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A POWERFUL IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT OX LICKING ITS NOSE, ATTRIBUTED TO GARAKUAttributed to Risuke Garaku, unsigned Japan, Osaka, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Barry Davies Oriental Art, Netsuke from the Teddy Hahn Collection, London, 1996, no. 80.Powerfully carved as a recumbent ox with its tongue sticking out. The rope halter which passes through its nose is carefully carved and extends over the ox's back. The body shape of the ox is carved remarkably well, bold in design and bulky with sharp and strong contours. The fur is finely incised and characteristically worn. The underside with finely carved tucked in legs and a beautiful rich yellow patina, as well as large, coherent himotoshi.LENGTH 5.5 cmCondition: Very good condition. The ivory worn with expected agecracks. Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt.Risuke Garaku of Osaka, one of the few artists mentioned in the Soken Kisho, was a bold and powerful carver from the latter half of the 19th century. Some of his designs, like the present netsuke, strongly suggest Kyoto school.Literature comparison: For another model of an ox licking its nose see F. Meinertzhagen, MCI Part A, New York, 1986, page 70.Auction comparison: For another netsuke attributed to Garaku of similar design see Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art, 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 AT 22-B-0286). 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.

NORITSUGU: A RARE SILVER AND MIXED-METAL NETSUKE OF A KABUTOBy Noritsugu, signed Noritsugu Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The netsuke cast in the form of a kabuto (helmet), the rounded bowl overlaid with silver ridges and surmounted by a tehen kanamono in the form of a chrysanthemum, a fitting at the front for the maedate (forecrest), the himotoshi also in the form of chrysanthemum to the underside and the signature NORITSUGU within an oval reserve.LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface wear. Provenance: Ex-collection Richard R. Silverman, purchased from Midori Gallery (Sachi Wagner) in 1994. 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.

A FLAT IVORY NETSUKE OF A FOX PRIEST (HAKUZOSU)Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of flat, slightly curved shape, depicting a kitsune (fox) disguised as a priest, almost completely enveloped in its robe, only the characteristic long face peeking out, and leaning on a bamboo cane. One pierced himotoshi.HEIGHT 7.6 cmCondition: Very good condition, a miniscule chip to one ear. The ivory with an appealing, smooth patina.Hakuzosu is the name of a popular kitsune character who shapeshifted into a priest in the Kyogen play Tsurigitsune. Kitsune are creatures imbued with magical powers and are known to have the ability of shapeshifting. They are also believed to be animated by the devils.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0302).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 EDO SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF SHOKI AND AN ONIJapan, Edo (Tokyo), 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The finely stained and polished wood well carved to depict the demon queller Shoki holding a helpless oni he has captured with one hand, while the other holds his trusty sword, his face with a fierce expression with the mouth agape, the back with two himotoshi.HEIGHT 5.3 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear. Fine, smooth patina due to extensive handling over many years.Provenance: French private collection.Literature comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke of Shoki and an oni by Shuraku, from the Albert Brockhaus Collection, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 786. Compare a related wood netsuke of Shoki and an oni by Shoraku, with similar staining and polish as the present lot, illustrated by Patrizia Jirka-Schmitz (2000) Netsuke: Trumpf Collection, vol. 2, Linden Museum, 2000, p. 75, no. 76.

