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

A RARE SAISHIKI WOOD MASK NETSUKE DEPICTING A GRIMACING MANUnsignedJapan, 18th/19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The amusingly grotesque mask carved from cypress wood (hinoki), with slightly bulging, crossed eyes, a broad nose, neatly incised facial hair and wrinkles, a cleft chin, the mouth agape revealing tongue and teeth, some details heightened with gesso and polychrome pigment.HEIGHT 5.2 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor and simulated wear.Provenance: European collection P. Jacquesson, acquired from a Parisian collection in May 2002.

TADATOSHI: A RARE WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF RAIJINBy Tadatoshi, signed Tadatoshi 忠利Japan, Nagoya, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The expressively carved mask depicting the Thunder God Raijin, also known as Raiden, his fierce face with pierced large bulging eyes, a broad nose with flaring nostrils, and the mouth wide open revealing sharp fangs, his beard in curls at the chin and flame-like spikes at the cheeks, his eyebrows of similar form. The bridge with a single himotoshi and the signature TADATOSHI in ukibori, very typical of the Nagoya school.HEIGHT 5.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, occasional light scratches.Provenance: European collection P. Jacquesson, acquired at Nagel, 19 May 2006, Stuttgart.Tadatoshi was an accomplished carver of the Nagoya school and a pupil of Tametaka. He was active between the early and mid-19th century. Mask netsuke by Tadatoshi appear to be extremely rare, this piece possibly being unique, with no others recorded in public collections and only very few spurious examples on the auction market.

A CERAMIC MINIATURE BELL DEPICTING THE HEAD OF A MANCHURIAN LADYUnsigned Japan, 1934-1945Published: Bushell, Raymond (1985) Netsuke Masks, pl. 319.Charmingly potted in the form of the head of a Manchu lady with elaborately coiffed hair secured by a lotus headdress, the elegant facial features detailed with red and black pigment, the reverse with an impressed inscription Manshu miyage (A souvenir from Manshu), a loose ball inside, the top pierced with a small aperture for cord attachment.HEIGHT 3.5 cmCondition: Good condition with some surface wear, a small chip to the lower edge of the opening.Provenance: Ex-collection Raymond Bushell. Sotheby’s, 21 March 2001, New York. European collection P. Jacquesson, acquired from the above.

MANNEN: A WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF A KYOGEN MASK DEPICTING BIKUNIBy Mannen, signed Mannen 万年 Japan, late 19th to early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Published: Bushell, Raymond (1985) Netsuke Masks, pl. 145Finely carved with a joyous expression, the mouth agape in a laugh revealing tongue and teeth, with pierced eyes below elegantly arched brows, a broad nose with pierced nostrils, and plump cheeks. The details treated with polychrome pigments. The back with a central himotoshi bar signed MANNEN.HEIGHT 4.3 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Raymond Bushell. Sotheby’s, 21 March 2001, New York. European collection P. Jacquesson, acquired from the above.The Bikuni mask is a non-standardized Kyogen mask type depicting a nun. Bikuni is also the name of a character in the skit Bikusada, an elderly nun of especially patrician character and graceful in dance.Literature comparison:Compare a related mask netsuke of Dei-Tobide by Mannen, also formerly in the collection of Raymond Bushell, illustrated by Bushell, Raymond (1985) Netsuke Masks, pl. 110, and at Christie’s, The Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection of Netsuke Part IV, 23 April 1991, New York, lot 120.

A RARE STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF AN ISLANDERJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved as an islander sitting on a rocky plinth, the face with an joyful expression, his curly hair falling neatly down on his shoulders, and holding a coral branch in his right hand. Large himotoshi through the base and side of the body.HEIGHT 4.4 cmCondition: Very good condition, natural imperfections and with minor wear.Provenance: German private collection.

TADATOSHI: A LARGE WOOD NETSUKE OF GAMA SENNINBy Tadatoshi, signed Tadatoshi 忠利Japan, Nagoya, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A boldly carved, tall figure of the hermit Gama Sennin, a warty toad clambering on his back, the eyes of both inlaid. Gama is dressed in a well-carved leaf cloak with long draping sleeves. Signed in ukibori characters on the side of the right leg TADATOSHI. Two himotoshi through the back and natural himotoshi between the sennin’s right arm and the toad.HEIGHT 12.7 cmCondition: Good condition with associated surface wear, some fine age cracks. The two pierced himotoshi in the back have been probably added at some point.Provenance: European private collection.Tall figures by the Nagoya carver Tadatoshi are unheard of. The carving style and quality, staining, and signature are coherent with his work.Literature comparison:A wood netsuke of a seated Gama sennin, by Tadatoshi, is illustrated in the Netsuke Kenkyukai, vol. 15, no. 3, p.14, fig. 10 (and featured on the cover).

