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A LACQUERED WOOD NETSUKE OF A SAGE, EDO PERIODJapan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The wood netsuke lacquered in negoro-red and black, depicting a sage cloaked in a voluminous robe with long draping sleeves and wearing a traditional headdress. Himotoshi through the side. HEIGHT 6.9 cm Condition: Good condition with sight wear to lacquer. Provenance: Canadian private collection.

AN EXCEPTIONAL LACQUER NETSUKE OF A KONOHA TENGU MASK WRAPPED IN A FUROSHIKIUnsigned Japan, 19th centuryFinely modeled as a long-nosed tengu mask lacquered red with black and gold lacquer details, the back of the mask with ishime-nuri, the mask wrapped in a gold-lacquered furoshiki decorated with gold sprinkles and very fine takamaki-e maple leaves, the cloth tied in a meticulously executed bow below the nose, the back with good asymmetrical himotoshi, the larger of which is of oval shape.LENGTH 4.4 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Edward Wrangham. Ex-collection Edward Wrangham. Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part I, 9 November 2010, London, lot 178 (sold for 4,200 GBP). A Princely Collection, acquired from the above.Literature comparison: Compare a related, yet less fine lacquer netsuke depicting a Konoha Tengu mask wrapped in a furoshiki by Kokuzan, dated 18th century, illustrated in Davey, Neil K. / Tripp, Susan G. (1993) The Garrett Collection, p. 285, no. 402.

A SIGNED ITTOBORI WOOD NETSUKE OF A COCKEREL20th centuryA charming ichii wood (Japanese yew tree) carving of a cockerel with inlaid eyes, its head looking straight ahead, its wings drawn in, executed in ittobori style (carved with a single knife or cutting edge). The two symmetrical himotoshi at the bottom as well as the artist signature. HEIGHT 3.3 cm, LENGTH 4.4 cm Condition: Excellent condition with minor surface wear.

HIDARI ISSAN: A KURUMI (WALNUT) NETSUKE DEPICTING AN OX HERDERBy Hidari Issan, signed Hidari Issan 左一山 with sealJapan, Iwashiro Province, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The walnut finely engraved with a design referencing the famous ten ox herding pictures, a Zen Buddhist parable which draws a parallel between the herdboy and ox and the attainment of enlightenment. The front is carved in relief with an image of a herdboy playing the flute, while the reverse shows an ox amongst grasses. Two himotoshi through the nut and signed HIDARI ISSAN with a square seal.LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear and natural flaws to the material.

A RARE NUT NETSUKE OF FIVE FROGS ON A LOTUS LEAF, ATTRIBUTED TO SEIMINAttributed to Seimin, unsignedJapan, Iwashiro province, second half of 19th centuryWell carved from a nut, most likely corozo, in openwork with five frogs seated in a circle on the edges of a lotus leaf and holding up a further furled lotus leaf between them, the underside carved with fine veins in relief and a broad stalk forming the himotoshi.LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor natural flaws to the material and few traces of use.Provenance: From the collection of Felix Tikotin, and thence by descent within the family. Felix Tikotin (1893-1986) was an architect, art collector, and founder of the first Museum of Japanese Art in the Middle East. Born in Glogau, Germany, to a Jewish family, his ancestors had returned with Napoleon from Russia from a town named Tykocin. He grew up in Dresden and after World War I, he traveled to Japan and immediately fell in love with the culture. In April 1927, he opened his own first gallery in Berlin. The entire family survived the holocaust, and in the 1950s Tikotin slowly resumed his activities as a dealer in Japanese art. He became, once again, very successful and prominent, holding exhibitions all over Europe and the United States. When he first visited Israel in 1956, he decided that the major part of his collection belonged in that country. In 1960, the Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art was opened in Haifa.

A SIGNED WALNUT NETSUKE OF DARUMA, MEIJIJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)The kurumi netsuke finely carved as Daruma completely enveloped in his robe, his grotesque facial expression quite amusing, the eyes inlaid in dark horn with metal linings. The back with two himotoshi, one florally rimmed, artist signature to the underside. HEIGHT 3.7 cm Condition: Very good condition, minor surface wear, natural flaws to the material. Provenance: Czech private collection.

A NETSUKE OF A DOUBLE WALNUT, 19th CENTURYJapan, 19th century The netsuke consisting of conjoined nuts, the walnut shell finely polished, lending it a lacquered appearance. A metal loop functioning as the himotoshi. LENGTH 3.9 cm, HEIGHT 3.4 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: German private collection.

TWO GLAZED CERAMIC (YAKIMONO) NETSUKE OF CHESTNUTS WITH SMALL ANIMALSJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Each naturalistically modeled as a chestnut, one with a mottled dark and chocolate brown glaze and a small rat on top and the other with a dark brown and straw glaze and a wasp, the exposed pellicles left unglazed, the undersides with deep himotoshi.LENGTH 4.5 cm and 4.1 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear and firing flaws.Provenance: French private collection.

