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A FINE METAL-INLAID GOLD LACQUER FOUR-CASE INRO DEPICTING RATS AND HORSESUnsigned Japan, 19th centuryThe kinji ground finely decorated in gold and silver takamaki-e and hiramaki-e with kirikane, nashiji, and beautifully inlaid in gold, shibuichi, and shakudo to depict on one side a flowerpot with blossoming prunus branches, two rats eating beans from the ground, and a third rat gnawing on a branch bearing fruit, and to the other a pair of horses in a field with chrysanthemums and grasses. The interior of nashiji with gold fundame edges. HEIGHT 9.3 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear to lacquer and some occasional light scratches throughout. Some dents to the top and bottom caseThe rat and the horse represent opposite signs in the Asian zodiac and as such are considered incompatible. However, if the 'younger' of the two signs (the horse) submits to the 'older' (the rat), then the pairing can be successful. They two are occasionally depicted together in inro and netsuke art.

SHIOMI MASANARI: A FINE BLACK LACQUER FOUR-CASE INRO DEPICTING A SLEEPING WILD BOAR AND SILVER MOON, WITH A LACQUERED MANJU NETSUKEThe inro by Shiomi Masanari (1647-1722), sealed Shiomi Masanari 鹽見政誠; the netsuke by Kensai Tonei, signed Kensai 賢哉Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of rounded rectangular form, the superbly polished, lustrous roiro ground with sparse gold hirame, decorated in gold hiramaki-e and takamaki-e with aogai inlays to depict a wild boar sleeping amid autumnal flowers and foliage, its hooves, tusks, snout, and one eye subtly inlaid with mother-of-pearl, its fur well painted, continued on the reverse beneath the full moon in stunning silver togidashi-e. The interior of roiro with gold fundame edges. The reverse signed with two seals SHIOMI and MASANARI.The manju netsuke of circular form, bearing a rogin (shibuichi) ground decorated in gold takamaki-e with a leafy chrysanthemum, the reverse signed KENSAI. The dark lacquered bead ojime of globular form.HEIGHT 7.3 cm (the inro), DIAMETER 3.3 cm (the manju netsuke)Condition: Very good condition with minor wear. One tiny chip to the edge of one cord-runner, one small nibble to edge of one case. The manju netsuke with tiny nicks and few light surface scratches.Provenance: Ex-collection Harriet Szechenyi. Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 258 (sold for 3,500 GBP). A private collection in New York, USA, acquired from the above.Shiomi Masanari (1647-1722) was a talented painter of the Kano school, however he is better known for his lacquerwork and the important family of lacquerers that he founded. The Shiomi family also specialized in togidashi-e ('brought out by rubbing') lacquer of extremely high quality, as is exhibited in the present piece.Literature comparison:Compare to a closely related lacquer inro, by Shiomi Masanari, illustrated on the cover of Netsuke Kenkyukai Study Journal, Summer 1989, vol. 9, no. 2. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related black lacquer four-case inro depicting a sleeping boar by Shiomi Masanari, dated to the 18th century, lacking the aogai inlay, at Bonhams, 7 November 2013, London, lot 114 (sold for 4,000 GBP).

A LACQUER FOUR-CASE INRO DEPICTING CRANES WITH EN SUITE OJIME AND NETSUKEUnsignedJapan, 19th centuryOf oval section, bearing a roiro ground sprinkled with dense gyobu nashiji and decorated in gold and colored takamaki-e to one side with three standing red-capped cranes, two of which are eating kirikane seeds from a large footed basin, and to the other with two cranes in flight amid thick swirling clouds. The interiors of rich nashiji with gold fundame edges. The matching two-part manju netsuke of circular form, similarly decorated in iro-e takamaki-e with clouds on a gyobu nashiji ground. The gold-lacquered ojime of globular form.HEIGHT 7.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with only minor wear.With an inscribed wood tomobako (storage box).Auction comparison:Compare to a related inro depicting feeding cranes, by Kanshosai Toyo, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 324 (sold for 4,803 EUR).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

MASATOMO: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A HARE WITH MUSHROOMBy Masatomo, signed Masatomo 正友 Japan, Kyoto, c. 1800, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Joly, Henri (1975) Catalogue of the H. Seymour Trower Collection of Japanese Art, no. 204 (unillustrated).Bulletin Franco-Japonais (2002) no. 78, p. 2.Wilhelm, Gabor (2002) Bulletin Franco-Japonais, no. 79, p. 42. Wilhelm, Gabor (Spring 2003) On the Continent, International Netsuke Society Journal, Vol. 23, No. 1, p. 18.Well carved as a rabbit seated on its haunches and nursing a mushroom between its front paws, the animal detailed with oval eyes inlaid with pale buffalo horn, long floppy ears, and a short curled tail, the fur neatly incised and darkly stained, the underside of the mushroom cap with incised radial gills creating an appealing contrast to the smooth cap and stem, the underside with asymmetrical, generously excavated himotoshi, the right haunch with the signature within a shaped reserve MASATOMO.LENGTH 5.2 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few minor age cracks.Provenance: Ex-collection H. Seymour Trower (recorded in Henri Joly's catalog, no. 204). Piasa, 23 October 2002, Paris, lot 235 (sold for 8,200 EUR). French private collection, acquired from the above.Museum comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke of a hare with mushroom by Okatomo, dated late 18th to early 19th century, in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, accession number 47.925.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2201700456-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.

YAMAGUCHI OKATOMO: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A HARE AND YOUNGBy Yamaguchi Okatomo, signed Okatomo 岡友Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Bushell, Raymond (1971) Collector's Netsuke, p. 32, no. 24.Wilhelm, Gabor (1988) Netsuke Kenkyukai Society Journal, p. 42 and 44.Wilhelm, Gabor (1989) Bulletin Franco-Japonais, p. 22. Sydney L. Moss (1989) Japanese Netsuke: Serious Art. Outstanding Works Selected from American Collections, no. 10.Birch, Michael (Summer 1989) Netsuke Kenkyukai Society Journal, p. 26, fig. 3.Superbly carved as a rabbit and young huddled close together, the mother resting a paw protectively on the back of the buck leveret, which is snuggling to its mother's side. Their fur and other details are neatly incised and darkly stained for effect. Their eyes are double-inlaid with bone and pupils of reddish, mid-toned translucent buffalo horn. The underside is well detailed with the animals' paws and genitals, with many natural himotoshi due to the openwork.LENGTH 5.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor expected wear and few minuscule age cracks. Tiny old repair to the edge of the left ear. Provenance: Ex- collection B.K. Denton, Yokohama and St. Louis, 1971. St. James' Gallery, Zurich, 1988. Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, 1989. European collection, acquired from the above. Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, 2005. French private collection, acquired from the above.Okatomo's later animals, at the end of the 18th century, are smaller and more precious than his earlier works, but share his characteristic smiling features and charming, well-fed naturalism, in contrast to his teacher Tomotada's reptilian features and bony, massive bulk. Other known Okatomo rabbits are ivory, smaller, and later. This group corresponds to Tomotada's style in composition and size, but betrays Okatomo's hand unmistakably in the hairwork, underside, and face with idiosyncratic inlays to eyes. It is a rare, early work from the period when Okatomo was strongly influenced by Tomotada.The Okatomo signature is generally considered to have been added later. Nonetheless, the present netsuke is doubtlessly the artist's work.Literature comparison:Compare a closely related, yet later ivory netsuke depicting the same subject by Okatomo, illustrated in Cohen, George (1974) In Search of Netsuke & Inro, p. 35, no. 44. Compare also a wood netsuke of a wolf by Okatomo, signed Tomotada, with similar double-inlaid eyes in bone and horn, formerly in the collection of E. Hobbs and offered by Max Rutherston Ltd.Auction comparison:Compare to a related wood netsuke of a recumbent ox, signed Tomotada, but certainly by Okatomo, at Christie's, An Important European Collection of Netsuke, 14 November 2001, London, lol 31 (sold for 15,863 GBP).

A SUPERB INLAID BURLWOOD TONKOTSU DEPICTING A SNAKE AND INSECTS IN THE MANNER OF HASEGAWA IKKOUnsignedJapan, 19th centuryWell carved from a particularly attractive section of richly gnarled and knotted burlwood, the top surrounding the circular mouth of the box smoothly polished, the interior hollowed, the box and cover superbly inlaid in mother-of-pearl, bone, mixed metal, and stag antler with a writhing snake, its head and sinuous body to the cover and its tail to the underside of the box, as well as two bees, a ladybug, a beetle, and scattered leaves. The interior of the cover with a knop for the cord attachment, the box pierced with two himotoshi which are ringed in bone to the exterior. Stylistically this can be attributed to Hasegawa Ikko.LENGTH 8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor expected wear and natural flaws to the material including a few fine age cracks.Auction comparison:Compare to an inlaid tanto with snake, by Hasegawa Ikko, at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 3 December 2021, Vienna, lot 71 (sold for 12,008 EUR). Also compare to an inlaid burlwood netsuke, by Nakayama Shomin, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 288 (sold for 6,952 EUR).

