clouds, one bamboo segment ingeniously carved both over and under the swirling clouds, the looped cord attachment in the form of a gnarled pine branch.LENGTH 21.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, minimal imperfections to the material, the insert with few minuscule age cracks.Provenance: Lempertz, Cologne, 6th October 2006.Although a similar example is recorded by Homin (see literature comparison), the quality of execution may suggest a more likely artist in Suzuki Tokoku (1846-1915).Literature comparison: Compare a related ivory kiseruzutsu by Homin, dated 19th century, similarly carved with bamboo and flowers amid clouds against a black-stained ground, also with a cord attachment formed by a gnarled branch, illustrated in Atchley, Virginia / Davey, Neil (2006) The Virginia Atchley Collection of Japanese Miniature Arts, p. 282, no. S11. Compare a related walrus ivory ryusa netsuke, unsigned and attributed to Tokoku, also depicting bamboo and flowers amid clouds, illustrated in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. III, p. 194-195, no. 454. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0224).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 SUPERB ARTIST SIGNED WOVEN RATTAN KISERUZUTSU AND A SANSUKUMI NETSUKE, MEIJIJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912) or slightly later The pipe case of muso-zutsu type, the woven ground lacquered in black, silver and gold takamaki-e with leafy vines, the lower end with a snail. The neck mount with a silvered metal loop, the reverse with the artist signature in gold lacquer on a circular, black-lacquered reserve. Together with a resin netsuke, showcasing a snake coiled atop a straw hat (kasa), underneath the hat a large frog is hiding. Natural himotoshi through an opening in the hat, the top with two further holes. Condition: Good condition with some wear, tiny nicks, and tiny losses to the lacquer. Provenance: The Strong National Museum of Play, accession number 77/039.a (lacquered to the underside of the kiseruzutsu) and 77.10995 (lacquered to the underside of the netsuke). Margaret Woodbury Strong (1897-1969) grew up in a prosperous family of collectors. Her interests ranged so widely that by 1960 she had amassed more than 27,000 collectible items and works of art. The vast majority of her collections related in some way to play and as her accumulation grew, Margaret planned a museum to house her collection. It eventually opened to the public in 1982, and grew dramatically over the following decades, expanding its collections, facilities, and resources, now spanning over 285,000 square feet. Today, the Strong National Museum of Play (known as just The Strong Museum or simply The Strong) is the only collections-based museum in the world devoted solely to the study of play. Dimensions: Length 21.5 cm The combination of snake, frog, and snail (or slug) constitutes the sansukumi motif. Sansukumi translates to 'the three who are afraid of one another'. The three animals are in a state of mutually assured destruction: the snake will consume the frog, however the frog has already eaten a poisonous snail, so the snake must perish as well. This motif is connected to sansukumi-ken, a category of Japanese hand games played by using three hand gestures. The oldest sansukumi-ken game is mushi-ken, a game originally from China. In mushi-ken, the 'frog' represented by the thumb wins against the 'slug' represented by the pinkie finger, which, in turn defeats the 'snake' represented by the index finger, which wins against the 'frog'. Although this game was imported from China, the Japanese version differs in the animals represented. In adopting the game, the original Chinese characters for centipede or millipede were apparently confused with the characters for the 'slug'. The centipede was chosen because of the Chinese belief that the centipede could kill a snake by climbing and entering its head. One of the few surviving sansukumi-ken games is jan-ken, which was brought to the West in the 20th century as rock-paper-scissors.

