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A HIRADO PORCELAIN NETSUKE OF TEKKAI SENNINUnsignedJapan, 19th centuryMolded holding his staff and hyotan (double gourd), dressed in a loose robe revealing his belly. The face with opened mouth and movable tongue, his gaze directed towards the sky looking after his vanishing soul. Partly covered in a deep blue and gray-brown glaze. Asymmetrical himotoshi through the back.HEIGHT 6.6 cmCondition: Very good condition, some expected firing flaws.Provenance: European collection.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related hirado porcelain netsuke of Tekkai Sennin, 19th century, at Lempertz, Netsuke aus der Sammlung Albert Brockhaus, 27 June 2020, Cologne, lot 424 (sold for 2,750 EUR).

GYOKUSEN: A RARE EBONY WOOD NETSUKE OF A TOSHIOTOKO WITH FOUR ONI DURING SETSUBUNBy Gyokusen, signed Gyokusen 玉川 and kakihanJapan, Edo (Tokyo), c. 1820, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Tomkinson, Michael (1898) A Japanese Collection, no. 484.Powerfully carved from a block of heavy kokutan (ebony) wood, depicting a toshitoko dressed in typical garments and throwing roasted beans from a sanbo in his left hand, three oni underneath him taking cover, a further oni hiding behind him inside of a fold of the robe. The eye pupils of the man are inlaid in metal and signed underneath the oval reserve, which forms the cord attachment, GYOKUSEN with kakihan in boldly incised characters. As noted by F. M Meinertzhagen, the artist worked in a similar style to Gyokurintei of Edo, his carvings being of bold design and the signature located in a similar oval reserve.HEIGHT 4.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Ex-collection Michael Tomkinson (1841-1921), collection no. 484.Toshiotoko (年男) are men who were born in the corresponding animal zodiac year and who play a leading role during the Setsubun festival which is celebrated during the first day of spring, or the end of the new year in Edo period Japan and includes the rite of oni-yarai or mame-maki, where roasted beans are thrown at oni to rid the coming year of any demons and disease-bringing spirits.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

A YAMADA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A BABY BOY, ATTRIBUTED TO MASAKATSUAttributed to Masakatsu, unsignedJapan, Ise-Yamada, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The crawling, chubby boy of simple yet charming design and with a smooth surface, clad in a bib incised with a turtle shell pattern and tied at the back, his plump naked butt showing and the genitals visible underneath. The eye pupils are inlaid in dark horn. Natural himotoshi through the arms and sash.LENGTH 5.1 cmCondition: Good condition, minor wear, repair to the right arm.Provenance: German private collection.The baby boy is shown making his first slow attempts to crawl. The comparison with the movement of a tortoise is indicated by the tortoise-shell pattern engraved on his bib.Literature comparison:Compare a related wood netsuke of a baby boy by Masanao, circa 1860, illustrated in Bandini, Rosemary (2020) The Larry Caplan Collection of Japanese Netsuke, no. 14. Also compare a closely related boxwood netsuke by Masakatsu, mid-19th century, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 419.

A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF RAIJIN WITH DRUMSchool of Masasada (Masakazu), unsignedJapan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A powerful wood netsuke of the thunder god Raijin with his legs crossed, wearing a large drum strapped to his back and holding a geta in each hand. The oni-like deity is portrayed with a boldly carved muscular body and well-defined anatomy. In contrast, his facial features are humoristic and animated. Raijin has inlaid horns and eyes with dark pupils. Good himotoshi through the underside. Unsigned, however attributed to the workshop of Masasada (Masakazu).HEIGHT 3.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear. Fine, unctuous patina.Provenance: US private collection.Literature comparison:For a similar model by Masasada (Masakazu) 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:Compare a closely related wood netsuke of Raijin by Masasada (Masakazu), sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 93 (sold for 5,688 EUR).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

DEME: A RARE AND UNUSUAL EDO SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A BLIND RAT CATCHERBy a member of the Deme family, signed Deme 出目Japan, Edo (Tokyo), late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The blind rat catcher wearing only a fundoshi, one eye closed, the other double inlaid in bone and dark horn, crouching above a tray and pressing down on a masu, while grabbing the tail of rat which is clambering over his back. The rat's eyes are inlaid in dark horn and the little moxa pellets on the man's back are inlaid in various materials. The underside with the boldly incised signature DEME and the natural himotoshi through the man's fundoshi.HEIGHT 3.6 cmCondition: Crack to one foot and one hand. Otherwise, fine condition with minor associated surface wear and fine, dark brown patina.Provenance: Estate of Günther Kauth (1946-2016), Frankfurt am Main.The Deme family were a famous line of mask carvers who only very rarely carved figural netsuke. The present piece is carved in the typical early Edo school style, the inlays somewhat reminiscent of Miwa and his followers.Auction comparison:For a similarly unusual inlaid wood netsuke of Okame as a rat catcher see Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 22 April 2022, Vienna, lot 160 (sold for 5,688 EUR).

AN UNUSUAL LACQUERED WOOD REVERSIBLE MASK NETSUKE OF A MONSTROUS HEADJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Exhibited: Bonhams, Paris, during the International Netsuke Collector's Society Convention October 2019.The wood mask netsuke lacquered in brown, black and red. The front showing a screaming face with gilt-brass eyes, a black-lacquered boyish head of hair, and the opened mouth lacquered in red with a visible tongue and inlaid white teeth. The reverse shows a disfigured face, the eyes formed by inlaid tablets. The opened eye is in the shape of the moon and the closed eye in the form of the character Tsuki 月 (moon). The nose forms the cord attachment and the opened mouth is colored in red with inlaid white teeth. The subject is an allusion to the sun goddess Amaterasu and the moon god Tsukuyomi.HEIGHT 4.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor expected surface wear to lacquer.Provenance: European private collection P. Jacquesson, purchased from Sagemonoya, Tokyo, in 2012.

KO: A FINE WALRUS TUSK RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE WITH EGRET AND LOTUSBy Ko, signed Ko 幸Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa district, second half of 19th centuryVery finely carved in imitation of stag antler, the porous sections purposely carved to simulate worm rot on the leaves, depicting a white egret descending amongst lotus flowers and leaves. The reverse with a central himotoshi and signed within an oval reserve in a single seal character KO – which literally means happiness and luck.DIAMETER 4.1 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Old German private collection, remnants of an old collection label to the reverse.Literature comparison:The artist is not to be confused with the ryusa manju netsuke maker who frequently used metal inlays. For another ryusa netsuke depicting bat and reishi by this rare artist see Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. III, no. 497.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.

