We found 24840 price guide item(s) matching your search

A Carved Wooden Netsuke in the form of a Recumbent Cow, Signed, 5cm Long

A Carved Wooden Netsuke in the form of Three Tortoises, Signed, 5cm high

A Carved Wooden Netsuke in the form of Three Monkeys, "Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil", 2cm high

A Carved Wooden Netsuke in the Form of a Curled Rabbit, Signed, 2.5cm

A Carved Wooden Netsuke in the Form of a Standing Boar, Signed, 5.5cm long

WOOD NETSUKE OF A HORSE BY YASUTADA EDO PERIOD, EARLY TO MID 19TH CENTURY 江戶 十九世紀 木彫根付 馬 銘「安忠」 the recumbent horse with its head turned towards its left, the face with an alert expression, the manes finely incised and neatly parted in the middle along the spine, the bushy tail curling around its rear hind, signed in a rectangular reserve YasutadaDimensions:4.2cm wideProvenance:Provenance: Private English collection, LondonNote: Note: A carved wood netsuke of a goat, signed Yasutada and dated to the Edo period, 19th century, is in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, accession number A.64-1915; two further wood netsukes, both signed Yasutada and dated to the Edo period, including a monkey eating fruit, sold at Christie's London, 16 May 2012, lot 91, and a turtle, sold at Bonhams London, 6 Nov 2014, lot 64.

WOOD NETSUKE OF A DEER BY SAKAI MASAKIYO (ACTIVE 19TH CENTURY) EDO PERIOD (1615-1868) OR MEIJI ERA (1868-1912), 19TH CENTURY 江戶或明治 十九世紀 木彫根付 鹿 銘「正清」 the recumbent deer with the hooves tucked underneath the body, the head turned towards its left and arched upwards to the sky, its large antlers minutely carved and extending downwards over its back, the body finely incised with fur neatly parted in the middle along the spine, the face with a serene expression and the eyes inlaid in dark wood, signed MasakiyoDimensions:4cm wideProvenance:Provenance: Private English collection, LondonNote: Note: Sakai Masakiyo (1875-1955) followed the style of Suzuki Masanao of Ise. An almost identical netsuke of deer, slightly larger (4.1cm wide) and without an artist's signature, is dated to the 19th century and in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession no. 10.211.1999; a wood netsuke of a coiled rat, also signed Masakiyo, was in the collection of Joseph and Elena Kurstin and sold at Bonhams New York, 16 December 2022, lot 40.

A group of twelve Japanese netsuke and a small nut okimonoMeiji/Taisho periodComprising twelve boxwood netsuke: a Jurojin, a recumbent boy, a bat, a bear, a ram, a figure of Garuda, a pair of parrots, a kirin standing on a pearl, a figure of a man in Chinese garb, an old man holding a dragon staff and a gourd and carrying a boy on his shoulders, and a man and monkey group, all signed, 4-7cm high; together with a bone netsuke of lotus, 5cm wide; together with a nut carved as an hinged pine nut containing a pair of standing figures, 5.5cm high (13).Condition Report: 品相報告Some expected surface wear and a few nibbles to edges, otherwise generally good.

A Japanese carved Netsuke in the form of a Oni mask. Signed. Approx. length 5.5cm.

A Japanese carved Netsuke in the form of a monkey wrapped by a snake. Signed. Approx. height 4cm.

A Japanese carved Netsuke in the form of a Koi carp. Signed. Approx. length 6.5cm.

A 19th century Japanese red cinnabar lacquer netsuke in the form of a seated man playing a drum, 3.5cms high.

A collection of reference works on NetsukeIncluding NEIL K. DAVEY, Netsuke, Sotheby Parke Bernet 1974; seven various Bonhams auction catalogues of single-owner Netsuke collections; and two Galerie Zacke auction catalogues of Netsuke and Sagemono. (10)

Japan, three wood netsuke and a soapstone snuff-bottle mounted as a pendant, late 19th-20th century, comprising a netsuke carved as a horse, one as twin fish and one as a cricket on a leaf, the bottle carved with Shou-characters and bats (minor wear) w. 7 cm max. [4]

Japan, set of six boxwood netsuke, one as Shoulao, one an oni, one Daruma, one a buddhist lion, one a three-headed wolf and one a bundle of rats h. 6 cm max. [6]

Japan ivory stag-horn netsuke, Meji period (1868-1912), carved as a naked elderly lady h. 7 cm [1]

Japan, marine ivory netsuke, Meiji period (1868-1912), carved as an Immortal with crane, signed h. 5 cm [1]

A COLLECTION OF CARVED NETSUKE STYLE ANIMALS, ASIAN FIGURES, PLUS A SUNDERLAND STYLE PLATE - A/F

Five resin Netsuke figurines. P&P Group 1 (£14+VAT for the first lot and £1+VAT for subsequent lots)

NETSUKE: ZWEI SCHILDKRÖTEN, Japan, wohl Bein, ohne Signatur. Vollplastische Figur von zwei Schildkröten auf einem Lotusblatt. H. 1,2 x L. 3,8 x B. 2,2 cm.