TANAKA JUNTOKU MINKO: A SUPERB AND TALL WOOD NETSUKE OF A DRUMMING ASHINAGABy Tanaka Juntoku Minko (1735-1816), signed Minko with seal zuJapan, Tsu, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved from a pale wood, the surface superbly polished bringing out the natural grain to great effect, the islander standing tall with elongated legs, one foot placed over the other, wearing only a loincloth, his distended stomach bulging over, his arms muscular and holding a small hand drum which he beats with a mallet, his mouth opened as if about to burst into song. Ashinaga's features are superbly crafted, the cheek bones are powerfully sculpted, and the mouth is opened revealing minutely carved teeth and tongue, the pierced eyes surmounted by bushy brows and the hair formed by boldly carved, swirling curls. The back shows the expressed spine and the deeply incised signature MINKO with seal zu. The himotoshi are excellent as well, formed by a large hole to the back and a 'chimney-style' opening underneath the loincloth.HEIGHT 13 cmCondition: Excellent condition. Minor surface wear, some tiny nicks here and there. Fine patina.Provenance: From a Czech private collection mostly focused on Japanese arms and armor, this being the only netsuke in the entire collection of Japanese art.Tanaka Juntoko Minko (1735-1816) was one of the few names mentioned in the Soken Kisho of 1781, the first publication mentioning netsuke. He was famous during his lifetime and is widely regarded as one of the greatest netsuke carvers. At first, he was a carver of Buddhist shrines, and only carved netsuke later, setting up a school in Tsu. This is certainly one of his earlier works, stylistically and due to the use of the seal 'zu' which is seen almost exclusively on his taller figures. Much of his later work was dedicated to carvings of animals of the zodiac. His figures, such as the present piece, possess remarkable power and sculptural quality.There appears to be only one other netsuke of this subject recorded by Minko, signed Gose Minko zu. This was in the collections of Albert Brockhaus and Walter Lionel Behrens and is unfortunately unillustrated in the relevant publications.Literature comparison: The present netsuke compares favorably to the famous tall figure of Okame and Fukurokuju, formerly in the collections of W. L. Behrens, S. Bing and C. Trumpf, now located in the Linden Museum, Stuttgart, accession no. OA 18739. Note particularly the similarities in the expression, carving of the feet, size (12.2 cm), and choice of wood. Both netsuke are also signed Minko with seal zu.Auction comparison: Compare to a related tall wood figure of Ashinaga and Tenaga from the Carlo Monzino collection, sold at Sotheby's, 21 June 1995, London, lot 21 (sold for 3,220 GBP).

AN UNUSUAL WOOD NETSUKE OF SHOKI AND ONIJapan, possibly Osaka, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)An unusually expressive wood netsuke of Shoki dressed in an elaborately decorated robe with upwards flaring sleeves, his hair and beard rising upwards from a sudden gust of wind, his sword drawn behind his back, and holding a small grinning oni by the horns. The eyes of the demon queller are double-inlays of pale and dark horn, and the eyes of the oni are inlaid in bone. The wood bearing a superb, unctuous patina. Large chimney-type himotoshi through the back and underneath.HEIGHT 5 cmCondition: Worn condition. Old damage to the legs of Shoki and oni, age cracks, minor chip to the robe. The right eye-pupil of Shoki is lost.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.

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.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0285). 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.

TADAYOSHI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A YOKOZUNA (SUMO CHAMPION)By Tadayoshi, signed TadayoshiJapan, 19th centuryThe wrestler wearing a ceremonial belt with neatly incised decoration, his face with a resolute expression, his muscular body and rotund belly well rendered, the incision work heightened with sumi, himotoshi to the back and behind, the reverse of the belt with the signature TADAYOSHI.HEIGHT 4.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: Piasa, Paris, 20 March 1998. French private collection, acquired from the above.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0295).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.

MASATOMO: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A STATION BELL (EKIREI)By Masatomo, signed MasatomoJapan, Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The globular bell surmounted by a loop encircled by chrysanthemum petals and carved with a loose semi-circular handle, the sides carved with two shaped reverses, each enclosing the characters ekirei carved in relief against a stippled ground heightened with sumi. Signed below the chrysanthemum collar MASATOMO.HEIGHT 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with wear, minor age cracks. Fine and smooth honey patina.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Under the Japanese ritsuryo system, station bells or post bells (ekirei) were bells of red copper issued by the central government or by local provincial government offices to travelling officials or messengers known as ekishi. Functioning as a proof of identity, they allowed them to procure horses and labor at post stations. Depending on the rank of the emissary, the bells were marked with a number of notches regulating the number of horses that could be requested. A prince of royal blood of first rank, for example, would receive ten horses. On urgent dispatches the ekishi would ride with the bells ringing in order to be able to change horses at any time of day or night without delay. These bells were also known as post road bells (ekiru no suzu) or stable bells (umaya no suzu). The system was established in the Taiho Code from 701 and was in use until the end of the 12th century or the end of the Heian period when it fell in disuse together with the demise of the centralized state.Literature comparison: A related ivory netsuke of a station bell, also carved with the ekirei characters in relief, but of different form, is illustrated by Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 372, no. 1120.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0291). 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 FOUR-CASE LACQUER INRO OF ROSEI'S DREAMJapan, 19th centuryThe four-case inro lacquered in black depicting Rosei sleeping on a Chinese, red-lacquered daybed, putting his left arm over a pillow and holding a fan to his face, the face with eyes closed visible through the inlaid mica sheet, all rendered in iro-e takamaki -e, hiramaki-e, and with some mura-nashiji at the top, the reverse with superb togidashi-e depicting Rosei's dream being in a palanquin carried by the emperor's servants. The inside of gold fundame. With a fine boxwood mask netsuke of Okame. SIZE 7.5 x 7.7 cm (the inro), HEIGHT 4.7 cm (the netsuke)Condition: Very good condition with only very minor wear. The mica sheet possibly restored.Provenance: Dutch collection.Auction comparison:A closely related inro by Koma Kyuhaku was sold at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part I, 9 November 2010, London, lot 269 (sold for 8,160 GBP).