A RARE NANKI OTOKAYAMA GLAZED PORCELAIN NETSUKE OF A DRAGON AMONGST CLOUDSWith underglaze blue mark Nanki Otokayama 南紀男山Japan, 19th centuryWell potted as a ferocious horned dragon amid swirling clouds, the head and scales well detailed, the white ware covered with aubergine, turquoise, and transparent glazes, the underside further with underglaze blue around the himotoshi above the underglaze-blue four-character mark NANKI OTOKAYAMA.LENGTH 4.2 cm Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear and firing irregularities.Nanki Otokoyama ware is a type of Japanese pottery originally from southern Kii Province, central Japan. It is also known generally as Otokoyama ware. The kiln was the largest pre-modern kiln in Kishu province (modern day Wakayama prefecture and part of Mie prefecture), originally opened as an official domain kiln of Wakayama clan. The management was transferred to a private hand in the mid-18th century until it was closed in 1878.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related Nanki Otokoyama blue-glazed pottery netsuke of a dragon amid clouds by Nanki Danzan, dated 19th century, at Sotheby's, The Cornelius V.S. Roosevelt Collection of Netsuke, 2 June 1992, New York, lot 227 (part-lot).

A HIRADO PORCELAIN NETSUKE OF A FROG ON A MUSHROOM, 19th CENTURYJapan, 19th centuryCrafted as a frog squatting on a mushroom, covered with deep blue and brown glazes. The bottom with two asymmetrical himotoshi. LENGTH 3.1 cm, HEIGHT 2.3 cm Condition: Repair to mushroom, with some cracks, and surface wear.

A RARE SENTOKU BRONZE MATCHLOCK TINDER BOX LIGHTER (HIUCHI) NETSUKEUnsignedJapan, 18th-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of sentoku bronze, the exterior bearing an ishime ground, the lid inlaid with copper and silver plum (ume) blossoms, a small mechanism to the side revealing the interior with iron flintlock. The exterior with a small eyelet serving as the cord attachment.LENGTH 4.5 cmWEIGHT 58.9 gCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear and casting irregularities.Museum comparison:Compare to a closely related example, formerly in the Trumpf collection, in the collection of the Linden Museum, Stuttgart, accession no. OA 19374.

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 GILT-INLAID SHIBUICHI MINIATURE YATATE WITH HIDDEN LOCKUnsigned Japan, 19th centuryCrafted as a hako netsuke of rounded rectangular form, inlaid with various gilt emblems and a single non-gilt emblem which acts as a locking mechanism for the cover, opening to reveal the sumitsubo within, the side of the box containing a telescope writing-brush, the underside fitted with an attachment loop.SIZE 1.5 x 3.3 x 2.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear.

KANMAN: A RARE BUFFALO HORN NETSUKE OF A SNAIL ON A TARO LEAFBy Kanman (1793-1859), signed Iwami no kuni Kanman 石見国貫満to 刀 with kakihanJapan, Iwami Province, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Earle, Joe (2000) The Robert S. Huthart Collection of Iwami Netsuke, Vol. II, p. 267, no. 236.The curved section of horn carved in high relief with a snail, its body emerging from its shell as it slides over the leaf, the veins and venules meticulously carved in superb ukibori, an unprecedented feat even for this artist considering the material. Signed on the stalk in incised characters Iwami no kuni KANMAN to with a kakihan.LENGTH 7.7 cmCondition: Good condition, minor wear, natural imperfections, minor chips, small losses.Provenance: Ex-collection Robert S. Huthart. Kanman (1793-1859) was a Japanese netsuke carver of the Iwami school, which was founded by Seiyodo Tomiharu. Most of his work was designed in the first three decades of the 19th century. According to Anne Hull Grundy, "His netsuke [...] are extremely rare." David Burditt has described him as one of the greatest of the Iwami carvers. A hallmark of Kanman's work is his understanding of the materials he uses. His woods demonstrate wonderful undercutting, deep incisions, copious ukibori, and detailed overall carving. By contrast, his horn netsuke show more restrained carving, but careful finishing and polishing so that their surfaces are smooth and glow with the sheen only such material can produce.Literature comparison: Compare a related buffalo horn netsuke of two snails by Kanman, illustrated in Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, vol. I, p. 585.Auction comparison: Compare a related buffalo horn netsuke of snail on a bamboo shoot by Kanman, illustrated in Earle, Joe (2000) The Robert S. Huthart Collection of Iwami Netsuke, Vol. II, p. 268, no. 237, at Bonhams, The Robert S. Huthart Collection of Iwami Netsuke Part II, 6 November 2019, London, lot 86 (sold for 4,437 GBP).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.

A RARE UMIMATSU OBI-HASAMI NETSUKE WITH RATTAN, EDO PERIODJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved from umimatsu (sea pine) with beautiful marbling and ochre inclusions, the body decorated with two woven ratan bands. The upper hook with two asymmetrical himotoshi. LENGTH 13 cm Condition: Very good condition with natural imperfections to the material and a small loss to a rattan strip. Provenance: French private collection.