TOMOYUKI: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A NIO WITH SANDALBy Tomoyuki, signed Tomoyuki 友行Japan, Edo (Tokyo), 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well-carved as a Nio examining a sandal with a strained expression, the well-toned wood bearing a fine patina. The underside with large himotoshi, one ringed in horn, and the signature TOMOYUKI.HEIGHT 3.4 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Henri Vever (1854-1942), sold at Sotheby's, Japanese Netsuke from the Henri Vever Collection, 27 March 1974, London, lot 35. Henri Vever was one of the most preeminent European jewelers of the early 20th century. By the 1880s, Vever became one of the earliest Europeans to formally collect Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints, purchasing extensively from dealers such as Hayashi Tadamasa. He was a founding member of Les Amis de l'Art Japonais, a group of Japanese art enthusiasts that met regularly to discuss Japanese prints and other works over dinner, with notable guests including Claude Monet. Vever's collection was offered in four parts by Sotheby's in 1974.Nio are athletic guardians, whose sculptures are seen by the entrance gates of Buddhist temples. It was thought that offering a sandal to their sculptures would heal the exhausted feet from the long pilgrimages to the temples.

SHOMAN: A RARE LACQUERED MASK NETSUKE OF DAIKOKUBy Shoman, signed Shoman 笑滿 Japan, second half of 19th centuryPublished: Bushell, Raymond (1985) Netsuke Masks, p. 59, no. 236.An unusual representation of the lucky god Daikoku, not only due to the choice of material – wood with a fine coating of silver lacquer – but more so due to the manner of the face, which is elongated as if the deity was pulled on both sides by his thick ear lobes. The eyes are treated with gold lacquer with brown pupils and the lips are lacquered in red. The mouth is opened and reveals gold lacquered teeth. The reverse is lacquered in chestnut brown and the himotoshi are through the central bar. The boldly incised signature reads SHOMAN.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Both ears with a small restored crack (only visible in the back). Good condition.Provenance: Ex-collection Raymond Bushell sold in his sale at Sotheby's New York, 21 March 2000, lot 301. Then European collection P. Jacquesson.

TOYO: A SUPERB FOUR-CASE LACQUER INRO WITH CROWS AND THE FULL MOONBy Kanshosai (lizuka) Toyo, signed Toyo 桃葉 with kakihanJapan, late 18th-early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The four-case inro of upright rectangular form, bearing a roiro ground sprinkled with cloud-like nashiji lacquer, decorated in gold, silver, black, and red takamaki-e and hiramaki-e, depicting three crows seated in a leafy branch against the silver-foiled moon, the image continuing onto the reverse, showing another crow perched on a branch, the last crow descending towards the branch with its beak opened. The interior cases of nashiji with gold fundame edges. Signed underneath TOYO with a red-lacquered kakihan. With a leaf-shaped copper ojime applied with a beetle and with an en suite silver lacquer netsuke in the shape of a stylized bird decorated with a peony in gold takamaki-e and signed Tokosai Masashige, gyonen nanajuichi-sai saku kore [This is made by Tokosai Masashige, at the age of 71].HEIGHT (inro) 8.6 cm, LENGTH (inro) 6 cm, LENGTH (netsuke) 5.5 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear and some scattered losses to lacquer. A tiny nick to the back of the top case.Provenance: Formerly the property of the Strong Museum, donated by Margaret Woodbury Strong (1897-1969), a prolific collector and founder and namesake of the museum. The interior of the bottom case with accession no. '75.19514'.

GYOKKO: A WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF OKAMEBy Gyokko, signed Gyokko 玉后Japan, Edo (Tokyo), late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: The Antique Collector, July 1946Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 286, no. 871Eskenazi (1998) Japanese netsuke, ojime and inro from a private European collection, p. 58, no. 59Well carved, her broad jaw and cheeks narrowing to a domed forehead in a suggestive manner. Her flattened nose and full cheeks reduce her eyes to narrow slits and a knowing smile allows the immodest display of her teeth. The hair is neatly incised in raised strands. The bridge with himotoshi and signature GYOKKO.HEIGHT 4.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, appealingly worn, minor surface wear.Provenance: M. M. Hepworth Collection. J. G. Dalgleish Collection. M. T. Hindson Collection, M. Severin Collection. Private European collection, acquired at Sotheby's London, 23 June 1969, lot 1247. Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt, acquired at Eskenazi in 1998, for 3,000 GBP.

A SUPERB KYOTO SCHOOL IVORY NETSUKE OF A TIGER WITH CUBUnsignedJapan, Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A remarkably powerful and superbly carved ivory netsuke of a tiger placing one paw protectively on its young cub which attempts to climb up on the adult's side somewhat half-heartedly. The adult tiger's thick tail curls around its body, terminating underneath the cub, while the cub's tail curls around the parent's left front paw, forming a compact and pleasingly tactile composition. What really sets this netsuke apart, however, is the gorgeous, lustrous honey-yellow patina, clearly being handled lovingly by several generations, the tiger's fur coat markings and hairwork heavily worn down, though still clearly visible in the crevices and at irregular intervals throughout the carving. The underside shows the superbly carved, chubby paws and the large, generously excavated himotoshi, tucked away underneath the adult tiger's belly.LENGTH 4.7 cm, HEIGHT 3.1 cmCondition: Very good, undamaged condition. The heavily worn ivory bearing a stunning patina.Provenance: Old Viennese private collection, purchased in 1993.The netsuke is unsigned, however can be confidently attributed to the hand of Tomotada, but it is our opinion that this netsuke requires neither signature nor attribution and stands strongly very much by itself.The tiger (tora) is the third animal of the Asian zodiac and represents courage, resilience, and strength. It also plays an important role in Daoist philosophy providing a counterpoint to the dragon (tatsu). The tiger is not native to Japan; therefore, images of tigers were only known from Chinese paintings or on rare occasions when the tiger's fur was imported into Japan. This brings to mind a Japanese proverb - "When the tiger dies, he leaves his skin, the man his name".Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related ivory netsuke by Tomotada sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 53 (sold for 37,920 EUR). Another closely related ivory netsuke by Tomotada was sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 19 March 2013, New York, lot 2140 (sold for 31,250 USD).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0452). 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.

MASATAMI: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAKE COILED AROUND A TORTOISEBy Masatami, signed Masatami 正民 to 刀Japan, Ise-Yamada, second half of 19th centuryFinely carved, the snake tightly coiled around the tortoise, the scales of the snake and carapace of the tortoise carved with intricate detail and a heightened sense of naturalism. The underside is equally well-carved, the cord channel runs through underneath the snake's thick body. The tortoise's eyes are inlaid in dark horn and the snake's eyes are inlaid in pale horn. The two reptiles were thought to have been from the same species due to their similar head shape. Therefore, rather than being engaged in a battle, these two creatures are depicted in a loving embrace. Signed underneath MASATAMI (Shomin) to [carved by Masatami].LENGTH 5.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only very minor surface wear.Provenance: From an old German private collection.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke sold at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 4 June 2021, Vienna, lot 218 (sold for 4,045 EUR). Another closely related wood netsuke was sold at Lempertz, Auction 1146, 7 December 2019, Cologne, lot 226 (sold for 4,464 EUR).