RENSAI: A RARE MARINE IVORY KISERUZUTSU WITH A BASKET OF FRUITBy Ishikawa Rensai, signed Rensai 蓮齋Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa District, second half of 19th century, circa 1860s-1880sOf wari-zutsu form, the marine ivory of pure color, finely carved in shishiaibori with a neatly incised woven basket filled with loquats, eggplant, peach, pomegranate, and berries, some fruit attached on leafy stems, one open pomegranate showing the seeds is borne on a towering branch, a loquat and worm-eaten leaf are lying on the ground before the basket. The cord attachment is formed by a reishi fungus carved in high relief, surrounded by cleverly stippled shading. The base carved in shishiaibori with a Buddha's Hand citron. The reverse incised with the signature RENSAI.LENGTH 20 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, a small nick near the base.Provenance: Ex-collection Gabor Wilhelm, Paris.A wari-zutsu pipe case is slit at the sides, leaving two flexible leaves. Bamboo and wood are the usual materials, because of the need for flexibility, although occasionally stag antler is utilized. See Stratos, Milton (Spring 2016) Kiseruzutsu, the Other Sagemono. A Modest Appreciation, International Netsuke Society Journal, Vol. 36, No. 1, p. 19. A wari-zutsu pipe case carved from marine ivory is extremely rare and shows great skill from the artist.In Chinese art, the pomegranate symbolizes the wish for many children, and in particular, sons. The fruit is full of seeds, and the word for seeds in Chinese is also that for children. Together with the double-happiness symbol, pomegranates feature prominently as wedding gifts. The Chinese rebus, liu kai bai zi, translates as 'the pomegranate brings you a hundred seeds'. The Buddha's Hand citron, which can be interchangeable with other citrons, together with the peach and pomegranate, are known collectively as 'The Three Abundances' (sanduo) which express the wish for abundant blessings, long life, and many sons. It is common for Japanese artists, particularly Asakusa carvers, to borrow such symbolism from the Chinese visual vocabulary.Literature comparison: Compare a stag antler kiseruzutsu by Rensai decorated with a ho-o bird, clouds, and blossoms, illustrated in Sydney Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai The Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, Part 3, p, 74-75, no. 374. Compare an ivory netsuke by Rensai of a frog on a gourd, with a very similar signature, illustrated ibid., p. 40, no. 350, where the author notes that “[i]t might be that the unusual signature proposes the hand of Ishikawa Rensai II.” Compare another ivory netsuke by Rensai of a frog on a gourd, illustrated in Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 181, no. 539, where the author notes that “[t]he carving and the signature differ from Rensai's work in staghorn and this piece is probably by Rensai II.”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.

HAKUMIN: A FINE STAG ANTLER KISERUZUTSU WITH AN OWLBy Isshosai Hakumin, signed Isshosai 一照齋 with seal Hakumin 方印Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa District, second half of 19th century Of senryu-zutsu type, finely carved in openwork with an owl perched on a gnarled oak tree branch bearing leaves and acorns. The cord attachment 'naturally' through the branch. The back carved with a seal HAKUMIN and signed within a metal-inlaid reserve ISSHOSAI. LENGTH 19.7 cmCondition: The interior rim with a chip. Otherwise good condition with minor wear and natural flaws to the material.Provenance: Sagemonoya, Tokyo, 2009. Ex-collection Edward Wrangham (no. 2338), acquired from the above. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related pipe case, attributed to Hoshunsai Masayuki, illustrated in Sydney Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai The Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, Part 3, p. 128-129, no. 411. A related pipe case by Koshin is illustrated ibid., p. 128-129, no. 412. Auction comparison: Compare a related stag antler kiseruzutsu depicting the same subject, sealed Kyo, with a bamboo and silver pipe, at Galerie Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 347 (sold for 1,830 EUR).

AN EXCEPTIONAL AND LARGE WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAKE, ATTRIBUTED TO OKATOMO Attributed to Yamaguchi Okatomo, unsignedJapan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A remarkably bulky and powerfully executed sculptural masterpiece – the snake coiling around itself, its body entirely naturalistically represented, varying in thickness, covered almost entirely in boldly incised scales. The majestic reptile's large head is resting at the top of the composition, its eyes inlaid with dark horn pupils, its tongue extended and slithering down along the tail. Natural himotoshi. Unsigned, however confidently attributed to the Kyoto master Yamaguchi Okatomo, the manner of the expression and inlaid eyes idiosyncratic of this celebrated artist. The well-toned wood bearing a fine patina.SIZE 3 x 4.2 x 4.9 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear. Fine, dark patina.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.Snakes from the Kyoto school are to be considered extremely rare. Only one other netsuke depicting a snake is recorded by Okatomo (see Museum comparison), however the present netsuke is the only one carved from wood. There are no recorded examples from other members of the Oka-school, such as from Okakoto or Okatori.Literature comparison:Compare to a related wood netsuke of a coiled snake by Tomotada illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 916.Museum comparison:Compare to a closely related ivory netsuke, signed Okatomo, in the collection of The British Museum, accession no. 1945,1017.603. Compare the manner of the head, inlaid eyes and the manner of the scales, which are more elaborate on the present wood netsuke, however show the same incised line at the intersection point of the individual scales.

A POWERFUL STAG ANTLER KISERUZUTSU DEPICTING A RAIN DRAGONUnsignedJapan, Tokyo, Asakusa district, late 19th centuryOf muso-zutsu form, finely carved in low and high relief with a ferocious, long-snouted rain dragon writhing amid thick scrolling clouds, its mane and other details neatly incised. The cord attachment is formed by the curling tail of the slender dragon. LENGTH 20 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, natural flaws including expected minor age cracks, the interior with remnants of an old label. Literature comparison: A related stag antler kiseruzutsu with a single water dragon, likely from the same hand, is illustrated in Atchley, Virginia / Davey, Neil (2006) The Virginia Atchley Collection of Japanese Miniature Arts, p. 303, no. S42. A related stag antler netsuke signed and by Ozaki Kokusai is illustrated in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. II, p. 376-377, no. 284. Another related stag antler netsuke, attributed to Ryu, is illustrated in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. III, p. 340-341, no. 540.

OKATOMO: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A RAT WITH EDAMAME BEAN PODBy Yamaguchi Okatomo, signed Okatomo 岡友Japan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved, with particular attention devoted to the neatly incised fur coat, the rat shown with its head lowered, the eyes inlaid in reddish horn, the two front paws firmly pressed down against a smoothly polished edamame bean pod while its left hind paw scratches its ear. The facial features are achieved with an extraordinary sense of naturalism, which without a doubt can only be achieved through close examination of animals, which Okatomo must have practiced, as all of his animal netsuke seem to possess a "soul". The well-carved tail curls around to the underside, forming the cord attachment, and the signature is located in a rectangular reserve OKATOMO.LENGTH 3.9 cmCondition: A tiny chip to one ear and a small repair to the edge of the right hind paw and tip of the tail. Otherwise in fine condition with typical wear and natural age cracks. Fine, yellowish patina.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related ivory netsuke of a rat gnawing at a candle by Okatomo's younger brother Okatori, measuring 3.9 cm in length, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 46 (sold for 13,420 EUR).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number DE-BM-22092812).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 KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A RATUnsignedJapan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sagemonoya (2022), The Gabor and Georgina Wilhelm Collection, p. 52, no. 78.The reclining rat with finely incised fur coiling around itself, grabbing its finely carved tail with all four paws as it turns and lifts its head curiously, the ears in an alert position and the glaring eyes inlaid in reddish horn. Two himotoshi through the underside. Unsigned, however stylistically close to Masanao of Kyoto, the ears in particularly reminiscent of his carvings of rats.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: The left ear restored. Otherwise good condition with an excellent patina and few age cracks.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Literature comparison:Compare to a related ivory netsuke of a rat, signed Masanao, illustrated on the same page as the present netsuke in Sagemonoya (2022), The Gabor and Georgina Wilhelm Collection, p. 52, no. 76.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207509863-K).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A GOOD IVORY NETSUKE OF A DANCING KITSUNEUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sagemonoya (2022), The Gabor and Georgina Wilhelm Collection, p. 77, no. 125.Carved as a kitsune (fox), raising its forepaws dynamically in a dancing posture, the tail turned upwards, the mouth slightly opened showing teeth and tongue and smiling enigmatically. Excellent, generously excavated himotoshi to the back. The ivory bearing a stunning, deep-yellow patina.HEIGHT 6.3 cmCondition: Good condition. Some old, smoothed-out, non-distracting chips. Several natural age cracks and general wear.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Auction comparison:Compare to a related ivory netsuke of dancing kitsune sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 4 November 2022, Vienna, lot 220 (sold for 4,420 EUR).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207509864-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.

OKATORI: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONKEY WITH A PEACHBy Yamaguchi Okatori, signed Okatori 岡隹Japan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a seated monkey leaning forwards, holding in one hand a leafy peach branch, the other hand fondling the fruit, the face with a fine expression, the pupils inlaid in dark horn, the fur and other details neatly incised. Natural himotoshi between the monkey's limbs and branch, the underside with the signature OKATORI within a rectangular reserve. The ivory bearing an attractive yellowish hue and a fine patina.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear, few faint age cracks.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related ivory netsuke of a monkey with loquats, by Okatori, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 22 April 2022, Vienna, lot 46 (sold for 6,320 EUR).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 23-B-0090).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.