TWO PRESSED HORN MANJU NETSUKE, MEIJI PERIODJapan, 1868-1912. Consisting of a rectangular shaped manju with rounded edges, depicting a samurai and monkey holding his arrow, the reverse with a sailing boat amid crashing waves. The circular manju with a warrior and a lady to one side, the reverse depicting a nine-tailed fox spirit and peonies. Both with himotoshi on the underside. Condition: Good condition with minor wear, cracks, and little material loss.Dimensions: Length 4.6 cm, diameter 4.3 cm

JOKO: A RARE TSUISHU (RED LACQUER) BUGAKU MASK NETSUKE OF GENJORAKUBy Joko, signed Joko 如光Japan, Tokyo, second half of 19th centuryWell carved with staring eyes beneath heavy eyebrows, the mouth wide open in a scream showing teeth, the pupils, brows, and mustache neatly incised, the reverse lacquered black save for the waisted himotoshi bar signed to one side JOKO.HEIGHT 4.6 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only very minor wear to lacquer. Provenance: Ex-collection Edward Wrangham. Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part I, 9 November 2010, London, lot 180. A Princely Collection, acquired from the above.In the Bugaku dance known as Genjoraku, a barbarian dances around a wooden model of a snake, rejoicing at having caught one of his favorite delicacies. Thought to have originated in India, this dance eventually was regarded as an auspicious dance to perform upon the return of an emperor to his palace, and thus was named Genjoraku, meaning 'Return visit of a High Personage'. Performed as early as the Nara period, Genjkoraku developed as a companion to the Bato dance.Literature comparison: Compare a related tsuishu mask netsuke of an oni by Joko, dated late 19th century, illustrated in Davey, Neil K. / Tripp, Susan G. (1993) The Garrett Collection, p. 141, no. 105 (together with an inro and ojime), where the authors note that “[o]nly one other netsuke by Joko has been recorded, a red lacquer mask in the Brockhaus collection”.Auction comparison:Compare a related tsuishu maks netsuke from the same school, by Soyo, depicting Okame, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 265 (sold for 5,056 EUR).

YOZEI: A RARE LACQUERED IVORY HAKO (BOX) AND COVER IN THE FORM OF AN OKAME MASK, DATED 1705 BY INSCRIPTIONBy Tanaka Yozei (Yosei), signed Tanaka Yozei 田中陽成 with seal Tanaka 田中 Japan, dated 1705Published: Gabor Wilhelm (Winter 2006) On the Continent, International Netsuke Society Journal, vo. 26, no.4, p. 39. Well carved as a typically plump-faced Okame with narrowed eyes and mirthful smile, framed by tresses of black lacquer. The interiors of nashiji with gold fundame edges, the interior of the cover with a himotoshi loop, the base with a central himotoshi and inscribed in gold lacquer Hoei ni, kinoto-tori, chushun no haru motome ni yotte tsukuru kore, TANAKA YOZEI (This is made on commission by request, in the mid-spring in the second year of the Hoei era (1705), by Tanaka Yozei) with a tsuishu lacquer pot-seal mark in the form of a bronze metal tripod censer reading TANAKA. Beautiful, deep-yellow patina, particularly to the underside. LENGTH 5.1 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, minimal loss to black lacquer. Provenance: Nagel, 19 May 2006, Stuttgart, lot 2798. European private collection P. Jacquesson, acquired from the above.Okame (or Otafuku) represents a lovely, always smiling Japanese woman who brings happiness and good fortune to any man she marries. She is also known as the Goddess of Mirth and is a very popular image in Japanese culture. Otafuku literally means 'much good fortune', and Okame means 'tortoise', which is also an auspicious symbol of longevity, as tortoises lead long lives.Yozei, sometimes also written as Yosei, was the hereditary name given to a famous family of lacquerers, which dated back to the mid-fourteenth century and which specialized in tsuishu in the style of Chinese carved lacquers. Jahss writes that their tsuishu “far surpasses the Chinese work in richness and color, beauty, skill of carving and variation of design”. The artist family is listed in Wrangham, (1995) The Index of Inro Artists, pp. 331-332.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-0096).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.

RYUKEI: A WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF OKINA (HAKUSHIKIJO), EDO PERIODBy Ryukei II, signed Ryukei 龍珪Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Depicting an Okina mask carved in a characteristic manner showing the lower jaw and chin as separated from the rest of the mask, attached with two straps The eyebrows in the form of circular tufts, a thin nose, the pierced mouth slightly open, revealing two teeth, pierced nostrils and eyes. The himotoshi bridge at the backside as well as the artist signature RYUKEI within a rectangular reverse. HEIGHT 5.5 cm Condition: Very good condition with minimal surface wear. Provenance: Dutch private collection, acquired from Marsha Vargas, San Francisco. With an old collector's number painted to the back '81.0246'.