A TALL EARLY EDO SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF IKKAKU SENNIN CARRYING THE LADY OF BENARESUnsignedJapan, Edo (Tokyo), late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A tall wood netsuke of Ikkaku Sennin carrying the lady of Benares, one hand supporting her on his back and the other holding her hand gently, symbolizing his love for her, whilst his expression somewhat foreshadows his predicament. The superb color of the wood, expressively carved garment folds and large himotoshi are all indicative of an early Edo school netsuke, likely from the circle of hands around Shugetsu/Gessen/Gessho or even Jobun.HEIGHT 9 cmCondition: Very good condition with one old and worn-down chip to the edge of one foot.Provenance: Acquired at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 14 May 2015, London, lot 33 (sold for 2,125 GBP).The subject is derived from the Noh play titled ‘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.

A CHARMING WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO PLAYFUL PUPSBy Ransen, signed RansenJapan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved, the two playful pups are huddled together, one clambering over the other, nibbling on the other's tail. The second pup with its mouth agape, seemingly ready to bark. The fur is neatly engraved, and the eyes are inlaid in dark horn. Natural himotoshi and the signature RANSEN within the typical oval reserve underneath.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear.Provenance: European collection.

Ɏ A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SHISHI, ATTRIBUTED TO RENSAIAttributed to Ishikawa Rensai, unsignedJapan, Asakusa, Tokyo, second half of 19th centuryFinely carved as a seated Shishi with its paws placed firmly on the ground and looking upwards. The mythical animal has a grim expression with furrowed bushy eyebrows, and the pupils are ringed and minutely inlaid in dark horn. The curly mane and bushy tail are carved very well. The lightly stained ivory is smoothly polished. The slightly flattened underside with a bridge functioning as himotoshi. HEIGHT 3.3 cm Condition: Very good condition with a visible nerve channel running through the ivory. Provenance: European collection.The expression, placement of the pupils, manner of the curls and treatment of the ivory justify the attribution to the Asakusa master Ishikawa Rensai. Auction comparison: Compare to a netsuke by Rensai, sold by Zacke, Japanische Netsuke - Ausstellung 1990, Vienna, no. 50.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0384). 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 WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO MONKEYS AND PEACH SIGNED MASATSUGUSigned Masatsugu, Masatsugu 正次Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A finely carved and amusing wood netsuke depicting a large monkey holding another by the ankle as it cheekily tries to reach the peach behind its back. The fur is incised naturalistically, and the eyes are inlaid in pale and translucent horn, almost appearing like amber. The wood is of a very appealing color, lightly stained, and the humorous expressions of the monkeys are achieved masterfully. Natural himotoshi and signature in a rounded reserve, MASATSUGU.HEIGHT 5 cmCondition: Minor nicks and scratches in the wood. Generally, in very good condition.Provenance: European collection.

Ɏ A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A DUTCHMAN WITH KARAKOJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The Dutchman and boy standing side by side, the karako holding a fan behind his companion’s back, the foreigner holding a closed folding fan, both wearing long buttoned robes with wave designs, the man with characteristically curled hair and wearing a large hat, his back with two asymmetrical himotoshi.HEIGHT 7.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, appealingly worn, few minor age cracks, a small nick to the hat. Fine honey-yellow patina.Provenance: European collection.The present netsuke is quite unusual in that the Dutchman and child are standing side by side. Netsuke depicting a Dutchman with child almost invariably depict the foreigner carrying the child, either on his back or in the case of smaller children in the front. The karako in this netsuke, however, seems to have reached an age where such action would be deemed inappropriate.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. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0285).

KANMAN: A RARE EBONY NETSUKE OF A TREE FROG ON A MUSHROOMBy Tsuramitsu (Kanman, 1793-1859), signed Iwami-no-kuni Kanman to and with a kakihanJapan, Iwami Province, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published:Earle, Joe (2000) The Robert S. Huthart, p. 275, no. 244.The frog squatting with its hindlegs bent on the radial gills of an upturned mushroom, the boldly carved stalk trailing to the side, the amphibian’s eyes double-inlaid in pale and dark horn. Note the superb treatment of the individual textures of the carving, including the subtle use of ukibori on the frog. The base signed Iwami-no-kuni TSURAMITSU to (carved by Tsuramitsu [Kanman] of Iwami Province) with a kakihan. Asymmetrical himotoshi to the base.LENGTH 5.9 cmCondition: Good condition with typical wear. A small repair to the back of the right leg.Provenance: Ex-collection Robert S. Huthart.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related netsuke by Kanman, dated early 19th century, at Bonhams, The Robert S. Huthart Collection of Iwami Netsuke, 15 May 2019, London, lot 113 (sold for 4,812 GBP).

MIWA: A GOOD WOOD NETSUKE OF A NIO ON GIANT SANDALBy a member of the Miwa school, signed Miwa and kakihanJapan, Edo (Tokyo), 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved as a temple guardian seated on a huge sandal, clutching his leg with both hands, a small inlaid pellet indicating the use of moxa, his expression amusingly distorted as a result. Large, generously excavated himotoshi underneath, the signature MIWA and kakihan within a raised rectangular reserve.LENGTH 4.8 cmCondition: Good condition, the wood slightly worn.Provenance: European collection.The kakihan used on this netsuke corresponds to kakihan ‘o’ reproduced in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 560.