MITSUO: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF ASAHINA SABURO AND TWO ONI ENGAGED IN KUBIHIKI (NECK WRESTLING)By Mitsuo, signed Mitsuo 光雄 with seal Mitsu 光Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as Asahina Saburo, the legendary warrior known for his prowess and superhuman strength, dressed in typical attire, his robe adorned with crane mon-crests, engaged in a neck-wrestling match with two oni. Asahina is smiling confidently and barely straining, as the two oni are struggling, their muscular limbs pulling at the rope and their faces distorted with exertion. A saucer filled to the brim with sake is between them, likely providing the fuel for this contest of strength. Natural himotoshi and signed within an oval reserve underneath MITSUO with seal Mitsu.LENGTH 4.4 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0508). 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 SHOJO WITH HUGE SAKE JARUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The Shojo leaning on a large barrel filled up to the brim with sake, a ladle and in her left hand and a sake cup in her right. Note the finely carved hair falling over her shoulders. Himotoshi through the leg and the barrel. Beautiful, deep honey patina.HEIGHT 3.5 cmCondition: Good condition, appealingly worn, a tiny chip to one toe on the right foot, natural age cracks, fine honey-yellow patina.Provenance: Old German private collection.A Shojo (猩々) is a Japanese sea spirit with similarities to a ghost but differing to the latter in the fact that Shojo are tangible. It enjoys drinking alcohol, especially sake. Legend has it that workers at breweries in Japan have seen Shojo lurking about after indulging in their products.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0533). 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.

KOSAI: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A MAN CARRYING A SACK WITH ONIBy Kosai, signed Kosai 光齋Japan, Tokyo, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Finely carved and stained as a man seated on the ground with his knees bent, a large bag of oni tied around his shoulders, one mischievous little devil trying to break out. The oni is peeking out with a grimacing expression, his eyes and teeth inlaid with bone. Asymmetrical himotoshi underneath, the smaller one ringed in bone, and signed in a green-stained plaque KOSAI.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear. One eye of the oni replaced.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related boxwood netsuke of a man with a bag of oni, by Ryukei, mid-19th century, at Lempertz, The Kolodotschko Collection of Netsuke I, 14 June 2014, Cologne, lot 81 (sold for 1,708 EUR).

A LARGE AND POWERFUL WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF A NIOUnsignedJapan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The wood bearing an excellent patina and the carving is executed expressively. The Nio has downcast eyes, furrowed brows and his mouth is opened as he exclaims. The himotoshi in the back is in the shape of a bundled straw rope from a waraji (sandal), an attribute the temple guardian is often paired with, as pilgrims would donate their worn sandals to the temple guardians, which flanked the temple entrances, in the hope of healing their exhausted feet.HEIGHT 6.6 cmCondition: Good condition, minor wear including small cracks.Provenance: Acquired from a local auction house in 2015, then European private collection P. Jacquesson.

ONO RYOMIN: AN AMUSING IVORY MANJU NETSUKE DEPICTING 'THE REVENGE OF THE MONKEY'By Ono Ryomin, signed Ono Ryomin 小野陵民 and kakihanJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The two-part ivory manju netsuke finely stained and neatly polished, worked in shishiaibori (sunken relief) with stained sumi details, the front showing a human-sized monkey (saru) wearing a mugwort leaf skirt, an attribute of the magical mountain hermits known as sennin, pulling at the collar of a sarumawashi (monkey trainer), the latter with an agonized expression, scrambling and flailing with his arms, his food basket toppled over, and his taming stick visible in the background. The reverse shows another sarumawashi, evidently aware of his companion's demise, cowering and attempting to flee the scene. Large, central himotoshi, the cord attachment within, and signed to the back ONO RYOMIN and kakihan.DIAMETER 4.6 cmCondition: Very good condition. The interior lining chipped.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0461). 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 AMUSING PLUM WOOD SHUNGA NETSUKE OF A KONOHA TENGU GRINDING MISOUnsignedJapan, Edo (Tokyo), early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting a konoha tengu dressed as a yamabushi, seated with finely carved crow's wing at his back, his feet steadying a suribachi (mortar) while he grinds miso with his amusingly long nose, his right hand using a knife to scrape off the residue. Generously excavated himotoshi underneath. Unsigned, however likely by a follower of Miwa.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few minuscule nibbles to the right wing's edge.Provenance: British private collection.Auction comparison:Compare a related boxwood netsuke of a Tengu grinding miso, first half 19th century, at Lempertz, The Kolodotschko Collection of Netsuke I, 14 Juni 2014, lot 84 (sold for 2,440 EUR).13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

MINKO: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A CICADA ON PINECONEBy Konan Minko, signed Minko 眠虎Japan, Tsu, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Naturalistically carved as a cicada (semi) perched on top of a pinecone, the details finely carved and the insect's glaring eyes inlaid in pale horn. The well-toned wood bearing a fine, dark patina. Large himotoshi through the pinecone. Signed underneath the wings MINKO.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Good condition with minor associated surface wear. Some tiny nicks here and there, one wing of the cicada with a smoothed-down chip to the edge of the wing.Provenance: European collection.Cicada netsuke by Minko and his followers are to be considered extremely rare. Furthermore, the subject of a cicada on a pinecone is also unusual, Fuld's Netsuke and Ojime Index only lists one netsuke of this subject (see literature comparison).Literature comparison:For a related wood netsuke of a cicada on pinecone see Hurtig, Bernard (1973) Masterpieces of Netsuke Art: One Thousand Favorites of Leading Collectors, no. 126.Auction comparison:For a related wood netsuke of a cicada pupa on a gourd, by Minko, see Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 14 May 2015, London, lot 41 (sold for 3,125 GBP).

GARAKU: A POWERFUL IVORY NETSUKE OF AN OX WITH OXHERDBy Risuke Garaku, signed Tomotada 友忠Japan, Osaka, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a recumbent ox with a young oxherd, the boy dressed in an elaborately decorated robe, holding the rope halter of the ox as he tries to clamber onto its back. The ox with curled horns, piebald fur, and inlaid eyes. Generously excavated himotoshi through the underside and signed Tomotada in an oban-shaped reserve.The work is stylistically quite clearly that of Risuke Garaku, the oban-shaped signature reserve being also characteristic of the artist. It is not uncommon that the works of Garaku and Tomotada are signed interchangeably, indicating that these artists must have worked together at some point in time.LENGTH 6.4 cmCondition: One foot, one horn, and a section of one ear are restored to near invisibility. Otherwise, fine condition with typical wear and age cracks. Presents beautifully.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related ivory netsuke of an ox with oxherd by Garaku, at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art, Part IV, 6 November 2013, London, lot 60 (sold for 4,375 GBP).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number 22NL308329/20).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 CHARMING STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A SEATED MONKEYUnsignedJapan, 17th-18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Atchley, Virginia / Davey, Neil (2006) The Virginia Atchley Collection of Japanese Miniature Arts, no. N33.The netsuke ideally shaped and bearing a stunning caramel patina, warm and smooth to the touch – a true tactile pleasure in the hand – depicting a monkey seated with its limbs drawn close to the body. The simian's large eyes are inlaid in dark horn. Large himotoshi through the bottom and the back, the top of the head with a stag antler plug.HEIGHT 3.6 cmCondition: Very good condition, the hairwork is worn. Beautiful patina. Some natural flaws to the material, such as a hole between the knees and stomach.Provenance: Ex-collection Virginia Atchley, CA.