NETSUKE / OKIMONO: SITZENDER MANN, Japan, wohl Bein, ohne Signatur. Vollplastische Figur eines auf einer Matte sitzenden Mannes; vor ihm ein Korb und ein Besen. Ohne himotoshi. H. 2,7 x L. 4,5 x B. 2,1 cm. (Gebrauchsspuren; bestoßen und mit Fehlstellen).

NETSUKE: BAUER MIT BAMBUS, Japan, Bein oder Knochen, partiell gebräunt / geschwärzt, ohne Signatur. Vollplastische Figur eines hockenden Bauern, ein Bündel Bambusstäbe haltend. Unter dem Stand mit eingesetzter Platte. H. 4,5 x L. 2,6 x B. 1,8 cm. (Gebrauchsspuren).

NETSUKE / OKIMONO: LIEGENDER BÜFFEL, Japan, Bein, ohne Signatur. Vollplastische Figur eines liegenden Büffels (Ochsen). Ohne himotoshi. H. 3 x L 4,5 x B. 2,5 cm. (Leichte Gebrauchsspuren).

NETSUKE: STEHENDER MANN MIT STAB, Japan, wohl Horn, partiell gebräunt, ohne Signatur. Vollplastische Figur eines stehenden bärtigen Mannes im langen Gewand; die linke Hand über den Kopf geneigt, die rechte Hand einen Stab haltend. H. 7,3 x L. 2,7 x B. 1,4 cm. (Gebrauchsspuren; partiell mit kleineren Abplatzungen / bestoßen).

COLLECTION OF JAPANESE NETSUKE AND OTHER CHINESE ITEMS the netsuke in resin, each modelled as a figure, along with a carved wood Buddha, green hardstone amulets and jade pendant on chain, contained in a wood and brass bound casket

Nine assorted 20th century carved boxwood Japanese netsuke comprised of Hare, Pig, Dragon, Rat, Cricket, Panther, Chicken, Dog and Dragon Head, H.2 W.9 D.3cm (largest)

Oriental Books - Reference and text, Netsuke, Japanese Life and Legend in Miniature, Edwin C Symmes Jnr, Garhwal paintings, WG Archer & Hokusai, Muneshige Nakazaki etc; Japanese Laquered boxes; gild wood figure, as a Baku beneath a tree etc

A Royal Worcester porcelain Rabbit netsuke, picked out in pink, printed marks, c.1926

A Japanese carved bone inro, together with a small sang de boeuf koro mounted with brass dragon and phoenix mounts, the top with pierced bat and dragon motif with foo dog finial, with seal stamp to underside, and a figural wooden netsuke of a nude female, the koro 9 cm high

A small group of mixed collectables to include R.A.O.B. sash, Halcyon Days trinket box, two bronze figures, netsuke...etc.

Japanisches Netsuke der Meiji-Zeit (1868-1912), Satinholz, geschnitzt, ¨3 Ratten auf Mörser¨, H 5cm, aus norddeutscher Privatsammlung

A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A WINGED DRAGON-FISH (MAKATSUGYO)Unsigned Japan, 17th-18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sagemonoya (2022) A Selection of Netsuke & Sagemono from the Collection of Georgina & Gabor Wilhelm, p. 45, no. 66.Powerfully carved, facing ahead with open mouth, the tail curled beneath and the wings drawn into the sides for compactness, the large himotoshi through the mouth and the underside. The ivory bearing a rich, smooth, deep honey-brown patina.LENGTH 7.3 cmCondition: Good condition, appealingly worn, expected age cracks, minor losses and chips which have smoothened over time. The netsuke re-purposed as a small handle, likely over 100 years ago.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Literature comparison: Compare three similar examples illustrated in Joly, Henri L. (1966) The W. L. Behrens Collection, Part 1, Netsuke, pl. XXVI, no. 1449 (in stag antler), and pl. XXVII, nos. 1524 and 1525 (in ivory).Auction comparison:Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a dragon-fish, with similar sinuous body, expression, and scales, exhibiting less wear but otherwise near-identical, formerly in the Meinertzhagen and Winkworth collections, at Sotheby's, The Carlo Monzino Collection of Netsuke, Inro and Lacquer, 21 June 1995, London, no. 148 (sold for 43,300 GBP).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207511129-K). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