Ɏ TOKOKU: A FINE MARINE IVORY RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE DEPICTING ONA NO TOFUSigned Tokoku Japan, Asakusa, mid to late 19th centuryAn early work by the artist who started out in the Asakusa school, founded by Ozaki Kokusai, and is probably best known for his later mixed-material carvings which are unparalleled in their quality and style. However, he also made very good ryusa manju when he was still active in the Asakusa school, though they are rarely found at auction. This ryusa manju, openworked on the sides depicting finely carved magnolia blossoms, shows Ona no Tofu on the separately carved inset medallion. He is depicted underneath a tree wearing courtly robes, an eboshi and holding a fan. The reverse with further blossoming magnolia amongst clouds carved in relief above an attractively stippled surface. Typical irregular himotoshi and the signature TOKOKU on an inlaid silver tablet. The material almost looks like ivory, however the sides reveal characteristic inclusions typical for marine ivory.DIAMETER 4 cm, WIDTH 1.5 cmCondition: Good condition, the separately carved central medallion has come a little bit loose at the top, and very minor cracks to the openworked section on the side.Provenance: European private collection.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: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY WITH PERSIMMONBy Gyokusen Tomochika, signed TomochikaJapan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a monkey sitting cross-legged with its hands behind the head attempting to reach a persimmon, the face with an amusing expression marked by a deeply carved face, wide-open mouth displaying minutely detailed teeth and deeply set eyes. The surface of the wood is detailed with fine hairwork and a silky gloss polish that accentuates the light stain. Two large, asymmetrical himotoshi to the underside and signed TOMOCHIKA within a rectangular reserve.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Good condition with associated surface wear, the signature is faded and has become illegible.Provenance: European collection.Literature comparison:Monkeys by Gyokusen Tomochika are rare. For another example, considered a highly important netsuke, see Bandini, Rosemary (2001) Expressions of Style, Netsuke as Art, Scholten Japanese Art, New York, no. 157.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A CALLIGRAPHERJapan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The shokoda (calligrapher) modelled seated, his right arm holding a paintbrush, in his left a paper slip, wearing a finely carved robe with geometrical roundels and intricate details, the face showing a calm expression. The base with generously excavated, asymmetrical himotoshi and signed within a rectangular reserve.LENGTH 4.4 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, some light surface scratches.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm collection, Paris.

ANGANSAI: A WOOD NETSUKE OF RIHAKU (LI BAI)By Angansai, signed AngansaiJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The famous Chinese poet from the Tang dynasty carved seated in a relaxed pose, supporting himself with one hand and holding up a wine-filled cup with the other, his inebriated state betrayed by his amusing expression, the voluminous robe neatly incised with floral roundels. The back and underside with himotoshi.LENGTH 3 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, few minuscule nicks.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Li Bai (701-762), known as Rihaku in Japan, was a Chinese poet acclaimed from his own day to the present as a genius and a romantic figure who took traditional poetic forms to new heights. His life has taken on a legendary aspect, including tales of drunkenness, chivalry, and the well-known fable that Li drowned when he reached from his boat to grasp the moon's reflection in the river while drunk.

Ɏ A SMALL IVORY NETSUKE OF TOBOSAKU SENNINJapan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The peach sennin standing on one foot and holding a large fruiting peach branch. His robes neatly incised with cloud motifs. Two symmetrical himotoshi through the back.HEIGHT 4.4 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear. The ivory with fine honey-yellow patina on the reverse.Provenance: Old Viennese private collection.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0307).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 STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A FROG ON CHESTNUTSJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved as two large chestnuts on top of each other, a frog with splayed legs perched on top, its eyes inlaid in dark horn. Large himotoshi underneath. The antler bearing a superb patina.LENGTH 5 cm Condition: Very good condition, minor wear.Provenance: Old Viennese private collection.

TSUCHIYA YAGOHACHI: A RARE MIXED METAL NETSUKE OF AN AMIGASA HATBy a member of the Tsuchiya school, signed Tsuchiya Yagohachi Japan, Nara, 18th/19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Worked in richly patinated copper as an amigasa hat, with two laces inlaid in gold. Signed to the side TSUCHIYA YAGOHACHI, the looped cord attachment within.LENGTH 4.7 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few tiny dents. Provenance: The Jack and Helen Mang collection. Dutch private collection, acquired from the above.

A BOXWOOD NETSUKE OF OKAME CARESSING A TENGU MASKJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The fine boxwood netsuke depicting the Shinto goddess Okame caressing the long phallic nose of a tengu mask, leaning her head on the left palm of her hand, laughing bashfully and coyly signifying the erotic connotation of the carving. Two large himotoshi at the underside.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Good condition with usual traces of wear and age. Provenance: Japanese private collection.