MORITA: A WOOD SHUNGA MASK NETSUKE OF OKAME, MEIJIBy Morita, signed Morita 守田Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) or slightly later Finely carved depicting a mask of Okame, with her characteristic voluminous cheeks, the hair parted in the middle, gently smiling, and a pair of hikimayu eyebrows high on her forehead. The himotoshi bar to the back carved in the form of a phallic mushroom and the signature MORITA. HEIGHT 4.3 cm Condition: Excellent condition with minimal traces of wear and age. Provenance: European collection, sold at Sotheby's New York, 1993 (12/03 - lot 129).

RYUKEI: A WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF AN ONI, 19th CENTURYBy Ryukei, signed Ryukei 龍珪Japan, 19th centuryWell carved as a mask of an Oni, the two-horned demon with bulging eyes, a broad nose, the pupils and flaring nostrils pierced, the features angular, biting its upper lip. The central bar with a single himotoshi and the artist signature RYUKEI. HEIGHT 3.9 cm Condition: Excellent condition with minimal wear.

MITSUAKI: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A BAKEMONO MASK, MEIJIBy Mitsuaki, signed Mitsuaki Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)Carved with grotesque, crab-like features, the mask has inlaid bulging eyes, a broad and prominent nose with pierced nostrils, and a distinctly shaped mouth displaying an upper row of teeth. The upper section displays a pair of pincers above a wavy rim. The textured reverse with a central himotoshi bar, signed Mitsuaki within an inlaid rectangular plaque. HEIGHT 5 cm Condition: Excellent condition with minimal wear.

HARUAKI (SHUNMEI): A RARE IRON MASK NETSUKE OF AN ONI, 19TH CENTURYBy Haruaki (Shunmei), signed Haruaki (Shunmei) Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Max Rutherston, “Japanese Masks, Peter E. Müller”, privately printed, 2017, no. 133. Finely cast, the two-horned demon with bulging eyes below bushy eyebrows, the pupils pierced, and ringed in brass, the nose broad, biting its lower lip with two gilt fangs emerging. The curly hair and mustache finely incised. Signed to one cheek Haruaki (Shunmei). Himotoshi in the form of a loop to the backside.HEIGHT 4.8 cm Condition: Good condition with minor wear. Provenance: Czech private collection, previously in the collection of Peter E. Müller, Küsnacht.

DEME: A NOH WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF YORIMASA, EDO PERIODBy a member of the Deme family, signed Deme saku 出目作Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finley carved depicting the Noh mask of Yorimasa, a medieval warrior who, rather than facing defeat in the Battle of the Uji River, chose to commit suicide and later presented himself as a spirit. The mask with an intense facial expression, the eyes, nostrils and mouth pierced. The himotoshi bar to the back with the signature DEME saku. HEIGHT 3.2 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: Dutch private collection.

A RARE MIXED METAL NETSUKE DEPICTING THE HEAD OF A NOBLEMANUnsigned Japan, 19th centuryThe face with a stern expression, marked by thick furrowed brows, intensely staring heavy-lidded eyes with pierced pupils, a long slender nose, the mouth slightly agape. The hair and eyebrows are neatly incised. The head is surmounted by a short cap with cross-hatched design, secured by a gold-inlaid cord. The back with two himotoshi.HEIGHT 5.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, casting irregularities, few tiny nicks.Provenance: European private collection P. Jacquesson, acquired from Robert Fleischel in November 2014 during the Netsuke Convention in London.Auction comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke of the head of a samurai by Iwama Masayoshi, 4.2 cm, also dated 19th century, at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part I, 9 November 2010, London, lot 123 (sold for 12,000 GBP).

A SUPERB STAG ANTLER MASK NETSUKE OF HANNYAUnsigned Japan, probably Asakusa, Toyko, second half of 19th centuryFinely carved with a fierce expression, the intense eyes with raised and pierced pupils, the nose bridge and forehead with cranial bump well-detailed, the hooked nose with pierced nostrils, the mouth wide open showing teeth and tongue, the back with a himotoshi bar, the stag antler with a rich, deep staining.HEIGHT 3.5 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, natural imperfections with possible associated small loss to back of tongue.As evidenced by the museum comparison below (and many further examples in private and public collections), stag antler netsuke are most commonly of a rather rustic design, especially compared to the present netsuke, which boasts well-detailed and finely carved features that make this a particularly rare example.Museum comparison: Compare a related stag antler mask netsuke, formerly in the Trumpf collection and now in the Linden Museum Stuttgart, inventory number OA 18928.Auction comparison: Compare a stag antler netsuke of an oni, attributed to Kokusai, at Sotheby's, 19 June 2001, London, lot 43 (sold for 3,840 GBP), illustrated in Wright, Douglas J. K. (Fall 2001) Auctions, International Netsuke Society Journal, Vol. 21, No. 3, p. 36. Also compare a related stag antler mask netsuke of Hotei, with a similar patina, 4.7 cm high, dated early 19th century, at Galerie Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 220 (sold for 4,803 EUR).