A RARE TSUISHU LACQUER AND POTTERY-INLAID MANJU NETSUKE WITH CLAMSUnsignedJapan, 18th-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of circular form, the two-part manju netsuke of kagamibuta style, lacquered in tsuishu (carved red lacquer) with leaves and crashing waves above an asanoha ground, the opening encircled by a key-fret border, the top with an inset disc decorated with three glazed ceramic shells in the style of Ogawa Haritsu (1663-1747) and his followers. The interior lacquered in black.DIAMETER 4 cmCondition: Good condition, some wear, few minor losses to the lacquer and rim.Provenance: Austrian private collection.

NICK LAMB: A STAINED BOXWOOD 'TIGER AND DRAGON' NETSUKEBy Nick Lamb (born 1948), signed with the artist's markUSA, late 20th centuryFinely carved and stained as a dragon emerging from a soft and fluffy cloud that wraps around the tiger's paws, the two-horned dragon with a puzzled expression and bulging eyes, below a tiger licking the cloud, its fur neatly incised and painted with stripes. Natural himotoshi and signed with the artist's mark on a gold, lozenge-shaped reserve. The eyes and horn of the dragon inlaid in mammoth tusk.HEIGHT 8.4 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary.Nick Lamb is one of only a few non-Japanese netsuke carvers. Over the past three decades, he has built a reputation as being among the finest living practitioners of the art form and is known for his meticulous, graceful carvings, typically of animals. His work was exhibited in several museums, such as the British Museum and became part of many private collections, including that of the Imperial Family of Japan, the Robin Lehman Collection, the Robert O. Kinsey Collection, and the Tokyo National Museum.Literature comparison:Compare a related horn netsuke of a cat by Nick Lamb, in Contemporary Netsuke, Selected Ojime & Related Arts 1993, p. 18, no. 51. Compare a related boxwood netsuke of a tiger illustrated in the International Netsuke Society Journal (INSJ), 1999, vol. 19, no. 4, p. 30. Compare a related boxwood netsuke of a dragon illustrated in the International Netsuke Society Journal (INSJ), 1999, vol. 19, no. 4, p. 31.

A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A ROARING SHISHI WITH CUBUnsignedJapan, Osaka, ca. 1780-1800, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2006) More Things in Heaven and Earth, p. 66, no. 25 (as a comparative example).The shishi (Buddhist lion) sits upright on its haunches lifting both front paws, its mouth wide opened showing teeth and tongue, the ambiguous lion-like expression somewhere between a fearsome roar and self-mocking amusement. A minutely carved lion cub sits beneath, lifting one paw somewhat hesitantly, trying to copy its parent. The ribs are well rendered, and the vertebrae of the spine are neatly articulated. The beautifully carved bushy tail and curling mane are stained with sumi. One himotoshi to the base, the other between the base and bushy tail. The ivory bearing a superb patina.HEIGHT 3.5 cm, LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition, with only very minor wear to stained details, one age crack to the body.Provenance: Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, ex-collection June Schuerch, acquired from the above.Literature comparison:Compare a related ivory netsuke of a shishi climbing a dead tree, with similar expression and features, also unsigned, illustrated in Hurtig, Bernard (1973) Masterpieces of Netsuke Art: One Thousand Favorites of Leading Collectors, p. 156, no. 642.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related ivory netsuke, undoubtedly carved by the same hand, sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 22 April 2022, Vienna, lot 65 (sold for 22,140 EUR).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0522). 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.

TSUNENORI: A SUPERB TANBA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT BOARBy Tsunenori, signed Tsunenori 恒 示Japan, Tanba province, c. 1830, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures (LNIA), Vol. 2, p. 1200.The reclining wild boar raising its head to emit a warning roar, the ears tensed back against its neck, the hairwork masterfully incised and the eyes double inlaid in pale and dark horn. The feet are held close to the body, two of them propping the animal up while the other two are tucked underneath the body, forming a compact composition. Excellent himotoshi underneath, the larger hole generously excavated for the cord attachment, and signed within an oval reserve TSUNENORI – this appears to be the only recorded netsuke by this artist who evidently worked in the Tanba school style.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface wear, some tiny imperfections to the wood. Beautiful, dark patina.Provenance: European collection.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a recumbent boar by Nanboku, sold at Bonhams, Fine Netsuke from a French Private collection, 4 November 2020, London, lot 95 (sold for 5,687 GBP). Also compare to a closely related wood netsuke of recumbent boar by Toyomasa, sold at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 135 (sold for 11,875 GBP).

AN AMUSING INLAID CONTEMPORARY WOOD NETSUKE OF A KAPPA WITH FISHUnsignedJapan, 20th centuryThe kappa seated holding a large fish between its limbs, its expression amusingly carved with a broad smile, the inlaid fangs showing at the corners of the mouth, and with large glaring eyes double inlaid in pale and dark horn. The cavity on top of the head (sara) is inlaid in mother-of-pearl. The himotoshi in the back is florally rimmed, the other hole found underneath. An amusingly carved netsuke possessing irresistible charm and character.HEIGHT 4.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear. Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary, purchased from Michael Strone.Kappa (lit. "river-child") are amphibious yokai found in traditional Japanese folklore. They are usually seen as mischievous troublemakers or trickster figures. Kappa are also exceedingly polite creatures and find it difficult to resist returning a bow. This is a problem for the kappa as the cavity on top of their head retains water, and if damaged or its liquid is lost, the kappa is severely weakened.

GUY SHAW: BEETLE ON OPALBy Guy Shaw (1951-2003), signed with the artist's initial GSEngland, c. 1998Naturalistically carved as a beetle resting on a piece of opal. The reverse with asymmetrical himotoshi and signed with the artist's initial GS.LENGTH 6.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, little nibbling to edges, the stone with natural fissures.Provenance: British private collection.Auction comparison:Compare a related mammoth tusk netsuke of a beetle on a mushroom by Guy Shaw, second half 20th century, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 8 November 2018, London, lot 42 (sold for 7,500 EUR).