MASAHIRO: AN OSAKA SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF THE LUNAR HARE By Masahiro, signed Masahiro 正廣Japan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The lunar hare armed with a large mochi pestle leaning against a large, moon-shaped sphere, standing on a cloud-base issuing from the moon, with further swirling clouds carved in relief against the surface of the smoothly polished sphere. The rabbit's eyes are inlaid in amber. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi through the moon and signed underneath MASAHIRO – widely regarded as the most talented pupil of the famous Osaka netsukeshi Ohara Mitsuhiro (1810-1875).Condition: Very good condition. Several natural age cracks.Provenance: French private collection, purchased from Galerie Yamato, Paris, 2001.LENGTH 4.4 cmThis popular motif originates in China, where the rabbit is often portrayed as a companion of the Moon goddess Chang'e, constantly pounding the elixir of life for her. In the Japanese variation, the lunar hare is often seen pounding mochi.Museum comparison:A closely related ivory netsuke, by Masahiro, formerly in the Trumpf collection, is in the collection of the Linden Museum, Stuttgart, accession no. OA 18784.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related ivory netsuke, by Shigemasa, sold at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 132 (sold for 2,250 GBP). Also compare to another closely related ivory netsuke, by Masahiro, at Van Ham, Asian Art, 9 June 2016, Cologne, lot 2400 (sold for 3,354 EUR).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207508211-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.

DOSHO: AN IVORY MANJU NETSUKE OF TWO SUMO WRESTLERSBy Dosho, signed Dosho 道笑 saku 作Japan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, vol. 1, p. 358Atchley, Virginia / Davey, Neil (2006) The Virginia Atchley Collection of Japanese Miniature Arts, p. 148, no. N201.Finely carved in shishiaibori with two sumo wrestlers, one screaming in agony as his opponent wraps both hands around his ankle, each with neatly incised hair and subtly carved muscular bodies, the details further heightened by skillful staining. The reverse with a central himotoshi and the signature DOSHO saku [made by Dosho].DIAMETER 5 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few small age cracks, tiny nibbles to edges. Provenance: Ex-collection Virginia Atchley. Auction comparison: Compare a related ivory manju netsuke by Doshosai, dated 19th century, at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part IV, 6 November 2013, London, lot 79 (sold for 1,875 GBP).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 22NL305938/20).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.

MITSUHIRO: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A FLY ON A BIWA (LOQUAT)By Ohara Mitsuhiro (1810-1875), signed Mitsuhiro 光廣 with kakihanJapan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Naturalistically carved and finely stained to depict a loquat borne on a gnarled branch further issuing a half-eaten leaf, a fly on the skin of the fruit. The branch signed within a gourd-shaped reserve MITSUHIRO with a kakihan. Fine, honey-yellow patina. LENGTH 4.2 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, expected age cracks.This subject was favored by Mitsuhiro due to its tactile nature. The design is recorded in Mitsuhiro / Mikoshiba, Misao (transl.) (2001) Takarabukuro: A Netsuke Artist Notebook, p. 129, no. 156, where Mitsuhiro notes: "showing a leaf and a fruit. A short branch is curved to hold a cord. Ishime finished should be used. An exact copy made to look old."Auction comparison: Compare a near identical netsuke by Mitsuhiro, also signed with a kakihan and showing the same half-eaten leaf, at Sotheby's, 18 November 1974, London, lot 128 (sold for hammer price 1,700 GBP). This netsuke is also illustrated in Barry Davies Oriental Art (1998) The Robert S. Huthart Collection of Non-Iwami Netsuke, p. 87, no. 62.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 22NL306169/20).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.

HIDEMASA: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF IKKAKU CARRYING THE PRINCESS SENDARAMOBy Hidemasa, signed Hidemasa 秀正Japan, Osaka, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sagemonoya (2022), The Gabor and Georgina Wilhelm Collection, p. 21, no. 26.The one-horned rishi Ikkaku tilting his head in laughter, carrying the beautiful princess Sendaramo (also known as the Lady of Benares) on his back, who lifts her billowing scarf which twists and turns around the composition, forming the cord attachment in the back. The ivory is lightly stained, the expressions are comical and animated, and the elaborated robes of the pair are incised with ornate, scrolling patterns. Signed to the back HIDEMASA.HEIGHT 5.9 cmCondition: Very good condition with typical surface wear. One tiny, old chip to one toe of Ikkaku.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.The subject is derived from the Noh play Ikkaku Sennin, written by Komparu Zembo Motoyasu (1453-1532). Ikkaku Sennin, the one-horned rishi, once slipped on a hill near Benares and in his anger captured the dragon kings and kept them from letting rain fall from the sky. He is then seduced by a beautiful lady from Benares and eventually loses all his power, thus freeing the dragon kings and ending a terrible drought.Museum comparison:A closely related ivory netsuke depicting the same subject, by Hidemasa, is in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), accession number M.91.250.114.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207511173-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 IVORY NETSUKE OF TAIRA NO TADAMORI CAPTURING THE OIL THIEFUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sagemonoya (2022) A Selection of Netsuke & Sagemono from the Collection of Georgina & Gabor Wilhelm, p. 35, no. 51.Dynamically and powerfully carved to depict Taira no Tadamori grabbing the oil thief Abura Bozu from behind atop a shaped base. Tadamori's expression is fierce, expecting an evil demon, while he grabs the oil thief by the arm, who is holding an ewer. Abura Bozo's expression is surprised, one foot lifted – he is caught red-handed. Unbeknownst to Tadamori the man is nothing but a poor old soul, stealing a tiny bit of oil from the many lamps in the forest near the Yasaka no Yashioro temple. This mishap is masterfully depicted in this netsuke. The base with a central himotoshi. The garment folds are expertly carved. The ivory with a rich, honey-yellow patina.HEIGHT 4.4 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few fine age cracks. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Museum comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke depicting the same subject in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 10.211.1116.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number FR2207511172-K).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A FINE OSAKA SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A PUPPY PLAYING WITH A SANDAL (WARAJI)Unsigned Japan, Osaka, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved to depict a puppy licking a sandal at its feet, with three paws placed on the sandal, the fourth neatly carved to the underside, the puppy well detailed with eyes inlaid in red buffalo horn, finely incised and darkly stained fur, floppy ears, and a collar tied around its neck. Natural himotoshi. The underside with two generously excavated himotoshi. Fine, honey-yellow patina.LENGTH 4.8 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear, expected age cracks.Auction comparison:Compare to a related ivory netsuke of a puppy, by Garaku, at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 160 (sold for 5,625 GBP).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 22NL308311/20).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 RARE MARINE TOOTH NETSUKE OF KIYOHIMEUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The serpentine, wrathful monster Kiyohime tightly wrapped around the Dojo-ji bell, her snake-like tail encircling the top and her body surmounting the bell, the face with an enigmatic smile, holding a striker and a loose strand of her long, finely incised hair. Very large himotoshi through the side of the bell. The marine tooth bearing a beautiful lustrous polish.HEIGHT 6 cmCondition: Very good condition, some natural age cracks and few inlaid nerve channel plugs.In this tragic story, Kyohime fell in love with a Buddhist monk named Anchin but was rejected. In despair she pursues the monk and transforms herself into a Hannya-like demon with a snake body and horned head. The pursued Anchin hides under a temple bell. When she discovers him there, she wraps her snake body around the bell and the glow of her passion melts the metal and burns the monk hiding in the bell.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.

MASAMINE: A FINE OSAKA SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A FISHERMAN STRUGGLING WITH A HUGE CARPBy Masamine, signed Masamine 正峯Japan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved to depict a fisherman sitting on top of his catch, a giant carp with horn-inlaid eyes flapping its tail fin as it struggles to free itself. The fisherman is dressed in a straw skirt and a patterned robe, his face well-detailed with a cheerful expression. The fish with neatly incised scales and stippled head, enhances with sumi (ink), which is typical for the Osaka school. The fish's body with asymmetrical himotoshi centered by the incised signature MASAMINE.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear. Provenance: Silvia Soler, Barcelona, 2008. Dutch private collection, acquired from the above. Collection Prof. Dr. Henk C. Hoogsteden, Rotterdam, acquired from the above. A copy of the original invoice from Silvia Soler, stating a purchase price of 4,000 EUR, accompanies this lot.Masamine's netsuke are often attractively carved in good detail, the designs original, suggesting an independent craftsman. See Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 432.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related unsigned ivory netsuke of a fisher with carp, Osaka school, at Van Ham, Asian Art, 9 June 2016, lot 2376 (sold for 9,675 EUR).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 22NL311466/20).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.