TOSHIMASA: A FINE IVORY MASK NETSUKE OF OKAMEBy Toshimasa, signed ToshimasaJapan, 19th centuryOkame is depicted with black hair neatly parted in the middle and gently smiling, a pair of hikimayu eyebrows high on her forehead, the lips colored in red. Signature TOSHIMASA on the himotoshi bar in the back. The ivory superbly polished.HEIGHT 3.1 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear.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-0310). 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 TANBA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A HATCHING TENGU (TENGU NO TAMAGO)Japan, Tanba province, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Boldly carved as a tengu hauling itself out of its large egg, its head and the upper part of its body already fledged and one wing trailing over the shell, using one arm to free the other wing, the back and underside with large himotoshi.LENGTH 5 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear, few minuscule nicks, light surface scratches. Fine, naturally grown, dark, smooth patina.Provenance: European collection.

A TALL WOOD NETSUKE OF SHOKI AND ONIJapan, Meiji period (1615-1868)Well carved standing, holding a small helpless oni by the loincloth with one hand and a halberd in the other, his typical sword attached to his back, clad in armor, the chestplate decorated with a demon mask, the robe with cloud designs, his face with a fierce expression with incised eyes and furrowed brows, the back with two asymmetrical bone-ringed himotoshi.HEIGHT 8.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: French private collection, acquired from Galerie Yamato, Paris, in 2004.

A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SUMO WRESTLERJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Bandini, Rosemary (2006) Tiny Titans: The Sumo Netsuke Collection of Karl-Ludwig Kley, no. 45, illustrated on the fly cover.The wrestler squatting, his eyes looking intently ahead as he stares down his unseen opponent, in the shikiri routine preceding the bout. One hand touches the ground lightly, signaling his readiness to fight. His body bulges with musculature and the etched hairs around his stomach and thighs reinforce the sense of raw strength. Natural himotoshi between the limbs.LENGTH 3 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Paul Corbin. Ex-collection Karl-Ludwig Kley.The present netsuke shows a sumo wrestler in the moments before the match begins, when the two wrestlers perform and repeat a warmup routine called shikiri. This moment of the two fighters psyching each other up creates tension for spectators as well as the combatants.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0296). 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.

VADYM PYVOVAR: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A COILED SNAKE AFTER MATSUDA SUKENAGABy Vadym Pyvovar, signed with the artist's markUkraine, 2021Finely carved after the famous model by the Hida artist Matsuda Sukenaga, the scales rendered meticulously, and the eyes inlaid. The underside with natural himotoshi and signed with the artist's initials within a rectangular reserve.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Auction comparison: Compare to an example which inspired this model, sold by Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 9 November 2017, London, lot 5 (sold for 13,750 GBP). Compare also a closely related netsuke by the same artist at Zacke, Japanese Art, 21 January 2021, Vienna, lot 342 (sold for 2,022 EUR).