A LOT WITH TWO KISERUZUTSU WITH POUCH AND TONKOTSU, EDO - MEIJIJapan, Edo period (1615-1868) - Meiji period (1868-1912)The first stag antler kiresuzutsu of muso-zutsu type, carved to one side with a lobed reserve containing a stylized long-snouted rain dragon, below a pierced lattice, surmounted by the cord attachment in the form of a reishi; together with a pipe (kiseru), a stone ojime, and a tobacco pouch (tabako-ire) crafted from leather and with a metal kanamono (pouch fitting) depicting a samurai feeding a dog. The second of muso-zutsu type, made from stag antler, carved with a lobed reserve enclosing flowers to the lower area and with a rain dragon forming the cord attachment below the rim, the (associated) top carved with a landscape; together with a pipe, a stone ojime, and a wood tonkotsu. Condition: With wear, and shallow surface scratches. The first with a crack to the backside and losses. The second with a crack to the rim and replaced top. Overall, still presenting very well. Provenance: Collection of Ted Adameck, thence by descent in the same family. Ted Adameck (1924-2019) was a legendary collector of Netsuke, active for many decades, operating two antique shops in Honolulu and writing countless articles and books on the subject as well as many others on Asian art and culture. Dimensions: Length 20 cm and 21 cm

TOYOCHIKA TAKAMURA: A BRONZE FLOWER VASEBy Toyochika Takamura (1890-1972), signed Toyochika Japan, 20th centuryThe bulbous body rising from a ribbed straight foot to a trumpet neck, with a rich reddish ochre patination with a stylized design against a lustrous brown ground. The base signed TOYOCHIKA.With a wood storage box signed Toyochika and sealed Geijutsuin Kaiin and Toyochika and inscribed Itome koshi hanaire (flower vase with thread-band lower section). Condition: Excellent condition. Provenance: Dutch collection. Previously auctioned at Christie´s New York, in Japanese and Korean Art on 22 September 2005, lot 247, sold for USD 1,440.Weight: 727 g Dimensions: Height 18.5 cmToyochika Takamura, a student of bronze artist Tsuda Shinobu, graduated from the Tokyo School of Fine Arts in 1915. Recognized as a Living National Treasure in 1964, he specialized in metal casting using the lost wax method. In 1926, Takamura helped establish the craft group called Mukei and was instrumental in including crafts in the Teiten exhibitions. He experimented with Constructivist aesthetics in the 1920s and co-founded the Real Craft Art Association in 1935. Toyochika came from a renowned artistic family, with his father Takamura Koun and brother Takamura Kotaro also making significant contributions to the art world.Auction result comparison: Compare to another vase by Toyochika Takamura at Christie´s London in Japanese Art and Design Including Netsuke from the Estate of His Royal Highness The Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, on 12 - 13 July 2006, lot 431, sold for GBP 3,600.

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

A LARGE AND FINE YAMADA SCHOOL WOOD OKIMONO NETSUKE OF A WOLF AND MONKEYBy Harumitsu (Shunko), signed Harumitsu 春光Japan, Yamada, Ise Province, c. 1860Finley carved as a voracious wolf or yama-inu pressing its paws down on a monkey, while the ape bites into the wolf's tail in an attempt to free itself. The details are remarkably refined, the hairwork very neatly incised. The pupils of both animals are inlaid. Signed underneath the monkey's right hind paw HARUMITSU. There are possibilities for the cord attachment, however, this carving is more likely an okimono.HEIGHT 4.7 cm, LENGTH 5.1 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear.Provenance: US private collection, with old labels to the underside.Relatively little is known about the artist Harumitsu (Shunko), though it is suspected he was a pupil from the Masanao line of Yamada, although some of his carvings also share characteristics of the Tanba and Tsu schools.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.

GYOKUSEN: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO AMOROUS SKELETONS By Gyokusen, signed Gyokusen 玉仙 Japan, 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Intricately carved as two skeletons in a final loving embrace, one seated on the other's lap, wrapping the legs around their lover's lower back, the skulls cheek to cheek with the mouths connected in a kiss, further detailed with deep eye and ear sockets, superbly incised and finely stained ribs, and curved spines. Several natural himotoshi due to the openwork. Signed to the soles of the kneeling figure's feet GYOKUSEN.HEIGHT 5.1 cmCondition: Good condition, minor wear, one leg with an old restoration.Provenance: Ex-collection Joe Kurstin. Dr. M. Joseph 'Joe' Kurstin (1931-2021) was a prominent Miami ophthalmologist who arguably built one of the greatest netsuke collections of all time. He was known by netsuke and inro lovers worldwide and made many lifelong friends in this tight-knit community. He published several books and articles on the subject and generously lent his collection for exhibitions at the Yale University Gallery, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Epcot Center at Disney World, and The Tobacco and Salt Museum, Tokyo.While similar examples exist of skeletons interacting with each other, the position of the present two skeletons appears to be unique. Furthermore, similar examples are usually quite rough, while the present carving is exceptionally fine with superb detailing to the rib cages.Literature comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke of two skeletons in an embrace, dated 18th century, formerly in the collection of Albert Brockhaus (Index no. 2096, purchased in 1912), at Kunsthandel Klefisch, 12 September 1992, Cologne, lot 302.