TOYOMASA: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A TORTOISEBy Naito Toyomasa (1773-1857), signed Toyomasa 豊昌Japan, Sasayama, Tanba Province, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A beautifully compact and finely stained wood netsuke of a tortoise retracted almost entirely within its shell. The carving is treated with remarkable naturalism, the individual domed panes of the creature's carapace, as well as other subtle peculiarities, are executed with extreme precision. The head, with large inlaid eyes of dark horn, peeks out ever so slightly. The underside shows the well-carved limbs which are treated with fine stippling, and the irregularly shaped underside of the carapace. Two himotoshi underneath and signed TOYOMASA – likely an early work by this celebrated artist.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor expected wear. Beautiful, deep patina. Provenance: A noted private collection, USA.Literature comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a tortoise, by Toyomasa, illustrated in Chappell, Sharon / Welch, Matthew (1999) Netsuke: The Japanese Art of Miniature Carving, p. 98, no. 140.Auction comparison:Compare to a wood netsuke of a tortoise, executed in a different style, by Toyomasa, at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 222 (sold for 6,875 GBP).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

A SUPERB TOYOMASA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF AN EMACIATED WOLF WITH TORTOISESchool of Naito Toyomasa (1773-1856), unsignedJapan, Sasayama, Tanba Province, 19th centuryVery finely carved as a voracious, emaciated wolf, or yama-inu (mountain dog), its head lowered as it salivates over a small tortoise which has retracted into its shell. The artist strikes a delicate balance between dramatic effect, humor, and anatomical precision, the yama-inu being depicted not in a realistic manner but rather in an exaggerated, dramatical parody, while the bones and musculature are carved with remarkable naturalism. The eyes are inlaid in stained bone with incised, dark pupils. Natural himotoshi. The work is unsigned, however contributed to the school of Naito Toyomasa (1773-1856) and most likely by his son Toyomasa II (Toyoyo, 1811-1883), who frequently signed his works using his father's go (art name).LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear.Literature comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke, signed Toyomasa, illustrated in Zacke (1987) Japanische Netsuke aus dem 18. und 19. Jahrhundert Inro und andere Sagemono Sammlung Marcel Lorber, no. 120. Another closely related wood netsuke, signed Toyomasa, is illustrated in Zacke (1998) Netsuke – Sammlung Pingotti, no. 117.Museum comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke, signed Toyomasa, in the Seattle Museum of Art, accession no. 33.476.

NAITO TOYOMASA: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY SCRATCHING ITSELFBy Naito Toyomasa (1773-1857), signed Toyomasa 豊昌Japan, Sasayama, Tanba Province, c. 1840, Edo period (1615-1868)Powerfully carved as a monkey sitting on one buttock and scratching the other, the eyes typically inlaid in pale translucent horn, the fur finely incised and darkly stained, natural himotoshi between the legs and between the left arm and leg. Signed underneath the left leg within an oblong reserve TOYOMASA.HEIGHT 3.9 cmCondition: Some old repairs to the fingers. Otherwise fine condition with minor wear.Provenance: European private collection. Réne Scholten, acquired from the above in 2001. Scholten Japanese Art, New York, 2008. Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, 2009. French private collection, acquired from the above.Literature comparison:Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a seated monkey by Toyomasa illustrated in Kurstin, Joseph & Lorin, Gilles (2006) The Peacock's Feather, Gentlemen's Jewelry of Old Japan, no. 40.Auction comparison: A related wood netsuke by Toyomasa of two monkeys fighting over a peach was sold at Tessier Sarrou, Arts D' Asie, 13 December 2021, Paris, lot 60 (sold for 160,000 EUR). For a related wood netsuke by Toyomasa of three monkeys fighting over a peach see Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 155 (sold for 85,250 GBP).

TOYOSHIMA: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY EMERGING FROM A PEACHBy Toyoshima, signed Toyoshima 豊嶋Japan, Sasayama, Tanba Province, late 19th centuryIntricately carved as a worm-eaten peach that has split open to one side, a monkey using the gnarled stem to pull himself out of the giant fruit, the stem finely stippled and issuing leaves with veins which are neatly incised to the top and raised in ukibori to the undersides. The peach with two asymmetrical himotoshi, the larger of which is generously excavated to accommodate the knot, and the signature TOYOSHIMA – the artist is a rarely encountered artist from the Tanba school.LENGTH 3.6 cmCondition: Good condition, minor wear, small chip to one leaf, minor age cracks.Auction comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke by Toyoshima of a dragon in a mikan, 4.1 cm wide, at Lempertz, 9 June 2017, Cologne, lot 552 (sold for 2,356 EUR). Also compare a related wood netsuke of an immortal emerging from a peach, by Toyomasa, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese and Korean Art, 20 March 2019, New York, lot 273 (sold for 7,575 USD).

TOYOMASA: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A DRAGON IN A MIKANBy Naito Toyomasa (1773-1857), signed Toyomasa 豊昌Japan, Sasayama, Tanba Province, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A finely carved wood netsuke depicting a dragon inside a mikan (tangerine) with crisply carved scales, large antler-like horns and flaming whiskers. The dragon is bursting through the soft flesh of the mikan, forming a dramatic, dynamic, and compact composition. The visible eye is inlaid in pale, translucent horn. Himotoshi through the stem which issues a large leaf with finely worked ukibori veins. Signed within an oval reserve TOYOMASA.LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear.Provenance: A noted private collection, USA.This popular model was carved by several members of the Tanba school and was likely utilized to test the skill of a pupil as it exhibits a remarkable number of carving techniques and textures such as sukashibori (openwork) and ukibori. The present netsuke is certainly one of the better examples of this model and is very likely by the master himself.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a dragon in a mikan, signed Toyomasa, at Lempertz, The Kolodotschko Collection of Netsuke II, 6 December 2014, Cologne, lot 838 (sold for 2,604 EUR).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

TOYOKAZU: A FINE TANBA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A SHISHIBy Shugasai Toyokazu, signed Toyokazu 豊一Japan, Sasayama, Tanba province, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Superbly carved as a seated shishi turning its head curiously, the face with a prominent reishi nose and large inlaid eyes of pale translucent horn with dark pupils. The details are very finely carved – the mythical lion dog has a thick bushy tail, curling mane, and finely incised fur, accentuated with black staining for effect, as is typical for the Tanba school artist. Natural himotoshi, the signature TOYOKAZU within an oval reserve.LENGTH 3.9 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and traces of use. The left eye with a small chip.Provenance: Ex-collection Nelson and Happy Rockefeller. Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller (1908-1979) was an American businessman and politician who served as the 41st vice president of the United States from 1974 to 1977.Shugasai Toyokazu is widely regarded as the most accomplished pupil of Naito Toyomasa (1773-1856).Action comparison: Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of two shishi, by Toyokazu, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 82 (sold for 6,320 EUR).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

A FINE TANBA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT BOARUnsignedJapan, Tanba province, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The baying animal depicted in a reclining posture, its legs held close to the body or tucked underneath for compactness, the hairwork finely incised and beautifully worn. The eyes are double inlays of pale and dark horn. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi underneath. The wood bearing a beautiful, unctuous, chocolate-brown patina.LENGTH 4.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear and traces of use, including some wear inside the himotoshi. One eye is replaced.Literature comparison:The present netsuke belongs to a group of expressive wood boar netsuke which are attributed to the early production of the Tanba school, whose founder was Naito Toyomasa (1773-1856). Compare to an unsigned wood netsuke of a boar illustrated in color in Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures (LNIA), Vol. 1, p. 70.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke by Tsunenori, Tanba province, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 4 November 2022, Vienna, lot 41 (sold for 9,750 EUR).

GYOKUMIN: A FINE AND RARE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF RAIJIN CUTTING A CUCUMBERBy Gyokumin, signed Gyokumin 玉珉 and kakihanJapan, Nagoya, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 97 (unillustrated).A remarkably bold and compact netsuke, the darkened wood bearing a superb, unctuous patina, the thunder god Raijin seated before his taiko drum, one leg folded underneath, the other supporting the drum, and cutting a cucumber issuing a cloud-like vine. Raijin, dressed only in a tiger skin loincloth, is depicted in a typical manner with two horns, pronounced musculature, and long finely carved hair terminating in curls on his back. The eyes are inlaid in dark horn and the studs on the drum are inlaid in pale horn. The underside with generously excavated himotoshi and signature within an oval reserve GYOKUMIN and kakihan.HEIGHT 4 cmCondition: Very good condition, the surface beautifully worn. No notable damages. Provenance: Formerly collection Henri T. Reiss, sold at Glendinning & Co., February 1918, London, lot 200 (part lot).The subject is highly unusual, the thunder god here engaging in the business of a kappa. Fuld's Netsuke and Ojime Index lists only one other netsuke depicting this subject, which is by the Asakusa artist Eisai, sold at Sotheby's in 1980.