AN EARLY WOOD NETSUKE DEPICTING ONIWAKAMARU BATTLING THE GIANT CARPUnsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved to depict the young Benkei standing over the huge carp, grabbing it by the gills and standing on its fins, wearing only a loincloth, his muscular body boldly carved and eyes inlaid, the fish detailed with round eyes and large scales, the underside with two himotoshi, one of which is surrounded by a neatly incised whirl. LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition, attractively worn, one minor age crack, few tiny nicks. Superb, smooth patina with a nice feel. Provenance: A noted private collection, USA. The back of one of Kintaro's legs with an old label with a typewritten inscription, 'II7'. Oniwakamaru or 'young devil child' was the nickname given to the young warrior monk Musashibo Benkei (1155-1189) because of his enormous strength and violent nature. This netsuke shows the young boy attacking and slaying the giant red carp that swallowed his mother.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

TOMONOBU: A FINE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF SHELLSBy Arima Tomonobu, signed Tomonobu 友信Japan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 908.Katchen, Arlette (2010) Netsuke 7, vol. 2, p. 49, no. K579.Finely carved and beautifully stained to depict a living awabi with two smaller hamaguri clams resting on its shell. The underside shows the naturalistically rendered fleshy foot of the mollusk, achieved with subtle elevations to the wood. Two ringed himotoshi and signed within a rectangular reserve – TOMONOBU - to the top.With a wood box from H. I. H. Princess Takamado inscribed with the artist's name.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear and a fine patina.Provenance: Ex-collection Julius & Arlette Katchen, Paris. Ex-collection H. I. H. Princess Takamado, acquired from the above.

A FINE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF PUMPKINS AND NASUBIUnsignedJapan, Nagoya, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A beautifully crafted still life group depicting an autumn harvest of one large pumpkin and three smaller nasubi (eggplants), the individual textures naturalistically detailed, and with pleasingly curling stems. The underside with large, generously excavated, asymmetrical himotoshi.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor associated surface wear. Fine patina.Auction comparison:Compare to a related Nagoya school wood netsuke of a pumpkin and nasubi within a basket, by Gyokumin, sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 141 (sold for 2,684 EUR).

TADAKUNI: A FINE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF SNAKE EMERGING FROM A PUMPKINBy Tadakuni, signed Tadakuni 忠國Japan, Nagoya, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 838.A finely detailed snake weaves its way in and out of rotting holes in the skin of a pumpkin. Its tongue flickering as it rests its head on the top of the vegetable. The individual textures of the snake's scaly skin and the pumpkin's grooved surface are achieved with a heightened sense of naturalism. Signed within a rectangular reserve in fine ukibori characters TADAKUNI. Two small himotoshi underneath.LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear.Provenance: Ex-collection W. W. Winkworth.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

TADAKUNI: A SUPERB AND RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A JAKONEKO (MUSK CAT)By Tadakuni, signed Tadakuni 忠國Japan, Nagoya, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)An exquisite and very finely carved wood netsuke of a jakoneko (musk cat) with beautifully incised shaggy fur, a bifurcated tail which flows up the animal's back, and long beard-like whiskers which flow downwards from its snout. The animal looks downward with a sensitively crafted expression, the eyes are inlaid in dark horn. The underside shows the superbly carved paws and the signature within a raised served in ukibori characters TADAKUNI.HEIGHT 4 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, a small age crack to the snout.Provenance: A noted private collection, USA.The jakoneko or musk cat, often called a shaggy dog, is of African origin and entered Japan via India, when it became popular for its musk, used for perfumes.Tadakuni was a highly talented carver from the Nagoya school whose work is encountered rather infrequently. His carvings are extremely refined and his signature is usually engraved in ukibori characters. While the present netsuke is remarkably detailed and superbly finished, it also has an early feel to it, reminiscent of Tametaka who also carved a similar model of a jakoneko which likely provided the inspiration for this netsuke.Auction comparison:For a wood netsuke of a jakoneko by Tametaka see Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 122 (sold for 6,710 EUR). For another wood netsuke by Tadakuni depicting a recumbent ox see Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 109 (sold for 8,848 EUR).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