A KUROGAKI WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO TURTLESJapan, 19th centuryOf compact form and finely carved as a mother turtle, almost completely retracted within its carapace, her young clambering on top of her shell, the carapaces neatly incised. Two himotoshi through the base.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear.Provenance: European collection.

A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A BAKUJapan, 19th centuryThe mythical creature with neatly detailed shaggy fur, facing backwards, one paw slightly raised, the eyes inlaid in dark horn. The base with two asymmetrical himotoshi.HEIGHT 3 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear.Provenance: European collection.Literature comparison:Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a baku in Bushell, Raymond (1975) Netsuke Familiar & Unfamiliar, p. 178, no. 489.

A STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF MATANO NO GOROUnsignedJapan, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved as Matano no Goro in attempt to lift a large rock with his bare hands, the head raised with a strenuous expression. Himotoshi through the back and underside.HEIGHT 2.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear.Provenance: European collection.The famous wrestler Matanô Gorô throws a large stone at his rival Sanada Yoichi, a vassal of Minamoto Yoritomo (1147-1199), during a hunting trip of the commander Yoritomo. Yoichi effortlessly catches this and throws it back. But Asahina Saburô, who was in the service of Minamoto Yoshitsune (1159-1189), is also said to have demonstrated his enormous strength during the same hunting expedition by hurling a two-meter stone into the sea.

A TALL WOOD NETSUKE OF GAMA SENNINJapan, c. 1800, Edo period (1615-1868)Boldly carved standing on one foot, the other slightly raised and supported on his gnarled cane which he holds with his raised left hand, the right holding his trusty toad, wearing a long flowing robe under a leafy apron and vest, the back with two large and asymmetrical himotoshi.HEIGHT 11 cmCondition: Good condition with some wear and few minuscule nicks. Fine, naturally grown, dark patina.Provenance: European collection.Literature comparison: Compare a related netsuke of Gama Sennin illustrated by Joly, H. L. (1975) Catalogue of the H. Seymour Trower Collection of Japanese Art, pl. VI, no. 195.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED DRAGONJapan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The thick manju netsuke boldly carved in high relief with a fierce dragon clutching a sacred jewel (tama), the underside finely detailed with the beast’s scaly body and sharp claws, the double-inlaid eyes with dark pupils, natural himotoshi formed by the dragon’s coiled tail.DIAMETER 4.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, few light scratches.Provenance: European collection.Literature comparison: Compare a related wood manju netsuke of a coiled dragon, signed Fusho and dated to the 19th century, in the collection of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, accession number 43.2002.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED WINGED DRAGONJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of compact, spherical temari-shaped form, carved in sukashibori (openwork), the fierce dragon tightly coiled in a hollow ball, the scales and surrounding waves and flames boldly incised, the many pierced sections forming natural himotoshi.HEIGHT 3.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear. Fine, naturally grown, smooth patina.Provenance: European collection.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A KABUTOJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)The wood netsuke carved in the shape of a kabuto helmet with finely carved details. The opening on the top called te-hen or hachi-man-za made from bone, with the shikoro, built as an assemblage of circular strips, with its front decoration (mae-date) and its side protections (Fuki-gayeshi). Two small himotoshi on the underside. WIDTH 4.3 cmCondition: Good condition with usual traces of wear and age. Provenance: Japanese private collection.

Ɏ AN IVORY AND MIXED METAL KAGAMIBUTA NETSUKE DEPICTING TWO FIGURES ON A BOATJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of circular form, the ivory bowl fitted with a shibuichi plate finely decorated in iro-e takazogan with gold, silver and copper highlights, depicting two figures in a low ferry boat sailing nearby a bridge support, with a night cuckoo flying directly above them. The himotoshi through the bowl and a looped cord attachment at the backside of the disc.DIAMETER 4.4 cmCondition: Good condition with usual traces of wear and age. Provenance: Notable European collection, ex-collection Elinor “Elly” Nordskog (1919-2013).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0399).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.

Ɏ GYOKU: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF AN ALBINO RABBITBy Gyoku, by Gyoku Japan, 19th centuryThe ivory netsuke wonderfully rounded, depicting a chubby hare (usagi), with its eyes inlaid in red glass, and its long ears falling over its back. The asymmetrical himotoshi at the underside together with the engraved artist signature GYOKU.LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor traces of wear and age. Provenance: Notable European collection, ex-collection June Schuerch (1930-2009).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0403).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.

Ɏ AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECLINING HOTEI WITH HOSSU (FLYWHISK)Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved in a reclining posture, holding a hossu, the netsuke of a type meant to be worn horizontally reclining on the top of the obi. His loose robe with finely carved folds and opening at the chest to reveal his rotund belly and ample chest, a cheerful expression on his chubby face, the mouth agape in a laugh, the back with two generously excavated, asymmetrical himotoshi.LENGTH 6.1 cmCondition: Very good condition, appealingly worn, minor age cracks, light honey-yellow patina to the reverse. The himotoshi clearly display signs of use.Provenance: Acquired at Kunsthaus Lempertz, Asian Art, 6 September 2017, Cologne, lot 500.Netsuke such as the present lot are of unusually high quality for early figural ivory netsuke. Unlike the seated Hotei types, which tend to follow earlier Chinese models, these horizontal variants are purely Japanese in concept.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0339).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.