A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A WOLF WITH HAUNCH OF VENISONUnsignedJapan, probably Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as an emaciated wolf in the style of Masatomo, yet much finer, with neatly incised spine and fur, large, pricked ears, the eyes inlaid in mother of pearl with dark horn pupils, its mouth opened snarling, the tail tucked underneath, guarding a haunch of venison under its front paw. Natural himotoshi through the legs.LENGTH 5.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor surface wear. Fine patina.Provenance: USA private collection.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.

AN AMUSING EDO SCHOOL WOOD SHUNGA NETSUKE OF A MAN CUTTING A HYOTANUnsignedJapan, Edo (Tokyo), first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The man wearing a half-shouldered robe, his hair tied in typical Edo fashion, the expression amusingly crafted as he cuts through a large hyotan (double gourd) secured with his two feet between his legs. Rather amusingly, the hyotan takes a distinct phallic shape in the process. The wood bearing a fine, dark patina. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi underneath.HEIGHT 3.1 cm, LENGTH 3.6 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, some tiny surface nicks here and there. Fine, dark patina.Provenance: From the collection of Gaston Lazard (1878-1956) and his wife Jane Levy (1886-1985) and thence by descent within the same family.Auction/Literature comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke by Shuraku at Sotheby's, Fine Netsuke Including Property from the Collection of Alan R. Liss, 2 September 1993, Chicago, lot 273. Another closely related wood netsuke by Masayuki is illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 492. Another closely related wood netsuke by Miwa is illustrated in Arakawa, Hirokazu (1983) The Go Collection of Netsuke. Tokyo National Museum, pp. 104-105, no. 190/191.

AN EXCEPTIONAL AND RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF RYO TOHIN TAUNTING A DRAGONUnsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved with the immortal standing with one hand held behind his back, the other holding the tip of a ken sword. He is wearing long flowing robes with skillfully carved and darkly stained folds, opening in front to reveal his ribs and belly. His well-carved face with a cheerful expression as he laughs at the two-horned three-clawed dragon sinuously writhing around his body, looking up toward the sword tip. The back with asymmetrical himotoshi. HEIGHT 8.7 cmCondition: Very good condition, appealingly worn, one foot with old restoration to the toes.Provenance: Ex-collection Joe Kurstin. Dr. M. Joseph 'Joe' Kurstin (1931-2021) was a prominent Miami ophthalmologist who arguably built one of the greatest netsuke collections of all time. He was known by netsuke and inro lovers worldwide and made many lifelong friends in this tight-knit community. He published several books and articles on the subject and generously lent his collection for exhibitions at the Yale University Gallery, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Epcot Center at Disney World, and The Tobacco and Salt Museum, Tokyo.Ryo Tohin is the Japanese name for the Daoist immortal Lü Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals in Chinese mythology. He is often pictured riding on a cloud or a dragon as a reference to the legend that Ryo Tohin used his famous sword to subdue a dragon. He is also frequently depicted crossing water on his sword. The present netsuke depicts him holding the tip of a ken sword, which relates to depictions of male dragons with tail tips in the form of swords or spears. It thus appears that the immortal has stolen the tip of the dragon's tail and is now taunting the beast with it. It is also interesting to note that the immortal's right hand is not seen, shrouded in his robe behind his back, and perhaps he is also hiding a tama pearl from the poor dragon.Literature comparison: Compare a painted wood netsuke by Shuzan, depicting the same subject, described as “a warrior holding a gem in the left hand, a sword in the right, defying a dragon”, illustrated in Joly, Henri L. (1966) The W. L. Behrens Collection, Part 1, Netsuke, pl. XIII, no. 675.