A HIGHLY UNUSUAL BLACK AND GOLD LACQUER FOUR-CASE INRO OF A MONKEY FESTIVALUnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The four-case inro of upright rectangular form and lenticular profile, bearing a lustrous roiro ground and lacquered in gold and iro-e takamaki-e with highlights of inlaid gold foil and mother-of-pearl. The depiction is most unusual – almost one hundred monkeys are shown posing as various legendary or religious figures and re-enacting festivals and various other scenes from daily life. These include performing the kocho-no-mai (butterfly dance), Nitta no Shiro slaying the gigantic boar, Omori Hikoshichi with the demon on his back, yamabushi monks carrying oi-bako, various samurai, a Shojo with a huge sake ladle, a shishimai dancer, a fox priest, Li no Hayata slaying the Nue, a procession of a Daimyo, and a Nio temple guardian. The top of the inro is further lacquered with monkeys posing as the lucky gods Hotei, Fukurokuju, Ebisu, Daikoku, and Jurojin. The bottom case shows an amusing scene of monkeys relaxing around and fighting inside a sumo wrestler ring. The inside compartments of nashiji with gold fundame edges. With an en suite signed silver cuboid ojime depicting theater scenes and a signed wood netsuke of a monkey riding a gigantic hyotan (double gourd).SIZE 7.9 x 5.4 cmCondition: Excellent condition with only very minor wear.Provenance: From a private collection in Chicago, Illinois.Museum comparison:Compare to an inro with a similar depiction in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met), New York, accession no. 81.1.314.

JUGYOKU: A FINE IVORY MANJU NETSUKE DEPICTING A SCENE FROM THE KYOGEN PLAY TSURIGITSUNEBy Ryukosai Jugyoku, signed Jugyoku 壽玉Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of circular form, the two-part manju finely stained and carved to one side in shishiaibori (sunken relief) with Hakuzosu holding a fox mask in his right and a staff in his left hand, to his right the fox hunter kneeling, cleverly carved in high relief to give a three-dimensional feel to the scene. The reverse engraved with a fox trap below the central himotoshi and signed JUGYOKU.The combination of the techniques of sunken and high relief is quite rare and cleverly utilized here as it ties into the subject matter of the manju, as the sly fox is depicted in the background, almost lurking in the shadows.DIAMETER 4.9 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor surface wear.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary.The manju depicts a scene from the Kyogen play Tsurigitsune ('Fox trapping'), in which a fox hunter is visited by his uncle, the priest Hakuzosu, who lectures his nephew on the evils of killing foxes. The hunter is nearly convinced, but after the priest departs, he hears the cry of the fox and realizes it wasn't his uncle at all but a fox in disguise. The fox resumes his natural form and reverts to his wild ways, takes the bait in a trap, and is captured by the fox hunter.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0497). 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 WOOD NETSUKE OF A SLEEPING CAT ON A LEAF FANUnsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The cat (neko) is considerably rare in netsuke art. Here it is depicted sleeping serenely, its head and front paws rested on a leaf fan (uchiwa), wearing a collar, the long tail curls around over its body. The hairwork is finely incised and appropriately worn. The underside with generously excavated himotoshi, formed by one smaller and one larger oval holeLENGTH 5 cmCondition: Good condition, minor wear, the handle of the fan repaired.Provenance: German private collection.The motif of a sleeping cat (nemuri neko) was first depicted in Japan in the 17th century by the sculptor Hidari Jingoro in Nikko in the architectural decoration of the corridor (kairo) that starts from the Yomei gate. Cats were imported from China in the Heian period (794-1185) and initially served the ladies at court for entertainment. Over the course of the centuries, they became domesticated. In popular belief the cat played only a minor role. However, there are some legends with cats that turn into people, or they are the subject of proverbs.Museum comparison:Compare a closely related boxwood netsuke of a sleeping cat on a fan, early 19th century, in the Linden-Museum, Stuttgart, inventory number OA 19064.

HARA SHUMIN: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A HATCHING TENGU (TENGU NO TOMAGO)By Hara Shumin, signed Shumin 舟珉 and kakihanJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The karasu (crow-beaked) tengu emerging from a cracked eggshell, one clawed hand grasping the edge, the left wing spreading over the shell. The mythical man-bird has an amusingly crafted expression with furrowed brows, deep wrinkles on its forehead and ringed eyes. The creature wears a tokin-cap carved from ebony on its head. The underside shows another clawed hand emerging from an opening, as well as a maple leaf and further foliage, one pierced himotoshi and the other 'natural' in the shape of a ginkgo leaf – all evocative of the forest floor.LENGTH 4.2 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface wear. The pierced himotoshi was likely previously ringed in green-stained bone.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary.Auction comparison:Compare to a near-identical wood netsuke by Hara Shumin, sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 17 May 2018, London, lot 7 (sold for 6,250 GBP).

MASATOMO: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A WOLF WITH HAUNCH OF VENISONBy Masatomo, signed Masatomo 正友Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved as an emaciated, snarling wolf with neatly incised spine and fur, large, pricked ears, and eyes inlaid in bone with black pupils, the tail tucked underneath, guarding a haunch of venison under its front paw. Natural himotoshi, signed underneath MASATOMO within a rectangular reserve.LENGTH 5 cmCondition: Good condition, a small crack along the neck and left ear, a plug to a natural knot in the wood inset to the right shoulder by the artist, minor wear.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary. Inventory number '718' pasted to the belly.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a wolf and venison by Masatomo, 19th century, at Bonhams Fine Japanese Works of Art Including selections from the collection of Ruth and Carl Barron, 16 Sep 2014, New York, lot 2092 (sold for 6,000 USD).

A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A DUTCHMANUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The proudly standing Dutchman wearing a European hat and lozenge wig, holding the legs of a boar which is slung over his back, the fur of the limp creature neatly incised. The Dutchman's coat is finely stippled and engraved with crashing wave designs on the hem. The back bearing a stunning honey-yellow patina and with two generously excavated himotoshi placed at an angle and formed by one larger and one smaller hole.HEIGHT 9.2 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear and few natural age cracks.Literature comparison:The carver is familiar from the very distinctive sharp and dramatically undercut chin, as well as the style of decoration to the coat. For a similar example, see the catalog of the H.G. Beasley collection, Sotheby's, 14th March 1984, London, lot 87, illustrated in color on p. 43. Another is illustrated in Eskenazi Ltd. (1993) Japanese Netsuke from the Carré Collection, no. 1, and illustrated on the cover of the catalog.Auction comparison:For a closely related ivory netsuke, likely carved by the same hand, of slightly larger size (10.1 cm) see Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 5 (sold for 20,856 EUR).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0524). 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.

TOMOCHIKA: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF AN EAGLE SNATCHING A FOXBy a member of the Tomochika school, signed Tomochika 友親Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A finely carved and stained ivory netsuke of an eagle firmly grasping a helpless fox in its talons. The reverent bird of prey has a fierce expression, its head is slightly tilted downwards, and its beak is opened. The feather-work of the eagle is executed with great precision. Natural himotoshi and the signature in a wavy reserve on the underside of the fox TOMOCHIKA.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary.Literature comparison:Compare a closely related ivory netsuke in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 29.100.796 (together with an inro).Auction comparison:Compare a closely related ivory netsuke by Tomochika at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part IV, 6 November 2013, London, lot 61 (sold for 1,625 GBP), and another by Shokyusai at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 22 April 2022, Vienna, lot 228 (sold for 2,275 EUR).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0470). 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.