Ɏ IKKO: A RARE IVORY MANJU NETSUKE WITH TWO SAMURAIBy Hasegawa Ikko, signed Ikko 一光Japan, c. 1830, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sydney L. Moss (2010) they are all fire and every one doth shine. The Elly Nordskog Collection of Japanese Inro, Pipecases and Netsuke, London, pp. 370-371, no. 118.Of flattened, rounded square form with indented corners, the sunken obverse carved in relief against a cash (shippo) ground with two samurai standing in dynamic poses with amusing expressions, fully clad in neatly incised armor, the edge and rim incised with a herringbone pattern, the reverse engraved with a pine tree and branch, further with two large himotoshi and the signature IKKO within an oblong reserve. Note the fine staining of the ivory and skillful use of sumi.SIZE 4.3 x 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, minimal age cracks, traces of use. The reverse with a fine, warm, smooth patina.Provenance: Ex-collection Elinor ‘Elly’ Nordskog. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0243).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.

Ɏ A FINE IVORY AND EBONY NETSUKE OF AN OX-HERDER AND OXJapan, Edo/Tokyo, second half of 19th centuryFinely carved as a young oxherder playing the flute atop a recumbent ox. The ox, carved from ebony wood, has finely rendered hairwork and inlaid eyes. The boy, carved from ivory bearing a lustrous polish, is portrayed almost naked wearing only an open robe revealing his genitals, a basket containing a sickle behind him. Big asymmetrical himotoshi and illegible signature to the underside.LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: With minor surface wear, a section of the ox’s tail repaired. The signature partially eradicated. Provenance: French private collection, purchased from Sotheby’s in 2015.The imagery plays on a Zen Buddhist parable which draws a parallel between the herdboy and ox and the attainment of enlightenment. It is most famously portrayed in the series of ten ox herding pictures (originally only eight) accompanied by a series of short poems by Kakuan Shien.Auction comparison:A related ebony and ivory netsuke of an oxherder with ox by Kagetoshi was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 158 (sold for 3,666 EUR).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0336).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.

Ɏ HOJITSU: A FINE IVORY KAGAMIBUTA NETSUKE WITH A RAKANBy Meikeisai Hojitsu, signed Hojitsu 法實 with kakihanJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Consisting of two parts, the front of the flush-fitting disc engraved in shishiaibori (sunken relief) with an image of a meditating rakan with a stern-faced expression, surrounded by a halo. The ivory bearing a light, lustrous stain, the surface superbly polished. Central himotoshi to the back, the cord attachment to the back of the disc next to the neatly incised signature HOJITSU and kakihan.DIAMETER 4.1 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear.Provenance: Purchased from Nagel auctions, Stuttgart, May 2006. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0225).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.

Ɏ KOSAI MORITOSHI: A SUPERB IVORY MANJU NETSUKE DEPICTING THE TALE OF PRINCE HANZOKU AND THE NINE-TAILED FOXBy Kosai Moritoshi (1854-1911), signed Kosai Moritoshi 孝齋 守壽 with kakihanJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of circular form, the two-part manju finely carved to one side in shishiaibori (sunken relief) with Prince Hanzoku standing in a dynamic pose with all limbs spread out, wearing a pleated sarong and billowing scarves, adorned with a beaded necklace, his face with a grim expression, his curled hair neatly incised. The other side similarly carved with a nine-tailed fox, the true form of Hanzoku’s consort Lady Kayo, the beast with a fierce expression, the long body elegantly curved and still covered in the fine robes of her previous guise. Signed to the back KOSAI MORITOSHI with the characteristic ‘flying crane’ kakihan.DIAMETER 5.3 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Fine honey-yellow patina.The present netsuke depicts the Indian prince Hanzoku and his consort Lady Kayo, who reveals herself as a nine-tailed fox, and is based on a print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861) from 1849.Kosai Moritoshi (1854-1911) was the founder of a school of Manju netsuke carvers. Ueda Reikichi describes this carver’s work as having “a beautiful style”, see Bushell, Raymond (1961) The Netsuke Handbook by Ueda Reikichi, p. 543.Literature comparison: Compare a related ivory manju netsuke by Kosai Moritoshi, similarly carved in shishiaibori, formerly in the collection of Raymond Bushell and now in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, accession number M.87.263.25. Compare a closely related ivory manju netsuke, the subject described as “the story of Abe no Seimei and the nine-tailed fox”, signed Shunkosai Moritoshi and also with a ‘flying crane’ kakihan, dated c. 1870, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 581.Auction comparison: Compare a related ivory manju netsuke by Moritoshi, similarly carved in shishiaibori and also with a ‘flying crane’ kakihan, at Bonhams, Asian Decorative Arts, 24 June 2015, San Francisco, lot 8007 (sold for 3,750 USD). Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0229).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.