A SUPERB WOOD SHUNGA NETSUKE OF A MAN WITH OKAME MASK Unsigned Japan, Edo (Tokyo), 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a man seated with crossed legs, wearing the mask and hairstyle of Okame, the hair neatly incised and tied at the back, the man otherwise clad only in a fundoshi, from which his enormous phallus emerges which he cradles with both hands, the man's expression hidden behind the mask though obvious nonetheless. The back with two generously excavated, asymmetrical himotoshi above the inscription Otoko ('man').HEIGHT 5 cmCondition: Few minor age cracks, one with associated old repair, one foot with the toes restored. Otherwise, fine condition with a superb, deep patina.Provenance: Sotheby's, Fine Netsuke Including Property from the Collection of Alan R. Liss, 2 September 1993, Chicago, lot 128. Ex-collection Joe Kurstin, acquired from the above. Dr. M. Joseph 'Joe' Kurstin (1931-2021) was a prominent Miami ophthalmologist who arguably built one of the greatest netsuke collections of all time. He was known by netsuke and inro lovers worldwide and made many lifelong friends in this tight-knit community. He published several books and articles on the subject and generously lent his collection for exhibitions at the Yale University Gallery, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Epcot Center at Disney World, and The Tobacco and Salt Museum, Tokyo.Literature comparison: Compare a related wood shunga netsuke of Okame, signed Deme saku, 6 cm high, dated 18th century, illustrated in Scholten Japanese Art (2001) Expressions of Style: Netsuke as Art, p. 47, no. 58.

SHIGEMASA: AN AMUSING OSAKA SCHOOL SHUNGA IVORY NETSUKE OF OKAME WITH MUSHROOMBy Shigemasa, signed Shigemasa 重正Japan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The Shinto goddess kneeling next to a pine tree and laughing mirthfully as she admires a phallic mushroom on the ground below her. The details are finely carved and typically stained with sumi (ink). Natural himotoshi through the mushroom and signed underneath the shaped base within a wavy reserve SHIGEMASA - a pupil of Hidemasa.LENGTH 3.6 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear and few natural age cracks.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-0122). 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 EARLY WOOD NETSUKE OF KAN'UUnsignedJapan, 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The god of war standing with his halberd by his side and stroking his beard with a contemplative expression. Large, generously excavated himotoshi through the back. The wood bearing a fine, dark patina.HEIGHT 7.9 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear. Beautiful, deep patina.Provenance: Lempertz, The Kolodotschko Collection of Netsuke III, 5 June 2015, Cologne, lot 1050. A noted private collection, USA, acquired from the above.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.

TOMOCHIKA: A SUPERB AND RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A SPARROW DANCER (SUZUME ODORI)By Chikuyosai Tomochika I, signed Tomochika 友親Japan, Edo (Tokyo), early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The sparrow dancer raising his left foot dynamically, touching his ankle with his left hand, balled into a fist, the right hand touching his kasa hat. His expression is carved extremely well, and the folds of his robe match the movement of the composition perfectly. Appropriate himotoshi to the back, the larger hole generously excavated to accommodate the knot and signed in boldly incised characters TOMOCHIKA - the work is clearly that of Chikuyosai Tomochika I, founder of the Tomochika school of carvers. The wood bearing a fine, dark patina.HEIGHT 9.5 cmCondition: Very good condition, tiny chip to the back of the hat. Some minor expected surface wear, beautiful patina.Provenance: Formerly the property of the Strong Museum, donated by Margaret Woodbury Strong (1897-1969), a prolific collector and founder and namesake of the museum. With accession no 'MWSM 74.506' lacquered to the side.Literature comparison:There appears to be only one other netsuke recorded of this subject by Tomochika I, formerly in the Seymour Trower collection, illustrated in Joly, H. L. (1966) Catalogue of the H. Seymour Trower Collection of Japanese Art, pl. IV., no. 74, and in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 886.