ISSAI: A RARE NARWHAL TUSK NETSUKE OF KADORI MYOJIN TAMING THE NAMAZUBy Ogawasara Issai, signed Issai 一齋Japan, Wakayama, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Superbly carved from a circular cross-section of a narwhal tusk as Kadori Myojin, clad in a fundoshi, placing his gigantic hyotan (double gourd) on a namazu, trying to tame the mythical catfish. The namazu's eyes are inlays black wood. The typical outer bark-like rind is visible on the edges of the netsuke and the other side shows the typical beautiful marbling and striations of this coveted material. Himotoshi through the underside and inside of the namazu and signed underneath ISSAI.LENGTH 4.6 cmCondition: The right arm restored. Some tiny repairs and losses to exposed areas. Otherwise, fine condition with minor wear and few natural age cracks.Provenance: From the collection of the German conductor Ferdinand Leitner (1912–1996), purchased from Kunsthaus Lempertz, Cologne, in 1972 (copy of the original invoice available). Leitner studied under Franz Schreker, Julius Pruewer, Artur Schnabel and Karl Muck. Among his more than 300 recordings is a celebrated recording of Ferruccio Busoni's Doktor Faust. He also conducted the Berlin Philharmonic for Wilhelm Kempff's 1961 cycle of Beethoven's piano concertos.Ogawasara Issai, mentioned in the Soken Kisho of 1781, was said to be one of the most famous carvers of his time, his work much in demand and difficult to obtain even during his lifetime. His works are rarely signed and he excelled in the use of marine and narwhal tusk.Legend has it that certain types of catfish (namazu) are responsible for the earthquakes that plague the islands of Japan. When aroused, these creatures would contort their bodies in such a way that gigantic tremors shook the area for miles and miles. The Shinto deity Kadori Myojin usually attempts to prevent such catastrophes with the help of his magic gourd.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.

MASASADA: A POWERFUL WOOD NETSUKE OF RAIJIN WITH DRUMBy Masasada (Masakazu), signed Masakazu 昌貞Japan, probably Tanba, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A powerful wood netsuke of the thunder god Raijin squatting, wearing a large drum strapped to his back and holding a geta with both hands in front of him. The oni-like deity is portrayed with boldly carved musculature and well-defined anatomy. In contrast, his facial features are humoristic, animated and imbued with originality and character – very typical for this rare artist. Raijin has inlaid horns, teeth and fangs, and the studs on the drum and his eyes are inlaid in dark wood. Good himotoshi through the deity's back and underside and the signature in a rectangular reserve underneath - MASAKAZU, however the artist is known as Masasada 昌貟.LENGTH 3.4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear including some tiny nicks and a small loss to one inlay of the drum.Provenance: Collection Prof. Dr. Henk C. Hoogsteden, Rotterdam, purchased from Nohara Japanese Art, Belgium.Literature comparison:For a similar model of a Raijin see Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 430. For a discussion on the artist see International Netsuke Society Journal, Vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 22-26, where Jay Hopkins suggests that the artist is probably of Tanba origin.Auction comparison:A closely related wood netsuke, by Masasada, was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 93 (sold for 5,688 EUR).

A POWERFUL NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A RAIJIN DISCHARGING A STORMBy Koichi, signed Koichi 光一Japan, Nagoya, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Aalderink Oriental Art (1985) The Buzaglo Collection of Fine Netsuke, Exhibition catalog, no. 250.A remarkably powerful and well-sized netsuke, depicting the one-horned thunder god sitting on a large, wispy cloud, his thunder drum with drumsticks strapped to his back, looking downwards at a pouch from which he pulls the wind out. His expression, with inlaid pupils of dark horn, is quite amusing as he is lamenting over yet another day at work. The wood of a beautiful dark-brown tone and bearing a fine patina. Natural himotoshi and signed to the side of the horn-studded drum KOICHI.HEIGHT 3.3 cm, LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Good condition with some old chips, few nicks here and there, and age cracks. Beautiful, deep patina.Provenance: Collection Sylvain Buzaglo (1908-1967), Amsterdam.Museum comparison:Compare a related wood netsuke of Raiden by Tomokazu, in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, accession number EA1956.1721.Auction comparison:Compare to a wood netsuke depicting the same subject, by Nanmusai, at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 2 December 2022, Vienna, lot 211 (sold for 4,160 EUR).

MASATOSHI: A FINE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A COWERING ONI DURING SETSUBUNBy Masatoshi, signed Masatoshi 正利Japan, Nagoya, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The muscular oni cowered into a ball, forming a compact composition, trying to avoid the beans being thrown at him during the oni-yarai ceremony on Setsubun day. The three beans on his back are inlaid in light-stained wood. The underside shows the finely carved face with a grim expression and the two superbly carved feet forming the cord attachment. Signed within a rectangular reserve on the loincloth MASATOSHI.LENGTH 3.2 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear. Fine patina.Provenance: Collection Prof. Dr. Henk C. Hoogsteden, Rotterdam, purchased at Lempertz, The Kolodotschko Collection of Netsuke II, 6 December 2014, Cologne, lot 773.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke by Masakazu at Lempertz, The Kolodotschko Collection of Netsuke IV, 5 December 2015, Cologne, lot 709 (sold for 2,480 EUR).

MASAKAZU: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A COWERING ONI DURING SETSUBUNBy Masakazu, signed Masakazu 正一Japan, Nagoya, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The oni cowering underneath a kasa (straw hat) trying to shield himself from a barrage of roasted beans being thrown at him during the oni-yarai ceremony on Setsubun day. His attempt is somewhat futile as one of the beans has hit his head, two further ones being carved on top of the hat. The worn kasa is executed with intricate detail and the body of the oni underneath shows extremely fine carving with powerfully accentuated muscles and a neatly incised tiger skin loincloth. The visible eye is inlaid in bone. 'Natural' himotoshi through the limbs and signed MASAKAZU within a polished reserve.LENGTH 3.4 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear. Fine patina.Provenance: From the collection of the German conductor Ferdinand Leitner (1912–1996), purchased from Kunsthandel Klefisch, Cologne, in 1978. Leitner studied under Franz Schreker, Julius Pruewer, Artur Schnabel and Karl Muck. Among his more than 300 recordings is a celebrated recording of Ferruccio Busoni's Doktor Faust. He also conducted the Berlin Philharmonic for Wilhelm Kempff's 1961 cycle of Beethoven's piano concertos.Auction comparison:Compare to a near-identical wood netsuke by Masakazu sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 139 (sold for 3,172 EUR).

MASANAO: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF AN ONI TRAPPING SHOKIBy a member of the Masanao family, signed Masanao 正直Japan, Yamada, Ise Province, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved, the oni spread out over a neatly detailed straw basket, peering backwards, the pupils minutely inlaid in dark horn at the corners of the eyes, the mischievous devil pressing his weight down in an effort to contain the demon queller Shoki who is trapped underneath. Shoki in return tries to push himself off the ground, sword drawn, his scabbard piercing through to the other side. The himotoshi are cleverly integrated into the design, underneath Shoki's feet, and the signature is located within a fold of the robe – MASANAO.LENGTH 3.9 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear. Fine, dark patina.Provenance: Collection Prof. Dr. Henk C. Hoogsteden, Rotterdam, purchased from Paul Rutten Asiatic & Tribal Art, Amsterdam, in 2010.The subject appears to be unrecorded for the Masanao family and is usually associated with Kano Tomokazu of Gifu.Auction comparison:A related wood netsuke by Tomokazu was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 27 April 2019, Vienna, lot 266 (sold for 12,640 EUR). Another related wood netsuke by Masakazu was sold at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 27 May 2022, Vienna, lot 237 (sold for 6,952 EUR).

MASAKAZU: A SUPERB NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF KIYOHIMEBy Masakazu, signed Masakazu 正一Japan, Nagoya, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The vengeful monster Kiyohime depicted here in humanoid form with long flowing hair, leaning against the Dojo-ji bell, hunched forwards with a menacing expression, one hand grasping the double-dragon handle of the temple bell, the other holding a striker. The details are superbly carved, the bell is adorned with raised studs and minutely carved rain dragons, and the reddish cherry wood bears a fine patina. Himotoshi through the bell and signed underneath MASAKAZU.HEIGHT 4 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Collection Prof. Dr. Henk C. Hoogsteden, Rotterdam, purchased at Lempertz, The Papp Collection of Netsuke, 16 June 2018, Cologne, lot 1052. Formerly collection Papp, collection no. 449, purchased from Helmut Laudenbach, Berg, January 1989.In this tragic story, Kyohime fell in love with a Buddhist monk named Anchin but was rejected. In despair she pursues the monk and transforms herself into a Hannya-like demon with a snake body and horned head. The pursued Anchin hides under a temple bell. When she discovers him there, she wraps her snake body around the bell and the glow of her passion melts the metal and burns the monk hiding in the bell.Literature comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of Kiyohime, by Masakazu, depicted in a similar posture, illustrated in Eskenazi (1997) Japanese Netsuke, Ojime and Inro from the Dawson Collection, pp. 24-25, no. 25. Another closely related wood netsuke of Kiyohime, by Masakazu, depicted in a different posture, is illustrated in Jirka-Schmitz Patrizia, The World of Netsuke, The Werdelmann Collection at the Museum Kunst Palast Duesseldorf, p. 83, no. 263.Museum comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of Kiyohime, depicted in a similar posture as the present netsuke, by Tadatoshi, late 18th century, Nagoya, at the Walters Art Museum, accession number 61.236.Auction comparison:Compare to a related wood netsuke, by Tametaka, depicting Kiyohime in a similar posture, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 4 November 2022, Vienna, lot 57 (sold for 6,175 EUR).