Ɏ A SUPERBLY INLAID IVORY MANJU NETSUKE DEPICTING A BOY AND GOATInscribed Shibayama 芝山Japan, Tokyo, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Published: Netsuke Kenkyukai Study Journal, vol.11, no.1, p. 12.Sydney L. Moss (2010) they are all fire and every one doth shine. The Elly Nordskog Collection of Japanese Inro, Pipecases and Netsuke, London, pp. 378-379, no. 124.The two-part ivory manju netsuke superbly inlaid in silver with gold and copper details, translucent buffalo horn, aogai, and malachite with a design of a boy dressed in Korean garments, riding a goat and holding a fan, next to craggy rocks, a fence, and a large leafy plant. The back with central himotoshi and replaced signature plaque reading Shibayama.DIAMETER 3.9 cmCondition: Good condition, minor wear to inlays, possibly some minor old repairs to malachite. The signature plaque is replaced.Provenance: Ex-collection Elinor “Elly” Nordskog (1919-2013).As noted by Sydney Moss Ltd. it is unlikely that this manju is by a member of the Shibayama family, but much more likely by the talented metalworker Serizawa Ryumin (born ca. 1836).Literature comparison:A related manju netsuke with similar inlays depicting Tenaga is in The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, Maryland, accession no. 71.985. Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0206).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.

Ɏ A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SAKE BOTTLE (TOKKURI)Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a sake bottle, one side worked with the lucky god Hotei in sunken relief, the concentric circles across the globular body imitating the lines that are created when the lathe is turned, the underside marked with an imitation pottery seal mark in the form of a kakihan (artist’s monogram).HEIGHT 4.4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear and natural age cracks. Provenance: German private collection, purchased from Lempertz, Cologne, in 2014.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0334).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.

Ɏ HOZAN: AN IVORY MANJU NETSUKE DEPICTING A BOY WITH BAGBy Hozan, signed Hozan with kakihan Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of circular form, the two-part manju finely carved in shishiaibori (sunken relief) to one side with a karako holding a bag behind his back (an allusion to the lucky god Hotei), the face with a cheerful expression. The reverse with a neatly engraved staff, a central himotoshi and the signature HOZAN with kakihan – a pupil of Hojitsu.DIAMETER 4.4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, fine age cracks.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0304).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.

Ɏ RYUMIN: A FINE IVORY MANJU NETSUKE OF A SAMBASO DANCERBy Ryumin, signed Ryumin with kakihan Japan, Edo (Tokyo), c. 1860, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sydney L. Moss (2010) they are all fire and every one doth shine. The Elly Nordskog Collection of Japanese Inro, Pipecases and Netsuke, London, pp. 376-377, no. 123.Of circular form, the two-part manju finely carved to one side in shishiaibori (sunken relief) with a sambaso dancer in a dynamic pose with all limbs spread out, his face with a joyful expression. The reverse carved with a long-haired female courtier seen from behind, the hair neatly incised. The back with central himotoshi and red-ink signature RYUMIN with kakihan.DIAMETER 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with a minor nibbling to the rim.Provenance: Ex-collection Elinor “Elly” Nordskog (1919-2013).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0308).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.

Ɏ AN IVORY AND METAL KAGAMIBUTA NETSUKE DEPICTING A KONOHA TENGU WITH A GEISHAJapan, late 19th centuryOf circular form, the ivory bowl fitted with a shibuichi plate very finely worked in high relief and decorated in gold and copper takazogan to depict a Konoha tengu, with a suggestively elongated nose, following a geisha. Central himotoshi to the back.DIAMETER 4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear and traces of use.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0316).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 BLIND STONE LIFTERJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)The wood netsuke finely carved to depict a crouching blind man trying to lift a boulder before him, wearing only a loincloth, his emaciated rib case visible, his inlaid eye popping out as a result of the strain of the weight. Two himotoshi at the underside, one of which shows a stained rim. HEIGHT 3.8 cmCondition: Overall good condition with chipping to toe of the left foot, the signature plate missing, and surface wear. Provenance: French private collection.

A GLAZED CERAMIC (YAKIMONO) NETSUKE OF SHOKIJapan, 19th centuryThe demon queller striding in a dynamic pose with the legs bent, holding his trusty sword with one hand and raising the other hand with the palm facing upward. He is shrouded in a silvery black, loose-fitting robe cascading in voluminous folds. Two asymmetrical himotoshi to the back.HEIGHT 5.2 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear and firing flaws.Provenance: German private collection.