TOMOMASA: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A BATHING ONIBy Tomomasa, signed Tomomasa 友正Japan, Edo/Tokyo, second half of 19th centuryFinely carved and stained, depicting an oni seated in a shallow basket filled with water and washing himself with a towel. The devil has long curly hair and small, sharp horns and is grinning, showing his sharp teeth and fangs. The eyes are inlaid in dark horn. The underside with the oni's tiger skin loincloth and the two himotoshi, one larger than the other, as well as the signature TOMOMASA within a red-lacquered plaque.HEIGHT 3.4 cm, LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: The right foot restored. Otherwise, good condition with few natural age cracks and minor wear. Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary. Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related ivory netsuke by Kihodo Masaka, sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 27 April 2019, Vienna, lot 261 (sold for 5,913 EUR).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0467). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A SUPERB STAG ANTLER OBI HASAMI NETSUKE OF A KAPPA WITH CUCUMBER, ATTRIBUTED TO KOKUSAIAttributed to Ozaki Kokusai (1835-1892), unsignedJapan, Shiba, Tokyo, mid to late 19th centurySuperbly carved as a kappa, his expression profoundly mournful, the eyes inlaid, protectively holding a cucumber in both hands, the head surmounted by a natural deer coronet with hair tufts, the top of the mythical creature's head with a stag antler plug engraved with spirals and carved as the natural cavity containing the kappa's magical liquid.HEIGHT 12.1 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, some losses to the hair.Provenance: British private collection.Literature comparison:Compare a closely related stag antler obi hasami of a Kappa by Kokusai, with a closely related stag antler plug, mid to late 19th century, illustrated in Moss, Sydney L. (2016) Kokusai The Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. II, p. 286, no. 232.13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium – only for buyers within the EU.

KOJU: A FINE MANJU NETSUKE OF A BOY AS AN OX HERDERBy Koju (Mitsutoshi), signed Koju 光寿 and kakihanJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A decidedly thick two-part manju netsuke carved in deep shishiaibori (sunken relief) with stained sumi details, depicting a young oxherder boy (ushidoji) holding a whip, smiling and resting his arms on the head of an ox who seems amusingly over-encumbered. The reverse with a neatly incised pine tree and basket filled with grains, as well as the central himotoshi and signature KOJU (Mitsutoshi) with kakihan. The artist was a carver of fine manju netsuke from the line of Hojitsu, Kojitsu and Moritoshi.DIAMETER 4.6 cm, THICKNESS 2.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear to sumi details.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary.

NAOYUKI: A WOOD NESTUKE OF FUKUROKUJU WITH MINOGAMEBy Naoyuki, signed Naoyuki 直雪Japan, Edo (Tokyo), c. 1850, Edo period (1615-1868)A small, finely carved wood netsuke depicting the lucky god Fukurokuju with a large forehead, dressed in a voluminous robe and with a characteristic cowl draped over his head. He is shown holding a minogame clambering over his left shoulder. The hem of his robe is neatly incised with a key-fret border. Three himotoshi through the back and feet, formed by one larger oval hole and two smaller holes, and with a neatly incised signature NAOYUKI. The wood bearing a fine patina.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear, few minuscule nicks, three fine cracks to the himotoshi.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary.Minogame (thousand-year-tortoises) are frequent companions of Fukurokuju, symbolizing wisdom and longevity.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke by Naoyuki, dated mid-19th century, at Van Ham, Auction 415, lot 2214 (sold for 2,322 EUR).

AN UNUSUAL WOOD NETSUKE OF A CHINESE SARUMAWASHI (MONKEY TRAINER)UnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Expressively and boldly carved as a standing monkey trainer holding a bamboo cane on which a mischievous monkey is clambering, the sarumawashi with a joyful expression, grooming his long beard, and quite unusually dressed in Chinese robes. The well-toned wood bearing a fine, dark patina. Large, generously excavated himotoshi through the back.HEIGHT 9.1 cmCondition: Good, worn condition. Few losses and old chips. Provenance: The Strong National Museum of Play, accession number 78.9810 (lacquered to back). Margaret Woodbury Strong (1897-1969) grew up in a prosperous family of collectors. Her interests ranged so widely that by 1960 she had amassed more than 27,000 collectible items and works of art. The vast majority of her collections related in some way to play and as her accumulation grew, Margaret planned a museum to house her collection. It eventually opened to the public in 1982, and grew dramatically over the following decades, expanding its collections, facilities, and resources, now spanning over 285,000 square feet. Today, the Strong National Museum of Play (known as just The Strong Museum or simply The Strong) is the only collections-based museum in the world devoted solely to the study of play.

SHOKO: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF RAIJIN WITH BATHING WOMANBy Shoko Suganoya, signed Suketada 亮忠 and sealed Shoko 尚古Japan, Takayama, Hida school, second half of 19th centuryThe thunder god Raijin stepping out of a tub and onto a finely carved cloud trying to return to the heavens, holding a drumstick in one hand and a satchel filled with drums tied around his shoulders, trying to resist the advances of a bathing woman, trying to drag him down to her, while the thunder god makes a gesture with his finger in his mouth akin to a fishhook, perhaps knowing that he will not be able to resist much longer. The details are superbly carved, typical for the artist, and the eyes are inlaid in dark horn. Natural himotoshi and signature underneath SUKETADA with seal SHOKO.LENGTH 4.3 cm, HEIGHT 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, one inlaid eye of Raijin is lost.Provenance: British private collection. Auction comparison:A closely related wood netsuke by Sensei, c. 1800, was sold by Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 131 (sold for 4,803 EUR).

ICHIYU: AN IVORY MANJU NETSUKE DEPICTING MARINE LIFEBy Ichiyu (Kazutake), signed Ichiyu 一勇Japan, second half of 19th centuryOf circular form, the two-piece manju finely carved in relief, depicting marine life, including a flounder with inlaid eyes, two shells, one fish inlaid in patinated shibuichi, and with neatly incised seagrasses. The reverse signed ICHIYU within a wavy reserve next to the central himotoshi.DIAMETER 4.6 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear to the surface of the metal-inlay.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary. Old collection number pasted to the interior.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0505). 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 KUROGAKI WOOD NETSUKE OF A PUPPY IN A ROOF TILEUnsignedJapan, first half of 19th centuryFinely carved as a chubby puppy nestled into a broken roof tile, the face with an amusing expression, its fur minutely incised. The end of the roof tile is decorated with a mitsudomo-e symbol. The netsuke swings back and forth when nudged. Generously excavated himotoshi underneath.LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few light surface scratches.Provenance: European collection.

A KYOTO SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A HAREUnsignedJapan, Kyoto, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The rabbit (usagi) finely carved, its head lowered, ears drawn back, the eyes inlaid in brass. Natural himotoshi through the legs. Unsigned, however attributed to the school of Rantei.LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface wear.Provenance: From an old German private collection.