TAMETAKA: A SUPERB WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF A SHISHIBy Tametaka, signed Tametaka 爲隆 with kakihan Japan, Nagoya, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2004) Outside the Box: Further Explorations in Japanese Netsuke and Lacquer, 2004, p. 34-35, no. 13.Superbly carved, the scowling face with a hinged jaw opening to reveal the tongue and sharp teeth, the eyes with pupils inlaid in dark horn below furrowed brows, the broad nose with deeply hollowed nostrils, the neatly incised mane falling in heavy curls over the back of the head, the chin beard similarly carved, the forehead with eleven distinct star-shaped whorl designs, the underside with three square apertures, presumably a feature of the temple sculpture from which this netsuke is derived, forming the cord attachment behind the signature TAMETAKA with a kakihan.LENGTH 4.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, few tiny nicks to the back, the underside with few microscopic chips near the hinge.Provenance: Max Rutherston, London, 2004. European collection P. Jacquesson, acquired from the above.The Shishi mask originated in the rites of exorcism of Japanese protohistory. The original Japanese mask was absorbed into dance and drama in the seventh and eighth centuries when Gigaku and Bugaku were introduced from the Asian mainland. Unlike most masks, Shishi masks enjoyed an unrestricted and natural development, free of the shackles imposed by the prototypes. The shishi masked dance (shishimai) is performed to ward off disease and calamity. It originated as a religious ceremony but the excitement of the dance, the music, and the rhythms increased over the centuries, so that over time it was performed for entertainment rather than ritualistic purposes.Tametaka is the earliest recorded netsuke artist from Nagoya and is listed in the Soken Kisho, the first publication on netsuke published in 1781. He is credited with the invention of the relief-carving technique (ukibori) associated with the Nagoya school.Literature comparison:Shishi are a popular subject of Tametaka, mask netsuke by this carver are however extremely rare. A wood mask netsuke of an oni, also with a movable jaw, is recorded in Joly, Henri L. (1966) The W. L. Behrens Collection, Part 1, Netsuke, no. 88, however is unillustrated. Another wood mask netsuke by Tametaka, depicting Buaku, is illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 857.

A SUPERB AND VERY RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF AN OX AND CALF, ATTRIBUTED TO TAMETAKAAttributed to Tametaka, unsignedJapan, Nagoya, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Superbly carved in dark-reddish wood as an ox with curved horns and realistically rendered spine, the hairwork executed in bold strokes, the high points beautifully worn and bearing a superb, unctuous patina, the young calf nestling up to the parent seeking warmth and pressing its muzzle into its parent's side. The underside very finely carved, the legs tucked underneath the body for compactness, and with large, generously excavated himotoshi.There appears to be some illegible remnants of kanji characters on the haunch where the signature is usually located. The boldly executed design, strong character, and idiosyncratic 'ruggedness', coupled with a clear 18th-century patina, strongly suggest the artist Tametaka, whom this netsuke is confidently attributed to.LENGTH 5.1 cmTametaka is the earliest recorded netsuke artist from Nagoya and is listed in the Soken Kisho, the first publication on netsuke published in 1781. Oxen are to be considered extremely rare by this artist with only few examples recorded and this would be the only recorded example of an ox and calf.Condition: Excellent condition with typical, old surface wearProvenance: A noted private collection, USA.Literature comparison:Compare to two wood netsuke depicting oxen by Tametaka in Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures (LNIA), Vol. 2, p. 1075.Auction comparison:Compare to a related ebony wood netsuke of a recumbent ox by Ikkan, dated 19th century, at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part I, 9 November 2010, London, lot 130 (sold for 10,200 GBP).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

A VERY RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A MERMANUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a merman, half man and half fish, depicted in motion, swimming through water, one hand touching his tail fin, which curls underneath and is held close to the body for compactness, and the other hand holding a branch of coral before him. The scales are meticulously rendered, formed by large, connected half-circles and the long hair, which flows down the shoulders and arms, is neatly incised. Natural himotoshi between the arm and body. The ivory bearing a beautifully lustrous patina, the details are stained with sumi (ink).LENGTH 5.3 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, few natural age cracks and natural imperfections. Literature comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a mermaid with tama, ex-Behrens collection, illustrated in Barry Davies Oriental Art (2002) Netsuke and Inro from European Collections, no. 137. Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a merman with tama, at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 63 (sold for 4,375 GBP). Also compare to an ivory netsuke of a mermaid, style of Ogawasara Issai, at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 70 (sold for 6,875 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.

A RARE DARK WOOD NETSUKE OF A DOG SCRATCHING ITS JOWLUnsigned Japan, probably Nagoya, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved in dark-reddish wood as a dog seated on his haunches, scratching his jowl with his right front paw, the animal well detailed with neatly incised fur, short floppy ears, narrowed eyes, a long snout, and a curled tail. Natural himotoshi between his left front and hind legs as well as his right front leg and neck.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Small chip to the left front paw. Otherwise, good condition with minor expected wear and traces of use including a few tiny nicks.Provenance: A noted private collection, USA.The wood used, overall power and earthiness of the design, as well as the rugged yet fine execution, are reminiscent of Tametaka of Nagoya.Literature comparison:Compare to a closely related dark wood netsuke of a puppy scratching its ear, signed Goto, illustrated in Barry Davies Oriental Art (2002) Netsuke and Inro from European Collections, no. 120.Auction comparison:Compare to a related wood netsuke of a dog, by Tametaka, at Bonhams, The Julius & Arlette Katchen Collection of Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 117 (sold for 9,375 GBP).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

ICHIYU: A SUPERB NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT KIRINBy Ichiyu, signed Ichiyu 一友Japan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Superbly carved with intricate details, depicting a recumbent two-horned kirin with long flowing whiskers, a well-carved mane, ridged spine, and finely incised, bushy tail which sweeps around its side. The legs are tucked close to the body, the two forelegs arched as the kirin lifts itself ever so slightly, the head turned backwards curiously. Natural himotoshi and signed ICHIYU within a shaped, polished reserve underneath.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear. Old repair to one of the whiskers.Provenance: De-accessioned from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Sotheby's, Netsuke, Ojime, Inro, 8 January 1981, Honolulu, lot 97. A noted private collection, USA.This type of coveted kirin carving was likely invented by Ikkan of Nagoya and the model was treated with slight variations, generally increasing in intricacy, by several members of the Nagoya school lineage such as Ichimin, Ichiyu, Masatoshi and Masayuki.Literature comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a singled horn kirin by Masatoshi illustrated in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (1993) Zodiac Beasts and Distant Cousins, no. 56.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a recumbent kirin by Ikkan, sold at Bonhams, Tradition Travel Transition Japanese Art Across the Centuries, 4 November 2021, London, lot 6 (sold for 19,000 GBP). Also compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a recumbent kirin by Ichimin, sold at Quinn's Auction Galleries, The Helen & Jack Mang Collection of Netsuke, 7 December 2007, Falls Church, Virginia, lot 218 (sold for hammer price 12,000 USD).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

MASAYASU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT GOATBy Masayasu, signed Masayasu 正保 to 刀Japan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Very finely carved, the goat's head nobly raised, with elegantly curved horns, long sweeping tail, and ridged spine. The feet are kept close to the body or tucked underneath, forming a compact composition. The shaggy fur is sublimely carved, with subtle elevations between the individual hair strands. The dark-red cherry wood bears a fine patina. Natural himotoshi and signed within a polished area on the haunch MASAYASU to [carved by Masayasu].LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, only very minor wear. Small repair to one ear. Fine patina.Provenance: A noted private collection, USA.Literature comparison:Compare a near-identical wood netsuke of a goat by Masatoshi in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (1993) Zodiac Beasts and Distant Cousins, no. 57.Auction comparison:Compare to a near-identical wood netsuke of a goat by Masatoshi at Lempertz, Asian Art, 11 June 2022, Cologne, lot 407 (sold for 7,560 EUR). This is the same netsuke mentioned in the literature comparison.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A GOATUnsignedJapan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A well-sized wood netsuke of a goat (hitsuji) with finely carved shaggy fur is shown in a reclining posture, looking back, the eyes inlaid in pale, translucent horn. The sensitively crafted animal has large, curved horns and a long chin beard which touches its body. The underside shows the well-carved hooves which are tucked under the body for compactness. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi underneath.HEIGHT 4.1 cm, LENGTH 4.6 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor expected wear and traces of use.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

ITTAN: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED RATBy Ittan, signed Ittan 一旦 with kakihan Japan, Nagoya, c. 1840, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, vol. 1, p. 528.Barry Davies Oriental Art (1998) The Robert S. Huthart Collection of Non-Iwami Netsuke, no. 149.Of ideal compact form, finely carved to depict a rat coiled into a ball, with one front paw holding the thick base of its sinuous tail, the hind paws grabbing its nose and left ear. The fur is neatly incised and the tail is well-detailed. The large eyes are inlaid with black wood. The underside with asymmetrical himotoshi and the signature ITTAN with a kakihan.HEIGHT 2.9 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear, a small chip to one paw.Provenance: Christie's, 28 May 1980, London, lot 133. Ex-collection Robert S. Huthart, acquired from the above. Barry Davies Oriental Art, London, 1998. European private collection, acquired from the above. Sydney L. Moss, London, 2006. French private collection, acquired from the above.This is very much the composition one expects of Masanao of Yamada and his followers, leaving the question of where it originated.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a coiled rat by Ittan at Sotheby's, Netsuke from the Collection of Raymond and Frances Bushell, 21 March 2000, New York, lot 57. Compare also a similar wood netsuke of a coiled rat by Masanao of Yamada, 3.7 cm high, at Galerie Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 4 November 2022, Vienna, lot 44 (sold for 7,150 EUR).