SHUGETSU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF THE SAMBIKI SARU (THREE WISE MONKEYS)By Shugetsu, signed Shugetsu 舟月Japan, Edo (Tokyo), first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A compact and finely carved netsuke of the sambiki saru, also referred to as the three wise monkeys. The three primates are huddled together, each using their hands to cover the others’ ears, eyes, or mouth. Their fur is neatly incised and their features, such as the eyes, fingers, and toes, are well detailed. Signed on one of the monkeys’ backs SHUGETSU – probably Shugetsu II. Himotoshi underneath between one of the paws.HEIGHT 3.8 cmCondition: One foot with old repair to the toes, otherwise in excellent condition with minor wear.Provenance: German private collection.Literature comparison: Monkeys appear to be a rare subject for the Shugetsu line of carvers. For an example of a single monkey performing the sambiki saru by Shugetsu I, see Scholten Japanese Art (2001) Expressions of Style, p. 123, no. 152.

A STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A MONKEY HOLDING A PEACHJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)Depicting a monkey seated on a rocky base, clutching a peach with both hands, with a whimsical expression. Large himotoshi to the base.HEIGHT 6.4 cm Condition: Very good condition, little wear and natural flaws to the material. Provenance: European private collection.

A STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A RAT ON ROPEJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The finely carved and charming netsuke, depicting a rat with inlaid eyes and a long tail, crawling on top of an elaborately tied bundle of twisted ropes. The two symmetrical himotoshi running through the underside.LENGHT 8.1 cmCondition: Good condition with usual traces of wear and age. Provenance: European private collection.

A LARGE WOOD SHUNGA NETSUKE OF OKAMEUnsigned Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Boldly carved standing and leaning forwards, the characteristic face with a cheerful expression, charming dimples, and plump cheeks, wearing a phallic cowl, the back with two asymmetrical himotoshi.HEIGHT 5.4 cmCondition: Very good condition with some wear, few minor age cracks, traces of use, few minuscule nicks.Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt.

Ɏ A FINE IVORY RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE WITH DARUMA, ATTRIBUTED TO RENSAIAttributed to Ishikawa Rensai, unsignedJapan, Tokyo, Asakusa district, late 19th centuryCarved on one side with an image of a grim, pensive Daruma against a ground of leaves and iron bars, the reverse with a beautifully carved hossu (flywhisk) and a nyoi-scepter and central floral himotoshi.DIAMETER 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition. Fine honey-colored patina.Provenance: French private collection.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0346).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 TANBA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF THREE PUPPIES AND AWABI SHELLSUnsignedJapan, Tanba province, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The two awabi shells placed next to each other, three puppies clambering over them, two of them biting into a rope which connects the two shells, the third biting into another’s tail. The details very finely carved and the wood appealingly stained. The eyes inlaid in dark horn. Natural himotoshi.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: French private collection, purchased at Christie’s Paris, 10th June 2009, lot 29. Auction comparison:Compare to a related wood netsuke of two puppies by Naito Toyomasa, sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 12 November 2015, London, lot 113 (sold for 6,875 GBP).

A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO BOYS AND MORTARJapan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as two children playing around a mortar, one crouched on top and helping the other up by grabbing his hand. Each is dressed in a neatly detailed apron and the facial features are expressively crafted. The mortar is minutely stippled to accurately replicate the ishime surface. Large, generously excavated himotoshi underneath.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Excellent condition. Provenance: US private collection.Literature comparison:For a near-identical wood netsuke signed Ohara Mitsuhiro with kakihan, see Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 546.

A HYOTAN SHAPE WOOD NETSUKEJapan, 19th centuryThe netsuke of hyotan (double gourd) form, carved from wood, wrapped by a braided cord and topped off with a bone stopper. This type of netsuke was used to store powdered ink.HEIGHT 4.5 cmCondition: Fine condition with traces of wear, age, and notches. Provenance: East German private collection, assembled in the 1970s and 1980s.

A LACQUERED WOOD SASHI NETSUKE OF TAIRA NO TADANORI UNDERNEATH A CHERRY TREEUnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The kushi-shaped sashi netsuke with one rounded and one flat side, very finely decorated in splendid iro-e takamaki-e with an image of Taira no Tadanori resting underneath a blossoming cherry tree. Two himotoshi near the top in the front.LENGTH 15.2 cmCondition: Very good condition, minuscule wear to lacquer. Some natural knots in the wood.Provenance: French private colleciton.Taira no Tadanori (1144–1184) was a poet and military leader of the late Heian period. He died in the Battle of Ichi-no-Tani (20th March 1184). His body was identified by a signed poem that was fastened to his quiver. The poem read:“Evening drawing on, I'll take lodging in the shade of this tree,and make its blossoms my host for the night.”

A RARE STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A FOREIGN DEVIL19th century or laterDerived from a Malayan kris handle, the semi-human creature seated with its three-clawed hands resting on its bent knees and its long curly hair elegantly falling down its scaly back, the face with a grim expression, the top and bottom plugged, the back with two asymmetrical himotoshi.HEIGHT 6.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with some wear, natural flaws to the material, few minuscule nicks.Provenance: From a private collection in Berlin, Germany.