RYOSAI: A SUPERB WOOD OF A FROG ON A LOTUS PODBy Eguro Ryosai, signed Ryosai 良齋to 刀Japan, Takayama, Hida province, late 19th centuryFinely carved, the frog naturalistically modeled with beautifully textured skin and inlaid eyes, perched on a twisted lotus pod stalk, the base showing the typical markings and the end neatly stippled. Note the superbly carved webbed feet, typical for this school of carvers who excelled in naturalistic netsuke of frogs. Himotoshi through the stalk and signed RYOSAI to [carved by Ryosai].LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface wear, possibly an old chip to the very edge of one webbed foot.Provenance: European collection.Auction comparison:A closely related wood netsuke of a frog on lotus stalk, by Sukenao, was sold at Christie's, Art of Japan, 8 December 2016, London, lot 24 (sold for 8,750 GBP).

A RARE BUFFALO HORN NETSUKE OF A CICADAUnsignedJapan, 19th centuryResting with its wings drawn in and its legs grasping a branch carved in openwork, the veining on the wings and head finely rendered in relief. The horn of variegated tone. Natural himotoshi.LENGTH 5.9 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, minuscule nibbling to the exposed areas.Provenance: Ex-collection Richard R. Silverman. Richard R. Silverman (1932-2019) was a renowned Asian art collector with one of the largest private collections of netsuke outside of Japan. He lived in Tokyo between 1964 and 1979 and began to collect netsuke there in 1968. Since the 1970s, he wrote and lectured about netsuke and was an Asian art consultant for Christie's, Sotheby's, and Bonhams. His gift of 226 ceramic netsuke to the Toledo Museum of Art constitutes perhaps the largest public collection of these miniature clay sculptures in the world. After moving to California, Silverman became a member of the Far Eastern Art Council at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 1984. In 1993, he joined LACMA's Executive Board. He served on the board of directors for the International Society of Appraisers from 1986 to 1994 and served nine years as chair for the City of West Hollywood Fine Arts Commission. Richard Silverman was posthumously awarded the Order of the Rising Sun for his decades-long promotion of Japanese culture.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related buffalo horn netsuke of a cicada, sold at Bonhams, The James A. Rose Collection of Netsuke and Sagemono, 17 September 2013, New York, lot 2030 (sold for 1,750 USD).

CHIKUZAN: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED DRAGONBy Chikuzan, signed Chikuzan 竹山Japan, Edo (Tokyo), 19th centuryFinely carved as a coiled two-horned dragon, roaring and protectively grasping a tama (jewel) in one claw, with meticulously incised scales, flames emanating from its body, and large whiskers. The eyes are inlaid in dark horn. Natural himotoshi and signed within a polished reserve underneath CHIKUZAN.LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with only very minor surface wear.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary.The artist is recorded in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 27.

FUKU: A SUPERB GOLD-INLAID RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE DEPICTING KAPPA AND LOTUSSigned Fuku 福Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa district, late 19th centuryPublished: Moss, Sydney L. (2016) Kokusai The Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. II, pp. 254-255, no. 489.The ryusa manju very finely carved in openwork from a choice section of pale walrus tusk as a large, crumpled lotus leaf with several stems and buds, a further leaf in the center surrounded by scrolling tendrils, upon which two kappa are inlaid, one of them in gold and the other in bekko, the latter scooping water with a cup while the other gazes at him with a rather confused expression. The superbly carved back shows further lotus blossoms, scrolling tendrils, and a fish with gold eye emerging from a gap. With a central himotoshi and sunken relief seal in a raised square reserve – FUKU (luck or happiness).DIAMETER 4.4 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Ex-collection June Schuerch. With Sydney Moss Ltd., French private collection, acquired from the above.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.

JURAKU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF AN ONI FISHING INSIDE A LOTUS LEAFBy Juraku, signed Juraku 壽乐 and kakihanJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved, the oni nestled within a furled lotus leaf, wearing only a loincloth, the body well carved with expressed spine, one hand piercing through the leaf and catching a minutely carved eel underneath. Himotoshi through the curved stem of the leaf and signed JURAKU and kakihan. The artist was a pupil of Jugyoku.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Good condition with minor associated surface wear. A small repair to the edge of the leaf.Provenance: Old German private collection, assembled before 1984.Literature comparison:Compare to a related so-school wood netsuke of an oni catching a namazu on a lotus leaf, by Sosui, illustrated in International Netsuke Collectors Society Journal (December 1975) vol. 3, no. 3, p. 35.

KAN: A RARE LACQUER AND POTTERY-INLAID MANJU NETSUKE OF DARUMA INSIDE A CAVEBy a follower of Ogawa Haritsu (Ritsuo, 1663-1747), sealed Kan 観Japan, late 18th-early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The black-lacquered manju netsuke hollowed out to the front and inlaid with a loose, red-glazed pottery Daruma, his facial features left unglazed, depicting the zen-patriarch during his 9-year meditation within a cave, his legs rotted away and now more resembling a daruma-doll. The reverse is superbly lacquered in iro-e takamaki-e with inlays of aogai depicting a hossu (Buddist fly whisk) next to the two himotoshi and the inlaid pottery seal KAN - a seal used by members of the school of Ogawa Haritsu (1663-1747). The pinkish seal used may suggest the work of Michizuki Hanzan (1743-1790).DIAMETER 4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear to the black-lacquered ground including some light crackling, the ceramic seal slightly worn as well.Provenance: Formerly the property of the Strong Museum, donated by Margaret Woodbury Strong (1897-1969), a prolific collector and founder and namesake of the museum. With accession no. '80.3052' lacquered to the side.Auction comparison: Netsuke bearing the seal Kan are considerably rare, for another depicting Daruma see Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part I, 9 November 2010, London, lot 136 (sold for 8,160 GBP).

SEIHO: A BOXWOOD NETSUKE OF HANDAKA SONJABy Seiho Azuma (1936-2003), signed Seiho 声方Japan, Ibaraki prefecture, 20th centuryHandaka Sonja resting on a rock, bending forwards, the face with a strenuous expression, while conjugating a dragon which wraps around his body and rests its head on the rakan's lap. The robe and scale finely incised, the pendulous earlobes suspending golden loops. Natural himotoshi through the arm.HEIGHT 4.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear to staining.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary, acquired from Michael Bernstein.Seiho, born as Katsuo Azuma in 1936 in the Ibaraki prefecture, studied carving under the famous Hose Maguro until he turned 22. Seiho is well known for his legendary and mythological figures, animals, and religious subjects. He is a member of the International Netsuke Carvers Association and has received several awards from the Ueno Royal Museum and the Japan Art Association.

AN UNUSUAL LACQUERED WOOD SHUNGA NETSUKE OF OKAMEUnsignedJapan, 18th centuryCarved as the semi-nude Shinto goddess of mirth Okame, seated on the ground with her knees bent, her hands wrapped tightly around her shins, her chest bare and the lower body covered in a red cloth, the long, black-lacquered hair cascading down the back, the position of her feet creating an optic illusion suggesting female genitalia. Her amusing expression is marked by puffed cheeks, a broad nose, and tiny inlaid eyes. Himotoshi through the back. The lacquered details are attractively worn.HEIGHT 5.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with some wear to lacquered details, one inlaid eye is lost. Fine, unctuous patina.Provenance: European collection.