YOSHIHISA: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED RATBy Yoshihisa, signed Yoshihisa 義久Japan, Nagoya, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of compact form, well carved as a rat curled up into a half ball, cleaning itself, scratching itself behind the ear with one foot, the other leg forming the himotoshi with the curved tail, the eyes inlaid with yellowish, translucent horn, the fur and tail neatly incised, one hind leg signed YOSHIHISA within an oblong reserve. LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Good condition, minor wear and traces of use. A repaired crack through the body with associated traces of adhesive.Yoshihisa is an excellent but little-known carver, whose style is reminiscent of the Minko school. See Bushell, Raymond (1961) The Netsuke Handbook by Ueda Reikichi, p. 308, and Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 219. As evidenced by his carvings of rats, however, he was more likely a member of the Nagoya school.Museum comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke of a rat on a peapod by Yoshihisa, 4.4 cm long, dated approx. 1800-1868, in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, object number B70Y1.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a coiled rat by Yoshihisa at Christie's, The Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection of Netsuke Part I, 27 October 1987, London, lot 146. Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a coiled rat by Yoshihisa at Sotheby's, The Betty Jahss Collection of Netsuke Part I, 13 June 1991, London, lot 70 (estimate 8,000-10,000 GBP).

ITTAN: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF SEVEN RATS IN A PYRAMIDBy Ittan, signed Ittan 一旦 with kakihanJapan, Nagoya, c. 1850, Edo period (1615-1868)Intricately carved and of compact design, depicting seven rats of different sizes piled on top of each other in a pyramid, two of them trapped in the middle of the pile, one of which is upside-down. One of the two rodents at the bottom clutches an edamame bean – presumably this is the reason they are fighting. All the eyes are inlaid in dark buffalo horn and the incisors in bone. The underside with edamame, a leaf, and a rat's paw forming the natural himotoshi, as well as the signature within an oblong reserve ITTAN with a kakihan.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, possibly some replaced inlays to eyes. Provenance: Ex-collection Adrienne Barbanson. Bonhams, Fine Netsuke from the Adrienne Barbanson Collection, 13 May 2013, London, lot 6 (sold for 7,250 GBP). French private collection, acquired from the above.Museum comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of seven rats by Ittan, formerly in the collection of Raymond Bushell and now in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, accession number M.87.263.117.

AN EARLY WOOD NETSUKE OF MERMAID (NINGYO) BLACKENING HER TEETH (OHAGURO)Unsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A rather unusual netsuke carved as mermaid with plump cheeks and bawdy open-mouthed smile appearing like the Shinto goddess Okame, boldly carved with her scaly body curled to one side as she paints her teeth with a small brush. Her cheerful face with narrowed eyes, a wide nose, plump cheeks, and full lips is very finely carved while the rest of the composition has an appealingly rustic appearance. Her braided hair is elegantly flowing along her back, the underside with her breasts and the very large himotoshi. The wood with a fine, smooth patina.LENGTH 6.4 cmCondition: Very good condition, appealingly worn, few tiny nicks.Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt, sold at Bonhams, 8 November 2018, London, lot 31. A noted private collection, USA, acquired from the above.Ohaguro (lit. 'black teeth') is the name given in Japan to the custom of blackening one's teeth with a solution of iron filings and vinegar. It was especially popular between the Heian and Edo periods, from the 10th century until the late 19th century, but the opening of the country to Western customs during the Meiji period led to its gradual disappearance. It was a tradition practiced mainly by married women and some men, almost always members of the aristocracy and samurai. In addition to Japanese society's preference for black teeth, it was also considered beneficial to health, as it prevented tooth decay by acting as a dental sealant.Auction comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke of Okame as a mermaid by Shugetsu, also from the Teddy Hahn collection, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 167 (sold for 6,067 EUR).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

ITTAN: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A LONG-SNOUTED WILD BOARBy Ittan, signed Ittan sanjin 一旦山人 Japan, Nagoya, c. 1865A finely stained wood netsuke of a long-snouted boar with its head lowered to the ground, the right hind and left forelegs drawn in for compactness and the left hind and right foreleg extended forwards. The boar with a deeply contented expression, well detailed with narrowed eyes, a long snout, curved tusks, and laid-back ears, the fur masterfully incised, the natural himotoshi between the left hind and fore legs, the underside with the signature ITTAN sanjin.LENGTH 4.4 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear.Provenance: Sotheby's, 9 November 2006, London, lot 1092. Sydney L. Moss, London, 2008. French private collection, acquired from the above.The sanjin in the signature implies a late work by this artist, likely after 1865, and this appears to be only boar by Ittan with its head lowered rather than raised (as in lot 82).Auction comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke of a recumbent wild boar by Masatami, similarly stained and incised, and with a similar long snout, 4.8 cm wide, dated 19th century, at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part III, 6 November 2018, London, lot 102 (sold for 18,125 GBP).

ITTAN: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A SHAGGY GOATBy Ittan, signed Ittan 一旦 with kakihan Japan, Nagoya, c. 1840, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved as a recumbent goat with a shaggy coat which is finely incised in strands elegantly falling to either side of the pronounced yet subtly carved spine, the animal peacefully resting with the legs drawn in for compactness, further detailed with almond-shaped eyes, incised pupils, funnel-shaped ears, and curved horns, the left legs forming the natural himotoshi, the underside with the signature ITTAN and kakihan.LENGTH 3.6 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear. Provenance: Scholten Japanese Art, New York, 2007. French private collection, acquired from the above.Literature comparison: Compare a wood netsuke by Ittan illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 252. This goat is clearly derived from a Minko model, while the present netsuke is closer in spirit to Tametaka, but with all the precision of observation typical of the mid-19th century Nagoya carvers.Auction comparison: Compare a wood netsuke of a goat and kid by Tametaka at Bonhams, Fine Netsuke from a French Private Collection, 4 November 2020, London, lot 74 (sold for 11,937 EUR).

ITTAN: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A WILD BOARBy Ittan, signed Ittan 一旦 with kakihan Japan, Nagoya, c. 1850, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Bulletin Franco-Japonais, no. 30, p. 43.Bandini, Luigi (Winter 1993) Learning at the Auctions, Netsuke Kenkyukai Study Journal, Vol. 13, No. 4, p. 42.Netsuke Kenkyukai Study Journal, Vol. 15, No. 2, p. 5 (Advert from Szeszler Oriental Art).Burditt, David (Summer 1997) Authenticity in Netsuke, in International Netsuke Society Journal, Vol. 17, No. 2, p. 16, no. 7.Chappell, Sharon / Welch, Matthew (1999) Netsuke: The Japanese Art of Miniature Carving, p. 118, no. 174.Exhibited: Exhibited by Szeszler Oriental Art at The London Netsuke Fair and Convention, May 1990.Minneapolis Institute of Art, Netsuke: The Japanese Art of Miniature Carving, 1998, no. 174.Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University, Netsuke: The Japanese Art of Miniature Carving, 1999.Finely carved seated on its haunches with the head raised, well detailed with buffalo horn-inlaid pupils, a prominent snout, curved tusks, laid-back ears, the fur neatly incised and finely stained, the left legs forming the natural himotoshi, the underside signed ITTAN with a kakihan.LENGTH 5 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, the chin with a small nick.Provenance: Szeszler Oriental Art, New York, 1990. Alan Liss, acquired from the above. Sotheby's, Fine Netsuke Including Property from the Collection of Alan R. Liss, 2 September 1993, Chicago, lot 54 (sold for USD 11,000). Denis Szeszler, New York, 1995. A private collection in the United Kingdom, acquired from the above. Sydney L. Moss, London, 2006. French private collection, acquired from the above.The present netsuke is an unusually fine example of Ittan's work, who rarely carved netsuke depicting boars, and is stylistically reminiscent of Ikkan.As the twelfth animal of the zodiac, the boar often became a subject for netsuke carvers. For reasons which are probably self-evident, the boar is emblematic of unswerving courage. Perhaps because of its rounded proportions, it also came to represent wealth and well-being, and people born under its sign are said to be honest, courageous, forthright, and loyal. The boar's fearless charge was infamous, and warriors who could stop an enraged animal became well known.Auction comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke of a recumbent boar by Ikkan, 5.1 cm wide, dated 19th century, at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 131 (sold for 10,000 USD).