SHIGEMASA: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAIL ON BUCKETBy Shigemasa, signed Shigemasa 重正 and kakihanJapan, Nagoya, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved from a single block of wood and masterfully stained in various subtle tones. The snail slithers across an upturned bucket, its body arched (forming the himotoshi) over the edge of the bucket, its feelers extended. The finely polished shell is stained in two different colors, with stippling and minute incision work used to achieve the heterogenous surface of the shell as naturalistically as possible – to great effect! The mollusk's body and inside of the shell is worked with further minute stippling and even the pneumostome (breathing hole) is accounted for. The bucket, as well, is carved true to life, showing the various hues of the wood and grain. Signed on top of the bucket SHIGEMASA with the artist's kakihan.HEIGHT 3.4 cmCondition: Excellent condition. Only very minor wear, some light surface scratches.Provenance: Dutch private collection, purchased from Kunsthandel Klefisch, Cologne, in 2013.The artist excelled at the carving of snails and was superior in the staining of his work.Literature comparison:For a similar netsuke by Shigemasa, signed with the same kakihan, see Lazarnick, George (1982) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, Vol. 2, p. 946.Auction comparison:Compare to a related wood netsuke of a snail on a bucket by Shigemasa, sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 120 (sold for 8,216 EUR).

TOMOSHIGE: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAIL ON A WELL BUCKET COVERBy Gyokuryusai Tomoshige, signed Tomoshige 友重Japan, Nagoya, c. 1820-1850, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved from a single block of wood and masterfully stained in various subtle tones, depicting a snail slithering across a well bucket cover, its arched body forming the cord attachment, the spiraling shell smoothly polished and fleshy body neatly stippled, a little hole carved in the interior of the shell to represent the breathing hole of the mollusk. Signed underneath TOMOSHIGE. A rustic, yet remarkably refined netsuke with a distinct Zen-Buddhist aesthetic.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Very good condition. Some minor nicks here and there and few natural age cracks, some of the wear is simulated.Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt, purchased from his dear friend Klaus Riess, Munich. Theodor “Teddy” Hahn was a well-known and respected collector of netsuke and other Asian works of art. After spending time in museums to study the early cultures of the world, finding particular interest in their sculptures, he began collecting, remarking, “I somehow knew it would have a profound influence on my life. How right I was. And how happy I have been.” Teddy Hahn was a passionate collector of snail netsuke, arguably building the greatest collection of snail netsuke ever assembled.The artist Gyokuryusai Tomoshige was a pupil of Arima Tomonobu of Nagoya. Furthermore, due to the use of the same kanji Shige 重 it is likely that Tomoshige was the predecessor to Shigemasa, who arguably perfected this type of snail netsuke in the latter half of the 19th century through the brilliant use of various stains to a single block of wood.Museum comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a frog on a well bucket cover by Shigemasa is in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), accession number M.84.34.Literature comparison:A related wood netsuke of a snail on an old bucket by Tomoshige, dated to the early 19th century, is illustrated in Eskenazi Ltd. (1993) Japanese Netsuke from the Carré Collection, no. 193.

YASUTADA: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAIL EMERGING FROM ITS SHELLBy Yasutada, signed Yasutada 安忠Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a snail sliding over its coiled shell, its optic feelers fully extended and touching the shell, the skin neatly incised with a scale pattern, the shell with dense, gently curved lines, the varying incision work creating an appealing contrast in textures, the recesses finely stained. The underside with a 'natural' himotoshi between the snail's shell and body, which nonetheless has been rounded by the carver, the shell incised with the signature within a rectangular reserve YASUTADA – the artist is very rare with only few examples recorded. It is supposed he was a pupil of Tomotada of Kyoto.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition, appealingly worn. Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt. Theodor “Teddy” Hahn was a well-known and respected collector of netsuke and other Asian works of art. After spending time in museums to study the early cultures of the world, finding particular interest in their sculptures, he began collecting, remarking, “I somehow knew it would have a profound influence on my life. How right I was. And how happy I have been.” Teddy Hahn was a passionate collector of snail netsuke, arguably building the greatest collection of snail netsuke ever assembled.Museum comparison: Compare a wood netsuke of an ox by Yasutada in the British Museum, registration number F.221.Auction comparison: Compare a wood netsuke of a rat by Yasutada at Lempertz, 11 June 2022, lot 403 (sold for 2,268 EUR).