AN IVORY MASK NETSUKE DEPICTING OF AN OLD MAN (JO), ATTRIBUTED TO MITSUYUKIAttributed to Yamaji Mitsuyuki, unsigned Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Bushell, Raymond (1985), Netsuke Masks, pl. 97.Finely carved with a pained expression as the old man cries out with the mouth wide open, his hair tied over the brow and his long beard, which is usually applied with horsehair to the actual mask, trailing to one side, all neatly incised and skillfully stained with sumi-e. The reverse with a broad himotoshi bar pierced both vertically and horizontally, the horizontal cord hole with a chrysanthemum design. The ivory beautifully stained and bearing a warm patina.HEIGHT 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and few tiny age cracks. Rich honey-yellow patina. Provenance: Ex-collection Raymond Bushell. Christie's, The Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection of Netsuke, Part II, 18 October 1988, New York, lot 107. Ex-collection Bluette H. Kirchhoff, acquired from the above. Bonhams, The Bluette H. Kirchhoff Collection of Netsuke and Sagemono, 16 September 2009, New York, lot 2133. European collection P. Jacquesson, acquired from the above.The term Jo denotes a large corpus of indigenous masks that portray old men. These masks were worn, and still are, for a myriad of agrarian fertility rituals, rites for propitiating the gods of nature, and ceremonies associated with folk festivals. They usually represent an aged deity or an apotheosized elder. In the early days of Noh, there was only a single type of Jo mask which satisfied the need for any play requiring the role of an old man, but as new plays were written there was an increasing need for a variety of masks. The chief characteristic of Jo masks is the locks of hair brought up from the sides and tied in a type of bow, or double loop, just above the forehead.Museum comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke by Yamaji Mitsuyuki, with a similar pained expression and open mouth, formerly in the collection of Raymond Bushell and now in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, accession number AC1998.249.257.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related ivory netsuke of Oiwa, by Mitsuyki, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 4 November 2022, Vienna, lot 85 (sold for 4,860 EUR).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-0097).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.

DEME UMAN: A WOOD NOH MASK NETSUKE OF O-BESHIMIBy Deme Uman, signed Deme Uman 出目右滿 Tenkaichi 天下一Japan, Edo (Tokyo), early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Boldly carved as an O-Beshimi mask with prominent nose and furrowed brows, the lips set firmly, the eyes lacquered in gold. The back with a thick central bar housing the himotoshi and signature DEME UMAN and with a further carved inscription Tenkaichi (number one under heaven). The wood bearing a fine, dark patina.HEIGHT 4.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor expected wear and traces of use. A tiny chip to the edge in the back.Provenance: Ex-collection M. Tollner. Dutch private collection, purchased from Marsha Vargas.Deme Uman was the grandson of Deme Juman, who is credited as the originator of mask netsuke. He is regarded as the most celebrated of mask netsuke makers and worked almost invariably in wood. He often inscribed his work with the honorific title of Tenkaichi 天下一.

TADATOSHI: A FINE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF BUAKUBy Tadatoshi, signed Tadatoshi 忠利Japan, Nagoya, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved as a typical Buaku mask with pierced eyes, thick brows, a broad nose, strong cheeks, and biting the lower lip showing the upper row of teeth. The back with a broad himotoshi bar pierced vertically and horizontally with a single cord channel and signed TADATOSHI in ukibori within a rectangular reserve.HEIGHT 3.6 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear.Buaku is the mask for demonic roles such as those of Kaminari, the god of thunder, Emma-O, the king of hell, or any nameless demon or scary devil. Buaku generally represents them all. Buaku exposes his upper teeth clamped over his lower lip, his large nose and scowl creating a menacing mien containing hints of distress and timidity, a contradictory impression which is at the heart of Kyogen humor. Like the common oni, Buaku is often more pathetic than intimidating, sometimes displaying a hint of self-consciousness or of shame for his bad manners.Literature comparison: Compare a closely related wood mask netsuke of Buaku by Tadatoshi, illustrated in Bushell, Raymond (1985), Netsuke Masks, pl. 224, which was later sold at Sotheby's London, Netsuke from the Collection of Raymond and Frances Bushell, 18 November 1999, London, lot 140. Another closely related wood mask netsuke of Buaku by Tadatoshi is illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 844.Museum comparison: Compare a related Buaku mask dated 17th-19th century in the Nara National Museum, accession number 111-1, and another dated to the late Edo period in the Phoenix Art Museum, object number 2010.332.

A LACQUERED WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF AN ONI, EDO PERIODJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved as a two-horned demon with a grotesque facial expression, the eyes, nostrils, and mouth pierced, the features angular. Symmetrical himotoshi to either side of the demon's face. HEIGHT 5.7 cm Condition: Good condition with minor traces of wear and age. Provenance: Dutch private collection, acquired from Marsha Vargas, San Francisco.

A SANSHO STYLE WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF A DEMON, MEIJIJapan, late 19th to early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Carved as a demon mask with a menacing expression, prominent nose, stained eyes, the mouth agape, showing teeth, with loose strands of hair, the mouth and nostrils pierced. The himotoshi bar at the back. The details are very finely rendered in the style of Kokeisai Sansho (1871-1936) of Osaka. HEIGHT 4.8 cm Condition: Good condition with minimal traces of wear and age, a crack next to the left side of the mouth.