IKKAN: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT OXBy Ikkan, signed Ikkan 一貫 Japan, Nagoya, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The dark-stained cherry (sakura) wood netsuke of compact form with a pleasing curve to the composition, depicting a recumbent ox with the right foreleg bent and slightly extended forwards and the other legs drawn in, the tail flung to one side, animal well-detailed with almond-shaped eyes, incised pupils, a long muzzle, and curved horns, its fur neatly incised and spine subtly carved, the natural himotoshi between the left legs and the body, the underside with the crisply carved hooves as well as the signature within an oval reserve IKKAN.LENGTH 4.6 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear. Provenance: Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, 2007. French private collection, acquired from the above.Museum comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of an ox by Ikkan in the British Museum, registration number 1981,0808.107.Auction comparison:Compare a related ebony netsuke of an ox by Ikkan at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part I, 9 November 2010, London, lot 130 (sold for 10,200 GBP).

IKKAN: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT HORSEBy Ikkan, signed Ikkan 一貫Japan, Nagoya, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A beautifully rounded and compact model of a horse turning backwards and raising its head, the ears laid back against the sublimely carved mane, the finely carved tail sweeping around to the front, the legs tucked neatly underneath the body. Signed on the haunch IKKAN within the typical oval reserve. Natural himotoshi, the eyes inlaid in dark horn.A remarkably spirited carving with a stunning patina and aji, clearly loved by several generations. An early work by the artist, less detailed and opulent than his later works, however still possessing all the character and charm which distinguish this celebrated carver.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor associated surface wear including some tiny nicks and light surface scratches. Beautiful patina.Provenance: Ex-collection Betty Jahss, sold at Sotheby's, The Betty Jahss Collection of Netsuke Part II, 14 November 1991, London, lot 69.Literature comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a recumbent horse, by Ikkan, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 215.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

IKKAN: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO RATSBy Ikkan, signed Ikkan 一貫 Japan, Nagoya, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Katchen, Arlette (2010) Netsuke 7, Vol. 2, pp. 27-28, no. K277.The cherry wood finely carved to depict two rats huddled close together, one curled into a ball in order to lick its left hind leg, the eyes of both inlaid with dark buffalo horn, the recumbent rat with incisors inlaid with bone. Their furs are neatly incised and darkly stained. Natural himotoshi between the two rats. The underside is well carved with the rats' paws, two of which are on top of each other, their finely incised tails, and the signature IKKAN.LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear. Provenance: Ex-collection Julius and Arlette Katchen, Paris. Sotheby's, The Katchen Collection of Netsuke Part I, 8 November 2005, London, lot 104 (sold for 16,800 GBP). French private collection, acquired from the above.Neil Davey's catalog note in the Katchen sale catalog states: “Ikkan produced several examples of the subject, of which this is one of the finest recorded.”Museum comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of two rats by Ikkan in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1985.399.19.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related wood netsuke of two rats by Ikkan at Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 110 (sold for 9,375 GBP).

IKKAN: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A RAT WITH A SHOGI TILEBy Ikkan, signed Ikkan 一貫 Japan, Nagoya, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2005) More Things in Heaven and Earth, no. 56.The finely stained and carved cherry (sakura) wood netsuke depicting a male rodent seated on its haunches with one front paw grasping the edge of a shogi chess tile and the other raised, one hind paw gripping its tail, the other only visible on the underside, with natural himotoshi between the tail and body, the eyes inlaid with dark horn. On the underside the shogi tile is boldly incised with the kanji for horse (keima 桂馬, the equivalent of a knight in Western chess). The belly of the rat signed within an oval reserve IKKAN.LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few tiny nicks, few light scratches. Provenance: Sydney L. Moss, London, 2005. French private collection, acquired from the above.With its reference to a horse, the shogi piece neatly makes the netsuke into a joint representation of two zodiac animals. The rat and the horse represent opposite signs in the Asian zodiac and as such are considered incompatible. However, if the 'younger' of the two signs (the horse) submits to the 'older' (the rat), then the pairing can be successful.Literature comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke depicting the same subject by Ikkan, illustrated by Harris, Victor (1987) The Hull Grundy Collection in the British Museum, p. 47, no. 149, and another in Atchley, Virginia / Davey, Neil (2006) The Virginia Atchley Collection of Japanese Miniature Arts, p. 29, no. N6.Auction comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke depicting the same subject by Tomokazu at Galerie Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 22 April 2022, Vienna, lot 114 (sold for 6,952 EUR).

KANO TOMOKAZU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A RAT BITING INTO A SHOGI PIECEBy Kano Tomokazu, signed Tomokazu 友一Japan, Gifu, c. 1820, Edo period (1615-1868)Exhibited: Netsuke, Edo Saimitsu Kogei no Hana ('Netsuke, Flowers of Miniature Carving of the Edo Period'), Exhibition of the Nihon Netsuke Kenkyukai, 20th anniversary, Tokyo, 1995, no. 116.The cherry (sakura) wood finely carved and stained to depict a rat nibbling on a shogi piece, which is inscribed with the kanji for horse (keima 桂馬, the equivalent of a knight in Western chess). Both front paws grasp the game piece, with one hind paw gripping its tail and the other only visible on the underside. Natural himotoshi between the neatly incised tail, the body, and the game piece. The eyes are inlaid with dark buffalo horn and the incisors with bone. The belly of the rat signed within an oval reserve TOMOKAZU.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few tiny nicks, few light scratches. Provenance: Japanese private collection. Sotheby's, 14 July 2005, London, lot 1033. French private collection, acquired from the above. With its reference to a horse, the shogi piece neatly makes the netsuke into a joint representation of two zodiac animals. The rat and the horse represent opposite signs in the Asian zodiac and as such are considered incompatible. However, if the 'younger' of the two signs (the horse) submits to the 'older' (the rat), then the pairing can be successful.The present netsuke appears to be a rare variation of this popular subject executed by Tomokazu and Ikkan.

MASATADA: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO RABBITS WITH AMBER EYESBy Masatada, signed Masatada 正忠Japan, Yamada, Ise Province, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Sensitively carved as two long-eared rabbits (usagi), symbols of fertility, playfully clambering over one another, their furs neatly incised, and the eyes inlaid with pale amber. The underside shows the many well-carved paws and the signature within a polished reserve MASATADA. Natural himotoshi.HEIGHT 2.6 cmCondition: Good condition, minor wear, few light surface scratches. One split through the wood between the two rabbits.

MASANAO: A WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO RATS ON A CLUSTER OF PEANUTSBy a member of the Masanao family, signed Masanao 正直 with kakihanJapan, Yamada, Ise Province, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures (LNIA), Vol. 1, p. 721.Two rats clambering on a densely carved cluster of peanuts, the shells naturalistically carved, and the rodents neatly detailed with finely incised fur and inlaid eyes of dark horn. Natural himotoshi and signed underneath one of the peanuts within a shaped polished reserve MASANAO and kakihan.LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear.Auction comparison:Compare to a related wood netsuke of a single rat with peanuts, signed Masanao, sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 22 April 2022, Vienna, lot 139 (sold for 4,045 EUR).

A FINE TANBA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A QUAIL AND MILLETUnsigned Japan, Tanba Province, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved with a quail in mid-flight, a curved stalk of millet in its beak, the leaves flowing in an aerodynamic fashion. The plumage is meticulously rendered with precise incision work and dark staining, typical for the Tanba school. The eyes are inlaid with dark horn. The underside with the quail's feet and the asymmetrical himotoshi.LENGTH 4.7 cmCondition: Some repairs to the millet stalk and leaves. One eye is replaced. Otherwise good condition with minor wear.The combination of quail and millet is popular in Japanese art and symbolizes autumn. In Chinese, the two form the rebus suisui ping'an, meaning 'may you have peace year after year'. It is common for Japanese artists to borrow such symbolism from the Chinese visual vocabulary.Auction comparison: Compare a related wood Yamada school ryusa manju netsuke depicting a quail and millet at Galerie Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 120 (sold for 2,528 EUR).

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY EATING A PERSIMMON (KAKI)Unsigned Japan, probably Gifu, late 19th centuryThe darkly stained wood finely carved to depict a seated monkey biting into a kaki, holding the leafy stalk with both hands above his feet, the legs providing the natural himotoshi, the eyes double inlaid with pale and dark horn.HEIGHT 3.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few minuscule nicks, few light surface scratches, one eye inlay probably replaced.Provenance: Ex-collection W.W. Winkworth. Beaussant, 16 April 1999, Paris. French private collection, acquired from the above.Literature comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke of a monkey eating persimmons from the same school, by Tomokazu, illustrated in Chappell, Sharon / Welch, Matthew (1999) Netsuke: The Japanese Art of Miniature Carving, p. 93, no. 130.Museum comparison:Compare a related wood netsuke of a monkey eating a persimmon, also unsigned, dated c. 1860, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, object number 2007.016.056.