SARI: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAIL EMERGING FROM ITS SHELLBy Sari, signed Sari 左里Japan, Iwashiro, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Beautifully and naturalistically carved as a decidedly fat snail (katatsumuri) emerging from its shell with its feelers and labial tentacles folded back and resting on the shell for compactness. The ridged and spiraling shell is carved with incredible detail and the rough texture of the body is achieved through a multitude of finely etched strokes. The foot is visible on the underside, forming a curling lump with natural himotoshi going through under it. The use of staining and some gold lacquer is sublime. The edge of the shell signed SARI.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only very minor wear.Literature comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a snail by Sari illustrated in Davey, Neil K. (1982) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 257 and p. 269 (in color), no. 794.Museum comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a snail by Sari, formerly in the Trumpf collection and now in the Linden Museum Stuttgart, inventory number OA 19210.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a snail by Sari at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 6 November 2014, London, lot 66 (sold for 4,000 GBP), and another at Galerie Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 123 (sold for 7,584 EUR).

HIDEHARU: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF THREE SNAILSBy Hideharu, signed Hideharu 秀晴 Japan, Nagoya, c. 1880Published: Wilhelm, Gabor (2004) Bulletin Franco-Japonais, no. 83, p. 44-45.Wilhelm, Gabor (Spring 2004) On the Continent, International Netsuke Society Journal, Vol. 24, No. 1, p. 35.Exquisitely carved as two adults and a smaller snail clustered together, the top snail having emerged from its shell, its optical tentacles fully extended and touching the shell, the small snail fully retreated into its shell, the subtle incision work creating a striking contrast between the varying textures, heightened by the superb staining (allegedly made using powdered turtle shell), the tail of the other adult forming the base and the himotoshi of the netsuke and signed HIDEHARU.HEIGHT 3.9 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few light surface scratches. Provenance: Christie's, 19 November 2003, Paris, lot 48 (sold for 11,163 EUR). French private collection, acquired from the above.Unlike other netsuke carvers, who preferred the much more common subject of a single snail, Hideharu favored larger groups of two or three.Museum comparison:Compare a related snail group by Hideharu, formerly in the collection of Raymond Bushell and now in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, accession number AC1998.249.196.Auction comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke of two amorous snails by HIdeharu at Christie's, 16 May 2007, London, lot 319 (sold for 10,200 GBP). Compare a closely related wood netsuke of three snails by Hideharu at Lempertz, 11 June 2022, Cologne, lot 413 (sold for 11,340 EUR).

HIDEHARU: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A KAPPA TRAPPED BY A HAMAGURI CLAMBy Hideharu, signed Hideharu 秀晴Japan, Nagoya, mid to late 19th centurySeated on a giant clam and trying to extricate one foot caught in the jaws of the shell, the mythical creature with an amusing expression, the pupils inlaid at the corner of the eyes in dark horn, the beaked face framed by long, finely incised hair, and the entire body covered in meticulously incised scales. The underside with two asymmetrical himotoshi, the signature HIDEHARU within a rectangular recessed reserve between the two cord holes.HEIGHT 4 cm, LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor associated surface wear, some very light chipping to the spine spikes. The stained wood with some typical wear to the exposed areas.Provenance: A noted private collection, USA.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related, larger wood netsuke of a kappa on clam, by Hideharu, at Lempertz, The Kolodotschko Collection of Netsuke I, 14 June 2014, Cologne, lot 133 (sold for 6,710 EUR).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 SKELETONSBy 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.

TADASHIGE: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A SKULL WITH INLAID STAG ANTLER TEETHBy Hogen Tadashige, signed Hogen Tadashige 法眼忠茂Japan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures (LNIA), Vol. 2, p. 1061Naturalistically carved as a skull with cavernous eye sockets, the surface incised with parietal lines and neatly polished and stippled to resemble the heterogeneous structure of the cranium. The bottom is inlaid with six minutely carved stag antler teeth. Signed in ukibori characters Hogen TADASHIGE to the back surrounding the external occipital protuberance. One large single himotoshi to the underside.SIZE 4 x 4 x 2.8 cm (L x H x W)Condition: Very good condition, minor wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Helen & Jack Mang. Sold at Quinn's Auction Galleries, The Mang Collection of Japanese Art, 7 June 2012, Falls Church, lot 209 (sold for hammer price 6,500 USD). A noted private collection, USA, acquired from the above.Tadashige (sometimes erroneously transcribed as Tadayoshi) was a pupil of Tadatoshi of Nagoya. He earned the title of Hogen during his lifetime and is regarded by Neil Davey as the most celebrated of the Nagoya carvers, his work becoming infinitely more subtle and sophisticated than that of Tadatoshi.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