MINKO: A RARE TONKOTSU SET DEPICTING BELLY-DRUMMING TANUKIThe tonkotsu and netsuke signed Minko with kakihanJapan, Tsu, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The paulownia wood tonkotsu inlaid with a wood tanuki drumming on his belly (tanuki hara tsuzumi), further embellished with antler and mother-of-pearl, the cover inlaid with the rising moon. The stag antler ojime in the shape of a tanuki with enlarged belly. The matching wood netsuke as well in the shape of a tanuki about to drum on its huge belly, the eyes inlaid in brass with dark pupils. The tonkotsu and netsuke both signed MINKO and with kakihan.SIZE (tonkotsu) 8.2 x 6.5 cm, HEIGHT (ojime) 1.6 cm, HEIGHT (netsuke) 3.7 cmCondition: Good condition with minor associated wear. The netsuke with an old chip to the tanuki's tail.Provenance: German private collection.The tanuki possesses magical powers and can change forms, sometimes into Buddhist monks; they are jovial, but also dangerous, as they have been known to suffocate hunters with their enormous scrotums. The act of drumming on the belly, according to legend, was used by tanuki to beguile travelers and hunters to lead them astray. However, it has also been said that tanuki would get together just for fun, drumming on their bellies under the moonlight, perhaps even with some sake involved.Auction comparison:A related tonkotsu by Minko was sold at Bonhams, Japanese Works of Art, 19 September 2008, New York, lot 5041 (sold for 4,800 USD).

SHUOSAI: A LARGE WOOD NETSUKE OF A GROUP OF MONKEYSBy Shuosai, signed ShuoJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Very finely carved as an adult monkey cradling one of its larger young, three more young monkeys clambering over one another, pulling and tugging, trying to get to the top. The fur is beautifully incised, the wood attractively stained, all eyes are inlaid in pale and dark horn. Natural himotoshi. The signature SHUO within an oval reserve.HEIGHT 6 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear.Provenance: European collection.

MEIGYOKU: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF THREE HAMAGURI CLAMS By Meigyoku, signed MeigyokuJapan, Tokyo, early 20th centuryWell carved as a cluster of three hamaguri clams, the shells boldly incised, with a single central himotoshi between the clams, the underside with the signature MEIGYOKU within a mother-of-pearl-inlaid oblong plaque.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear. Provenance: French private collection.The present netsuke was likely carved by Hiraga Meigyokusai (1896-1991), who began to use this signature in 1935 and was fond of carving netsuke based on earlier designs.

MASATAMI: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY MOUNTING A TORTOISEBy Masatami, signed Masatami Japan, Nagoya, late 19th centuryA wood netsuke of a monkey mounting a tortoise, armed with a rope, with neatly incised fur and inlaid eyes, the tortoise with its head turned back, looking at the monkey, the details well-carved. Asymmetrical himotoshi underneath and signed MASATAMI within an oval reserve.HEIGHT 4.8 cmCondition: Good condition with minor surface wear, one inlaid eye replaced, a short section of the rope missing and few minor superficial cracks to the underside. Provenance: European collection.

HORYU: AN IVORY MANJU NETSUKE DEPICTING A TOOLSMAN SMOKING A PIPEBy Horyu, signed Horyu with kakihan Japan, 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 a seated man taking a break and smoking a pipe, his face with an amusing expression, next to tools used to make ishiusu (small household hand mills to make the flour needed for noodles and dumplings). Signed to the back HORYU with kakihan. The artist was a pupil of Meikeisai Hojitsu.DIAMETER 4.3 cmCondition: Good condition with minor surface wear, the inside with a larger chip. Fine honey-yellow patina, particularly to the backside. Provenance: German private collection.Literature comparison:A closely related ivory manju netsuke by Ipposai is illustrated in Museum für Ostasiatische Kunst Köln (2017) Netsuke &Sagemono, no. 49.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0349).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 AND RARE SMALL GOLD-LACQUER SHODANA (DISPLAY CABINET) WITH STAND Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)The shodana (display cabinet) supported on the original gold-lacquer stand with four curved feet and neatly decorated in gold hiramaki-e and takamaki-e with several minogame (thousand-year-tortoises) amongst meandering streams and rocks. The silver and shakudo fitted cabinet comprising two pairs of hinged cupboard doors, one single corner door, one set of sliding doors, staggered shelves and three drawers, decorated in gold takamaki-e, kirigane and e-nashji with floral and mountainous landscape, as well as different birds, the top, sides, and reverse scattered with aoi-mons, the cupboard doors bordered with hanabishi (flowery-diamond) motifs.This shodana is ideal for presenting miniature artworks such as netsuke. HEIGHT (with stand) 37.5 cm, LENGTH (with stand) 31.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with only minimal wear to lacquered decoration and edges.Provenance: British private collection. Auction comparison:Shodana of this scale are exceedingly rare. For a larger shodana with a similar decoration of aoi-mons see Christie's, The Collector: European and English 18th and 19th Century Furniture and Works of Art, Silver, Ceramics and Gold Boxes, 15 July 2020, London, lot 236 (sold for 30,000 GBP).