A RARE WOOD SHUNGA NETSUKE DEPICTING A MONK IN A VULVAUnsigned Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst Köln (2017) Netsuke & Sagemono, pp. 124-125, no. 207.Realistically carved as a vulva, the vaginal opening containing a minute and movable figure of a praying monk, perhaps acting as a harigata. The back with two himotoshi. HEIGHT 4.6 cmCondition: Good condition with minor surface wear, few minuscule nicks, occasional light scratches, minor age cracks.Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt.

AN EARLY WOOD NETSUKE OF A SARUMAWASHIUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Expressively and boldly carved as a standing monkey trainer holding a taming stick by his side, a monkey clambering over the large bag slung over his back. The well-toned wood bearing a fine patina. Large, generously excavated himotoshi through the back.HEIGHT 7.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor associated surface wear. Fine, appealing patina.Provenance: German private collection.

Ɏ AN IVORY NETSUKE DEPICTING A CRANEJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)The ivory netsuke of rectangular form, decorated with aogai (mother-of-pearl) inlays, depicting a crane with outspread wings. The two asymmetrical himotoshi running through the backside.LENGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Traces of wear and age with small inlays of the crane missing. Provenance: German private collection, acquired between 1960 and 1990.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0434).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.

KOGYOKU: A WALNUT NETSUKE OF DARUMABy Kogyoku, signed KogyokuJapan, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The kurumi netsuke finely carved as Daruma completely enveloped in his robe, his grotesque facial expression quite amusing, the eyes inlaid in dark horn with metal surrounds. The back with two himotoshi, one florally rimmed, the signature KOGYOKU within a recessed reserve.HEIGHT 4.2 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface wear, natural flaws to the material. 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.

KOKEI: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A GOAT AND YOUNG ON A ROCKBy Kokei, signed Kokei 虎溪Japan, Kuwana, Ise province, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely and dynamically carved as a young goat clambering on top of a craggy rock, its mother climbing up to meet it. Note the finely carved shaggy fur. The wood slightly worn and bearing a good patina. Himotoshi cleverly incorporated into the design, through the rock underneath, and signed KOKEI.LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Good condition with associated surface wear, tiny chip to one ear of the young goatProvenance: Ex-collection Ted Wrangham. Edward A. ‘Ted’ Wrangham (1928-2009) formed one of the most important collections of Japanese Art in modern times. His reference book ‘The Index of Inro Artists’ (1995) is considered one of the most important English-language studies on Japanese lacquer ever published.Auction comparison:Kokei is best known for his netsuke of goats, however the addition of a cub is rather rare. For a netsuke of a goat by Kokei, see Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 143 (sold for 5,625 GBP).

MASANAO: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A CLUSTER OF MUSHROOMSBy a member of the Masanao family, signed MasanaoJapan, Ise-Yamada, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a cluster of seven shimeji mushrooms, densely packed together, forming a pleasingly tactile and compact composition. Note the contrast between the smoothly polished caps and incised radial gills. ‘Natural’ himotoshi through one of the stems and signed within a slightly raised, polished reserve MASANAO.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Good, slightly worn condition with few small age cracks and tiny nicks.Provenance: British private collection.

MINKOKU I: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF AN OLD MAN WITH CANEBy Genryosai Minkoku I, signed Minkoku 珉谷Japan, Edo (Tokyo), late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The old man standing, dressed in an elaborately carved kimono, leaning against a gnarly cane, looking upwards with squinting eyes, perhaps indicating he is blind, the mouth opened with laughter. The darkened wood bearing a superb patina. The back with superb himotoshi, generously excavated and tucked under the kimono. Signed in boldly incised characters MINKOKU.HEIGHT 7.7 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor expected wear, superb patina, tiny chip to one foot.Provenance: European collection.Genryosai Minkoku I (succeeded by Minkoku II) excelled in carvings of figures, his netsuke possessing remarkable vigor, and was one of the few netsukeshi who is documented being famous during their lifetime.Literature comparison:The present netsuke compares favorably, particularly in the expression, to an unsigned netsuke formerly in the Dr Joseph & Edie Kurstin and Virginia Atchley collections, published in Okada, Neill (1980) Real and Imaginary Beings, p. 87, no. 84 and Atchley, Virginia / Davey, Neil (2006) The Virginia Atchley Collection of Japanese Miniature Arts, p. 135, N179.

A GOLD LACQUER FOUR-CASE INRO WITH CRANES AND MINOGAMEUnsignedJapan, 19th centuryOf upright, rounded rectangular form, bearing a gold lacquer ground with hiramaki-e, depicting a scene with a crane and minogame to each side, detailing in gold and silver lacquer. The interior with a nashiji ground. With a silvered copper ojime and a stag antler netsuke of a shishi on a rock carrying a ball in its mouth.HEIGHT 8.9 cmCondition: Commensurate with age, light surface scratches, a crack to the upper edge, and material loss.Provenance: Hungarian private collection.