TOMOHISA: A LARGE WOOD NETSUKE OF A SKULL WITH HOSSUBy Tomohisa, signed Tomohisa 友久Japan, Edo (Tokyo), second half of 19th centuryThe okimono style netsuke finely carved as a realistically rendered skull, the details anatomically precise, including large, cavernous eye sockets and with neatly incised parietal lines to the cranium. The underside shows beautifully carved hossu, the inlaid bone teeth, the large singular himotoshi, and the neatly incised signature TOMOHISA – a pupil of the Tomochika school of Edo (Tokyo).SIZE 5.8 X 4.3 X 4.5 cm (L x H x W)Condition: One repaired crack to the side. Otherwise excellent condition with minor wear.The fly whisk (hossu) belongs to the paraphernalia of a Buddhist monk, especially those of the Zen sect. The combination of skull and hossu might be an allusion to the Zen priest Ikkyu (1394-1481) who according to legend wandered around on New Year's Day with a skull mounted on a stick as a reminder of the ephemeral nature of human life and the significance of the Buddhist teachings.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke by Tomochika at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 27 May 2022, Vienna, lot 263 (sold for 3,648 EUR).

TADAKAZU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF TURTLES IN A BASKETBy Tadakazu (Chuichi), signed Tadakazu 忠一Japan, 19th centuryVery finely carved as a straw basket filled with turtles, two adults emerging from the basket and clambering on one another, a further young turtle visible through a hole to the side of the basket. The details are finely carved, the carapaces naturalistically rendered, all eyes inlaid in dark horn. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi underneath and signed TADAKAZU within an oval recessed reserve.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition, some minor wear and natural faults to the wood.Provenance: A noted private collection, USA.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke, by Tadakazu, at Christie's, Japanese Art & Design, 4 November 2009, lot 22 (sold for 4,375 GBP).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

A WOOD OKIMONO NETSUKE OF A TURTLE PILE ON A ROOF TILE, ATTRIBUTED TO TADAKAZUAttributed to Tadakazu (Chuichi), unsignedJapan, late 19th to early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Depicting a large turtle nestled within a broken roof tile, stretching its neck towards the sun, two further turtles clambering on top of it and trying to get to the highest point. The carapaces are neatly detailed and the eyes are inlaid in dark horn. The underside shows the well-carved outer surface of the roof tile, with mitsudomo-e symbol, and central bone-ringed himotoshi.HEIGHT 4.1 cmCondition: Small repair to the neck of the turtle on the top. Otherwise, excellent 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.Museum comparison:A related wood netsuke of a single turtle on roof tile, by Tadakazu, is in the collection of the Linden Museum, Stuttgart, accession no. OA 19183.Auction comparison:Compare to a related wood netsuke of a turtle pile, by Tadakazu, at Zacke, Fine netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 84 (sold for 4,803 EUR).

RANSEN: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A DRUNKEN TANUKI HARA NO TSUZUMIBy Ransen, signed Ransen 蘭川Japan, Kyoto, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The jovial badger sitting on an emptied sake bottle (tokkuri), one paw resting on its bushy tail, forming the cord attachment, and drumming on its bloated belly, raising its head, the mouth slightly opened with visible teeth, as if about to let out a drunken howl. The eyes are inlaid dark horn and the fur is finely incised. Signed underneath the sake bottle RANSEN – a pupil of the Hogen Rantei of Kyoto.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with only very minor surface wear.The tanuki possesses magical powers and can change forms, sometimes into Buddhist monks; they are jovial, but also dangerous, as they have been known to suffocate hunters with their enormous scrotums. The act of drumming on the belly, according to legend, was used by tanuki to beguile travelers and hunters to lead them astray. However, it has also been said that tanuki would get together just for fun, drumming on their bellies under the moonlight, perhaps even with some sake involved.Literature comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a belly drumming tanuki without the sake bottle, by Ransen, illustrated in Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 90, no. 248. Auction comparison:Compare to an ivory netsuke of a belly drumming tanuki with the sake bottle, by Rantei, sold at Sotheby's, The Carlo Monzino Collection of Netsuke, Inro and Lacquer, 21 June 1995, London, lot 335 (sold for 3,220 GBP).

TADATOSHI: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A SLEEPING SHOJOBy Tadatoshi, signed Tadatoshi 忠利 Japan, Nagoya, c. 1840, Edo period (1615-1868)An excellent cherry (sakura) wood netsuke depicting a shojo in a deep slumber after drinking a hefty amount of sake. Her head is resting on her upturned hand, nestled inside her robe, her expression conveying her fatigue from all the drinking very well. Her knees are bent towards her body, and her robe is carved with minute detail showing brocade and cloud patterns. One of her distinctive attributes is her full long hair, which was crimson and said to contain a much sought-after dye. Here it is delicately carved, flowing down her back and all the way to the underside. The side and underside with asymmetrical himotoshi, signed in ukibori within a rectangular reserve TADATOSHI.LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear.Provenance: Sotheby's, 14 July 2006, London, lot 1101. French private collection, acquired from the above.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related netsuke of a sleeping shojo by Tadatoshi at Lempertz, 5 June 2015, Cologne, lot 1064 (sold for 8,556 EUR), and another at Quinn's Auction Galleries, The Mang Collection of Japanese Netsuke, 7 December 2012, Falls Church, lot 204 (sold for 6,000 USD).