A SIGNED BOXWOOD NOH MASK NETSUKE OF SHAKUMI, EDO PERIODJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved as the Noh Mask of the female character Shakumi, her delicate strands of hair framing her face, with heavy-lidded eyes, a prominent nose, the mouth open in a subtle smile, showing her teeth. The back with a horizontal himotoshi bar, incised with the artist signature. HEIGHT 3.2 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor traces of wear and age. Provenance: Dutch private collection, acquired from Marsha Vargas, San Francisco.

A FINE INLAID WOOD NOH MASK NETSUKE OF TOKUSA-JOUnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved and inlaid in bone and ebony, depicting the mask of Tokusa-Jo, the long beard flowing to the other side, the details finely carved. A large bar to the back houses the himotoshi.HEIGHT 4.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition, some light surface scratches to the back.Provenance: Dutch private collection, purchased from Denise Cohen, New York.

A BESHIMI WOOD MASK NETSUKEJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)Boldly carved as a mask with a prominent long nose with pierced nostrils and eyes, agape mouth, the face showing a textured surface resembling voluminous folds. The back with a thick central bar housing the himotoshi. HEIGHT 7 cm Condition: Good condition with minor wear, tiny nicks, and a single age crack.

A WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF DAIKOKU, EDO PERIODJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved as he lucky god of wealth, Daikoku, with a cheerful facial expression, his smiling mouth slightly open, revealing his teeth, his full cheeks reducing his eyes to narrow slits, framed by thick pendulous earlobes, and wearing his signature hat. With a central himotoshi bar to the back. Fine patina. HEIGHT 4 cm Condition: Very good condition with minimal wear. Provenance: Ex-collection Peter Müller. Dutch private collection, acquired from the above.

A WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF HANNYA, EDO PERIODJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved, depicting the female demon Hannya, the jaw wide open, revealing teeth and two sharp fangs, the finely incised hair falling down the sides and meandering around the horns, the eyes pierced. With a thin himotoshi bar to the back. HEIGHT 4.2 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and light surface scratches. Provenance: Dutch private collection, acquired from Marsha Vargas, San Francisco.

AN UNUSUAL WOOD FOX MASK NETSUKE, 19TH CENTURYJapan, 19th century Well carved as a kitsune (fox) mask with pricked pointy ears, the mouth with a sly smile, the eyes incised, the reverse with a central himotoshi bar. The overall carving style is simplistic, highlighting the essential features of the mask. HEIGHT 6.5 cm Condition: Good condition with minor wear, some shallow surface scratches, and tiny nicks. Provenance: French private collection.

DEME UMAN: A WOOD NOH MASK NETSUKE OF SHIWAJO, EDOBy Deme Uman, signed Deme Uman 出目右滿Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The Shiwajo mask with finely incised wrinkles and hair, showing a stern facial expression, his hair knotted at the top in ribbon shape. The narrowed eyes, ears, nostrils are pierced, as is the open mouth with four teeth. The himotoshi bar to the back with the signature DEME UMAN. HEIGHT 4.3 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor traces of wear and age. Provenance: Dutch private collection. With an old collector's label on the back.

DEME: A WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF UBA, EDO PERIODBy a member of the Deme family, signed Deme to (carved by Deme)Japan, Edo (Tokyo), late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Expressively carved, the old woman with deeply incised wrinkles at her cheeks and eyes. The narrowed eyes are pierced, as is the open mouth, below the prominent chin. Wearing a headband, the hair, and brows finely incised. Signed to the back of the central himotoshi bar DEME TO. HEIGHT 5.5 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor expected wear and traces of use. Age crack to the hair center part. Provenance: Ex-collection Madeline Tollner. Dutch private collection, purchased from Marsha Vargas.

NAOKAZU: AN IVORY NETSUKE DEPICTING GINKGO NUTS ON A LEAFSigned Naokazu 直一Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as three ginkgo nuts borne on a fan-shaped ginkgo leaf issued from a furled stem. Two himotoshi underneath. The ivory attractively stained.LENGTH 4.4 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear.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-0040 ).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.