A MIXED METAL NETSUKE OF AN ABUMI (STIRRUP)UnsignedJapan, 18th-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The abumi of classic shape and made of copper, attractively patinated, the top of sentoku bronze, and inlaid in shibuichi and gilt with various floral roundels. The interior lined in leather.LENGTH 4.9 cmCondition: Good condition with minor associated surface wear. One small repair to one of the inlays.Provenance: De-accession from The Strong National Museum of Play. Margaret Woodbury Strong (1897-1969) grew up in a prosperous family of collectors. Her interests ranged so widely that by 1960 she had amassed more than 27,000 collectible items and works of art. The vast majority of her collections related in some way to play and as her accumulation grew, Margaret planned a museum to house her collection. It eventually opened to the public in 1982, and grew dramatically over the following decades, expanding its collections, facilities, and resources, now spanning over 285,000 square feet. Today, the Strong National Museum of Play (known as just The Strong Museum or simply The Strong) is the only collections-based museum in the world devoted solely to the study of play.Abumi (鐙), Japanese stirrups, were used in Japan as early as the 5th century and were a necessary component along with the Japanese saddle (kura) for the use of horses in warfare.

A RARE STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A CHINESE VESSELUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Depicting a Chinese archaic vessel, the rim neatly incised with a keyfret border, the single himotoshi in the back in the form of an eyelet. The antler bearing a beautiful caramel patina, typical for early stag antler netsuke, the porous surface dramatically utilized as a décor element.HEIGHT 3.3 cm, LENGTH 3.4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor and typical flaws to the material. The himotoshi possibly used to have inset eyelet as the cord attachment.Provenance: Ex-collection Cornelius V. S. Roosevelt (1915-1991), grandson of former US president Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (1858-1919), purchased in 1964. Sold at Sotheby's, The Cornelius V. S Roosevelt Collection of Netsuke, 2 June 1992, New York, lot 336.

IKKO: A FINE BOXWOOD NETSUKE OF A GROUP OF RATS EATING EDAMAMEBy Ikko, signed Ikko 一光Japan, late 19th centuryComprising one large rat seated and eating while one offspring sits on its haunches on a smooth edamame bean pod, a second rat climbing over its back, their eyes inlaid, the fur and tail finely incised. Natural himotoshi through the trailing tail, signed underneath the bean pod IKKO.HEIGHT 3.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear.Provenance: German private collection.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related wood netsuke of three rats by Ikko, with inlaid eyes, late 19th century, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 17 May 2018, London, lot 17 (sold for 1,750 GBP). Compare a related ivory netsuke-okimono of a group of rats by Ikko, late 19th century, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16th April 2021, lot 222 (sold for 5,688 EUR).

A FINE GOLD LACQUER MANJU NETSUKEUnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of circular form, the two-part manju decorated to the front with flowers and grasses in gold and silver hiramaki-e and takamaki-e with some nashiji, all against a gold kinji ground. The interior lined with metal. Central himotoshi to the back, the cord attachment within.DIAMETER 3.5 cmCondition: Good condition, minor wear, few minuscule losses to lacquerProvenance: New York private collection.

A RARE KYOTO SCHOOL NARWHAL TUSK NETSUKE OF A WEASEL ON A ROCKUnsignedJapan, Kyoto, late 18th – early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved from a triangular section of the tusk, depicting a weasel (itachi) with neatly incised fur, holding a fruiting berry branch between its front paws, the large eyes inlaid in lustrous dark horn, and the bushy tail sweeping down the rock on which it sits. Two large himotoshi to the back. The underside shows the characteristic striations of this beautifully polished material.LENGTH 3.4 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear and natural, material-typical age cracks.Provenance: Old German private collection.The present piece belongs to a coveted group of netsuke carved from narwhal tusk and depicting animals in the Kyoto style. This workshop clearly excelled in the use of this rare and expensive material.Museum comparison:Compare to a closely related narwhal tusk netsuke from the same workshop, depicting a goat on a rock, in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), New York, accession no. 10.211.38. According to the online listing the netsuke is signed Rantei, however no signature is visible on the images provided.Literature comparison:Also compare to an ivory netsuke of a weasel (itachi), Osaka school, illustrated in Rutherston & Bandini, The Sheila M. Baker Collection of Japanese Netsuke and Inro, no. 38.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.

TEIZAN: A SHIBAYAMA INLAID KIRI (PAULOWNIA) WOOD TONKOTSU DEPICTING EGRETS AND LOTUSBy Teizan, signed Teizan 貞山Japan, Tokyo, end of 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Finely inlaid with mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshell, horn, bone, and stag antler, depicting to one side an egret wading through a pond with aquatic plants and to the other an egret fluttering above lotus leaves. The kiri wood of attractive grain and color. The cover with two bone-ringed cord holes. One side with the signature TEIZAN within a rectangular mother-of-pearl reserve. With a tortoiseshell ojime.HEIGHT 8.4 cm, LENGTH 9.1 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, few natural age cracks.Provenance: German private collection.Auction comparison:Compare a related tonkotsu by the same artist, depicting a crane amid flowers, erroneously dated to the Edo period, at Christie's, Japanese Art and Design, 13 July 2006, London, lot 518 (part lot, sold for 2,160 GBP). Compare a related shibayama kiri wood tonkotsu by Teizan, late 19th century, at Galerie Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, Vienna, 16 April 2021, lot 355 (sold for 1,770 EUR).

TOKOKU: A STUNNING WALRUS TUSK RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE WITH MAGNOLIA AND MOONBy Suzuki Tokoku (1846-1913), sealed Bairyu 楳立Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa district, c. 1860-1880Of uneven circular form, partially carved in openwork as misty clouds, blossoms and buds of a towering magnolia tree emerging from within the gaps, all in the presence of a highly polished benevolent full moon. The reverse with further blossoms and buds, the two himotoshi formed by one oval and one circular aperture, the exterior neatly ringed, and the inlaid gold signature BAIRYU. An early work by this celebrated artist. The use of the material is masterful and shows the true genius of Tokoku - the typical milky inclusions of the walrus tusk are used to emulate the fluffy cloud structure, while the pure, lustrous areas of the material are used for the moon and magnolia, which give them a remarkable three-dimensional effect.DIAMETER 4.2 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.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 UNUSUAL WOOD NETSUKE OF A SAMURAI WITH FOX CHILDUnsignedJapan, late 19th- early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Finely carved as a seated Samurai, dressed in armor and with a threatening expression, next to him a child doing a bekkanko gesture by pulling down the eyelid with one finger and sticking out the tongue, taunting the samurai and hiding a fox tail behind its back. Two asymmetrical and generously excavated himotoshi underneath.HEIGHT 2.9 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear.Provenance: Collection Gabor Orszagh, Budapest, Hungary.