NOBUKAZU: A WOOD SHUNGA NETSUKE OF OKAME WITH TENGU MASK By Nobukazu, signed Nobukazu 信一 to 刀Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Hurtig, Bernard & Wilhelm Gabor (1983) What's New at Auctions, International Netsuke Collectors Society Journal (INCSJ), vol. 10, no. 4, p. 10.The Shinto goddess of mirth depicted here with long, finely incised hair, wearing an elaborately decorated kimono, all in the manner of a shojo (drunken sprite), hiding her grin behind her sleeve as she caresses the long nose of a Konoha-tengu mask. The eyes are large and enigmatic inlays of pale, translucent horn with dark pupils. Natural himotoshi and signed underneath NOBUKAZU to [carved by Nobukazu].LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, some light surface scratches to the underside.Provenance: French private collection, purchased at Pechon-Delavenn-Lafarge, Hotel Drouot, 19 November 1982, Paris, lot 32 (sold for 9,478 FRF).

TSUNEYOSHI: A RARE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO DRUNKEN SHOJOBy Tsuneyoshi, signed Tsuneyoshi 常美Japan, Nagoya, early to mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The two drunken sprites depicted side by side, one sleeping blissfully, using a hyotan (double gourd) filled with sake as a pillow, and the other touching its head in an amusing gesture, clearly hungover and trying to remember their drunken exploits from last night. Their robes are well carved with typical cloud patterns and further detailed with subtle ukibori. Their expressions are finely carved and treated with a healthy dose of humor. Asymmetrical himotoshi to the underside and signed TSUNEYOSHI – an apparently unrecorded artist working in the Nagoya style.HEIGHT 3.4 cm, LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and traces of use. Fine patina.Shojo are usually depicted on their own in netsuke art. Netsuke of two or more shojo are considerably rare.

MASATOSHI: A NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A SLUMBERING SHOJOBy Masatoshi, signed Masatoshi 正利Japan, Nagoya, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a seated shojo in a deep slumber induced by a hefty amount of sake. One hand is placed in her lap and the other pressed against her cheek, supporting her face, as she gently smiles, perhaps even dreaming of drinking more sake. Her finely incised long hair neatly falls down her back and her robe is adorned with elaborately carved bekko-patterns. The wood of a good color with an attractive patina. Himotoshi through the back and underside and signed within a raised rectangular reserve MASATOSHI.HEIGHT 3.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with typical surface wear.Auction comparison:A similar netsuke by Masajo was sold by Lempertz, Netsuke und Sagemono, 9 June 2017, Cologne, lot 566 (sold for 2,728 EUR).

A FINE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF THE OIL THIEFUnsigned Japan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved as the oil thief Abura Bozu standing and leaning forward as he holds his broken geta by the torn thong, trying to mend it, the oil lamp visible in the back tucked into the obi, his pupils inlaid with dark horn, the face with a fearful expression, the mouth wide open. Natural himotoshi. A particularly fine rendition of this Nagoya school subject.HEIGHT 4.6 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke by Masayoshi depicting the same subject at Galerie Zacke, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 93 (sold for 2,528 EUR).

AN UNUSUAL TALL WOOD NETSUKE OF MYTHICAL CREATUREUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A somewhat grotesque wood netsuke of a long-limbed kappa-like monkey, its entire body covered in fur, using one of its long arms to cover its crotch, the other reaching over its shoulder. The creature's enigmatic express is enhanced by the large glaring eyes inlaid with pale horn rings. One large himotoshi through the back, the other opening in-between the legs.HEIGHT 10 cmCondition: Some old damages with associated old repairs.The creature depicted in this netsuke is highly unusual. Though it appears to be closest to a monkey imitating Ashinaga and Tenaga, the recessed area on the cranium indicates a kappa.