SARI: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAKE, 19th CENTURYBy Sari, signed SariJapan, 19th centuryNaturalistically carved as a snake coiling around itself, the body covered almost entirely with incised scales. The snake’s head with inlaid eyes, its tongue extended and slithering down along the tail. With a natural himotoshi, the artist signature SARI to the bottom within a rectangular reserve. SIZE 3.2 x 3.7 x 1.5 cm Condition: A repair to the head. Otherwise good condition with minor wear. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A KOMUSO MONK, MEIJI PERIODJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)Finely carved, depicting a komuso monk (mendicant monk), wearing the separately carved, large woven straw hat covering his face, dressed in a formal kimono with a rakusu-like garment draped over the shoulders, tekou forearm covers, and waraji sandals. The monk playing on the shakuhachi (bamboo flute), a box (gebako) used for offerings tied around his waist. The himotoshi at the inside of the straw hat. HEIGHT 9.1 cm Condition: Good condition with traces of wear and age, small nicks, and a chip at the top of the straw hat. Provenance: Collection Prof. Dr. Henk C. Hoogsteden, Rotterdam.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY WITH A TORTOISE, 19th CENTURYJapan, 19th century Depicting a monkey with neatly incised fur, holding down a tortoise with a finely carved carapace. The monkey with an amused expression pressing the turtle down with its arms and a foot. Natural himotoshi through the several openings.HEIGHT 3.6 cm Condition: Very good condition with minimal traces of wear and age.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A PROFESSIONAL SNEEZER, MEIJIJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Carved as a professional sneezer seated with his right hand raised, holding a tickler, the head slightly lifted upwards, his eyes almost completely closed, the mouth wide open in a mid-sneeze. The underside with one ringed himotoshi of green stained bone, with a larger himotoshi behind, and inlaid with an unsigned signature plate. HEIGHT 3.7 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, and one nick to the robe of the left arm. Provenance: Collection Prof. Dr. Henk C. Hoogsteden, Rotterdam.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A SINIU, MEIJIJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Boldly carved as a recumbent siniu with the legs drawn in and the long neck raised high. The goat-like mythical being with a long beard, its single horn inlaid in translucent horn. Himotoshi to the body on one side and the underside. The wood highly polished and showing fine striations. HEIGHT 4.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and surface scratches.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A SLEEPING KARAKO, EDO PERIODJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Well carved, depicting a karako sleeping with his face tucked between his knees and leaning against an oversized bag. One large, generously excavated himotoshi and a smaller himotoshi to the bottom. WIDTH 3.8 cm, HEIGHT 2.2 cm Condition: Good condition with minor surface wear, a small dent to the bag, and minuscule nicks here and there.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A TOAD ON SANDAL, EDO PERIODJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well-carved as a toad perched on an old and worn straw sandal (waraji), its legs splayed, and the eyes and pupils inlaid in dark and light horn. Note the superbly carved textures of the toad and sandal. Natural himotoshi through the legs or through the sandal´s strap. LENGTH 4.7 cm Condition: Good condition with minor wear, one eye inlay missing. 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 WOOD NETSUKE WITH A GROUP OF SEALS, EDOJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved in openwork as a group of nine seals, the knob of one finely shaped as a shishi with ball. On the base each seal displays engraved seal characters, some stained in red to resemble used seals, one of them possible bearing the artist signature. LENGTH 3.4 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear.

AN EDO SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF ARIOMARU STRUGGLING WITH AN OCTOPUSSignedJapan, Edo (Tokyo), 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The fisherman dressed only in a straw skirt, bent over a large octopus (tako) which wriggles its tentacles around the man's neck, the man in return grabbing the cephalopod's head and one of the tentacles. The octopus' visible eye is inlaid in bone. The well-toned wood bearing a fine patina. The underside shows a culmination of wriggly tentacles, one of them forming the natural himotoshi. Signed underneath.LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor associated surface wear and traces of use.Provenance: Dutch private collection, purchased from Aalderink Oriental Art, Amsterdam.This netsuke references Ariomaru, the servant of the exiled priest Shunkan, battling with a giant octopus that had attacked his master. The story is the subject of the Noh play “Shunkan”, which is traditionally attributed to Zeami Motokiyo.Literature comparison:For a related wood netsuke by Jugyoku see Eskenazi (1993) Japanese Netsuke from the Carré Collection, no. 119.Auction comparison:Compare to a related Edo school wood netsuke depicting the same subject at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 4 November 2022, Vienna, lot 51 (sold for 3,900 EUR).

AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A GROUP OF SEALS, EDO PERIODJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The ivory netsuke with a fine patina and partial staining, comprising of eight seals placed closely together, one seal guarded by a shishi lion, on by a kirin, one seal with an elephant on top, another with a peach, as well as ruyi heads to the bottom. The himotoshi at the bottom of the center seal. LENGTH 4.7 cm Condition: Very good condition with minimal surface 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.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-0146).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 KARASHISHI WITH CUB, 19th CENTURYJapan, 19th centuryFinely carved, depicting a karashishi (Chinese lion dog) with large floppy ears, a curling mane, the smooth body with a knobby surface, its right forepaw resting on a brocade ball with a ribbon attached to it, the karashishi and its young biting onto the ribbon in a playful manner. Many options for 'natural' himotoshi due to the serval openings to the bottom and the ball. Fine patina. LENGTH 4.6 cm, HEIGHT 2.3 cm Condition: Good condition with minimal wear and a few fine age cracks. Provenance: Dutch collection. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 22NL306311/20).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 A SAGE RECLINING ON A GOAT, EDO PERIODJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The Chinese sage wearing a voluminous robe and a cap, depicted in a reclining posture, leaning on a recumbent goat besides him. His face with a sincere expression and showcasing a long beard, the goat showing subtly incised rib cage and fur. Two himotoshi to the underside. LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Very good worn condition with few expected age cracks. Provenance: Dutch collection. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 22NL306313/20).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 THREE CLAMSJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved, depicting a cluster of three clams, the larger clam balancing on a small clam with another small clam laying on the very top. The two himotoshi at the underside. HEIGHT 3.2 cm, LENGTH 4.5 cm Condition: Good condition with minor wear, age cracks, a small nick to the larger clam, and a tiny chip to the small clam underneath. 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 23NL312405/20).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 THREE EDAMAME BEAN PODS, 19th CENTURYJapan, 19th centuryOf irregular ovoid form and naturalistically carved, depicting three bean pods, showing the undulations of two or three seeds within the pods. The natural himotoshi formed in the center of the overlapping edamame pods. Subtle patina. LENGTH 4.1 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and several natural age cracks. Provenance: Dutch collection. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 22NL306337/20).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 IWAMI SCHOOL BOAR'S TOOTH NETSUKE OF A CRAB ON LOTUS LEAF, EDOJapan, Iwami province, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The boar's tooth carved as a curled lotus leaf, a finely carved crab on top with extended legs and readied pincers. The lotus leaf with incised veins and a curved stem. The slightly translucent material showing attractive marbling. This rare material was mainly used by Iwami carvers. Asymmetrical himotoshi to the underside.LENGTH 6.5 cm Condition: With minor wear and some chips along the edges of the lotus leaf, the eye inlays of the crab missing. Provenance: From the collection of Gaston Lazard (1878-1956) and his wife Jane Levy (1886-1985) and thence by descent within the same family.

GIZAN: A BOXWOOD NETSUKE OF A SHISHI, 19th CENTURYBy Gizan, signed GizanJapan, 19th century The seated shishi lion carved facing ahead, its forepaws resting on a brocade ball. The lion's fur and mane neatly incised, boasting a fierce expression with inlaid eyes. The brocade ball finely carved in openwork, a loose ball within. A rectangular panel beneath forming the himotoshi, also bearing the incised artist signature GIZAN. HEIGHT 3.1 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor surface wear.

HARUUJI: A MARINE IVORY NETSUKE OF FROGS ON LOTUS LEAF, MEIJIBy Haruuji (Ujihara), signed Haruujii 春氏Japan, late 19th century to early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Carved as five little frogs (kaeru) clambering on top of one another, the entire, partially stained, composition set on a large lotus leaf with neatly incised veins. The two himotoshi next to the lotus stem at the bottom as well as the signature HARUUJI. LENGTH 4.6 cm Condition: Very good condition with some surface wear, natural imperfections to the material, and a small chip next to one himotoshi. Provenance: From the collection of Gaston Lazard (1878-1956) and his wife Jane Levy (1886-1985) and thence by descent within the same family. 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.

HIDEKAZU: A WOOD NETSUKE OF SHOKI AND ONI AT SETSUBUNBy Hidekazu, signed Hidekazu 秀一Japan, Osaka, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The demon queller with a grim expression and wild beard, standing with one arm raised as he throws beans from the box held in his other hand to pelt oni, while one such hapless demon hides behind Shoki with a fearful expression. The folds of Shoki's robe and sash are well carved and darkly stained for effect and his armor is neatly incised. The back with two himotoshi and the signature HIDEKAZU within a reserve to Shoki's armor.HEIGHT 4.9 cm Condition: The hand with an old repair, otherwise in good condition with minor 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.The Setsubun festival is celebrated during the first day of spring and includes the rite of oni-yarai or mame-maki, where roasted beans are thrown at oni to rid the coming year of any demons and disease-bringing spirits.Auction comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke of Shoki holding an oni by Masakazu, similarly carved and stained, at Bonhams, 20 March 2012, New York, lot 2098 (sold for 1,500 USD). Compare a related wood netsuke of Shoki and an oni by Hidekazu at Galerie Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 3 December 2021, lot 248 (sold for 1,643 EUR).

HOSHINSAI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A GROUP OF CLAMSBy Hoshinsai, signed HoshinsaiJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved as a group of various shells and clams, three of them opening to reveal famous views of Mount Fuji, each inscribed in ink at the top. The landscapes include the view of Mount Fuji from Kanazawa, Shichirigahama in Kanagawa prefecture, and Inoshima. The himotoshi formed by a small trumpet-shaped shell underneath and signed HOSHINSAI.LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear.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-0037 ).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.

KOMEI: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A KIRINSigned Komei 光明Japan, 20th centuryCarved as a Kirin standing foursquare with its feet close together, its head raised high, inlaid eyes, mouth agape in a growl, revealing sharp teeth, finely incised fur, mane, and tail. Several natural himotoshi between the beast's limbs and body, with the artist signature to the underside of the right leg KOMEI.HEIGHT 9.3 cm Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear. Provenance: French private collection.