A FINE WOOD OKIMONO NETSUKE OF AN EMACIATED RAT CATCHERUnsignedJapan, second half of 19th centuryVery finely carved as a disappointed rat catcher, wearing only a loincloth, kneeling and holding a box down, looking backwards as the escaped rat clambers over his back. His expression is masterfully worked, brilliantly capturing his anger and disappointment, while at the same time vilifying him. Note the extremely well-carved bony fingers and toes, as well as the muscular and emaciated body. The rat catcher's eyes are inlaid with dark horn. Natural himotoshi. The well-toned wood finely stained and bearing a fine patina.LENGTH 5.6 cmCondition: Very good condition. Traces of adhesive to the underside, the box itself is in good condition. Provenance: French private collection, purchased at Christie's, 26 November 2002, lot 22 (part lot).Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related wood okimono netsuke of a rat catcher from the same collection, signed Masayoshi, sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 22 April 2022, Vienna, lot 111 (sold for 4,803 EUR).

AN EDO SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A HUNTER TRAPPING A GOOSEUnsignedJapan, Edo (Tokyo), 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved, the hunter dressed in typical attire, pressing down on an old, tattered straw kasa hat and capturing a goose beneath. Note the expertly crafted facial expression of the hunter, who is visibly overjoyed with his catch. The well-toned wood bearing a fine, unctuous patina. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi through the back.HEIGHT 4.2 cmCondition: Very good condition. Minor wear and nibbling to exposed areas and edges.Provenance: From the collection of Gaston Lazard (1878-1956) and his wife Jane Levy (1886-1985) and thence by descent within the same family.

CHIKUUNSAI: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A BABY BOY EATING MOCHIBy Chikuunsai, signed Chikuunsai 竹雲齋Japan, Yamada, Ise Province, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The crawling, chubby boy of simple yet charming design and with a smooth surface, clad in a bib incised with a diapered hexagonal pattern and tied with a ribbon at the back, his plump naked behind showing and the genitals visible underneath. The boy is holding in front of him with both hands a rice cake (mochi) from which he has just taken a large bite. Natural himotoshi between the body and the arms, feet, and ribbon. Signed diagonally to the bib on the underside CHIKUUNSAI.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few light surface scratches.The artist appears to be unrecorded, however clearly worked in the style of the Masanao family, his craftsmanship closely resembling Masakatsu of Yamada.Literature comparison:Compare a related wood netsuke of a baby boy by Masanao, circa 1860, illustrated in Bandini, Rosemary (2020) The Larry Caplan Collection of Japanese Netsuke, no. 14. Also compare a closely related boxwood netsuke by Masakatsu, mid-19th century, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 419.

MASANAO: A SMALL WOOD NETSUKE OF A BEAN VENDORBy Miyake Masanao II (1848-1922), signed Masanao 正直Japan, Yamada, Ise Province, late 19th centuryA finely carved wood netsuke of relatively small stature, possibly intended for a child, depicting a traveling salesman carrying a closed umbrella in one hand and a box around his neck which is inscribed omame ('beans') on the front. The folds of his robe and headscarf are well-carved and skillfully stained. Perhaps it has just stopped raining, explaining not only the closed umbrella but also his long robe being tucked into his belt at the back, to avoid it getting wet and dirty. Two subtly placed himotoshi to the back and underside.HEIGHT 4.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few light surface scratches.Provenance: Galerie Yamato, Paris, 2005. French private collection, acquired from the above.Legumes such as beans (mame) and peas (endo) symbolize female fertility in East Asia. The fruits that appear in the swelling of the pod are considered to be the unborn child in the womb. Mame, written with different characters, also means health and efficiency. Bean netsuke were therefore worn as a talisman.

MASANAO: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF DAIKOKU CARVING A RATBy a member of the Masanao family, signed Masanao 正直Japan, Yamada, Ise Province, mid to late 19th centuryThe lucky god of wealth Daikoku lifting his wish-granting mallet and holding a chisel to a rat which he is carving. The lightly stained wood with finely carved details. Natural himotoshi and signed underneath the rat on a shaped reserve simulating the unfinished underside of the rodent – MASANAO.HEIGHT 3.9 cmCondition: Very good undamaged condition, minor wear.Provenance: Collection Prof. Dr. Henk C. Hoogsteden, Rotterdam, purchased at Lempertz, Cologne, 5 June 2015, lot 1389.The rat (nezumi) is a symbol of wealth and familiar to the god of wealth Daikoku.Auction comparison:Daikoku is a rare subject for the Masanao lineage, for another example see Lempertz, The Kolodotschko Collection of Netsuke II, 6 December 2014, Cologne, lot 784 (sold for 1,488 EUR). For another example of this rare subject see Lempertz, The Kolodotschko Collection of Netsuke II, 6 December 2014, Cologne, lot 969 (sold for 3,720 EUR).