RYUSHO: AN IVORY MANJU NETSUKE DEPICTING TWO SUMO WRESTLERSBy Ryusho, signed Ryusho Japan, Osaka, 19th centuryPublished: Bandini, Rosemary (2006) Tiny Titans: The Sumo Netsuke Collection of Karl-Ludwig Kley, no. 16.Of rounded rectangular form, well carved in shishiaibori (sunken relief) with two sumo wrestlers. Only the upper halves of their bodies are visible, bursting dramatically into the frame, giving a sense of impetus and power. The taller man reaches his arm around to grasp his rival's mawashi and lift him, ready for a throw, the latter twisting one arm back and around the neck of his opponent. Their facial and body hair is neatly and subtly incised. The underside with two himotoshi and the signature RYUSHO.HEIGHT 5 cmCondition: Good condition with some surface wear, traces of use, few small nicks, minor age cracks.Provenance: Ex-collection Karl-Ludwig Kley.Literature comparison: Compare a near-identical netsuke, signed Doyusai, dated mid-19th century, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 53.Auction comparison: Compare a related ivory manju netsuke by Doshosai, dated 19th century, at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part IV, 6 November 2013, London, lot 79 (sold for 1,875 GBP).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0327).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.

RYO: AN IVORY NETSUKE-OKIMONO OF A FARMER WITH CHICKENSSchool of Ono Ryomin, signed Ryo Japan, Tokyo, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Finely carved with a seated woman wearing a neatly incised patterned garment, a basket in front of her with a hen looking up at its little brood, which the woman holds up with both hands. The details are finely carved and inked, the hen's eyes minutely inlaid in dark horn. The underside with two himotoshi and signature within a rectangular reserve RYO.HEIGHT 3.9 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor traces of wear and some natural age cracks.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0341).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.

ANRAKU: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A KARAKO AND ELEPHANT By Shukosai Anraku(sai), signed AnrakuJapan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved and typically stained, the boy wearing a patterned robe, his hair tufts inlaid with dark horn, clambering on a recumbent elephant with its head raised, the trunk touching the fan held in the boy's hand, the animal neatly detailed with wrinkled body, large ears, and short tusks, the underside well carved with the elephant's limbs and tail as well as one himotoshi, the other himotoshi to the side. Signed ANRAKU to one of the elephant's hind legs.HEIGHT 3.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear and expected age cracks. Fine honey-brown patina.Provenance: French private collection.Literature comparison: Compare a related netsuke of three karako playing with an elephant by Anraku, dated ca. 1850, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 4.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0117). 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 SILK SEAL NETSUKE OF A FOREIGNERJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved as a foreigner with elaborate ruff and openwork-structure, the face with a grotesque, grim expression. Several natural openings for the cord attachment. The head with a plug.HEIGHT 5.2 cmCondition: Good condition with minor losses, natural imperfections, and a beautiful patina.Provenance: European collection.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related stag antler silk seal netsuke of a foreigner, dated 17th-18th century, at Christie's, Japanese Art &Design, 16 May 2012, London, lot 72 (sold for 1,750 GBP).

TOMOCHIKA: A LARGE AND NATURALISTIC WOOD NETSUKE OF A SKULL WITH HOSSUBy Tomochika, signed TomochikaJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Naturalistically carved from wood with bone teeth, several fine parietal lines covering the cranium, a hossu (flywhisk) below the skull. The back of the skull incised with the signature TOMOCHIKA within an irregular reserve. Natural himotoshi.LENGTH 5.3 cmCondition: Good condition, some age cracks, a natural knot in the wood above the right eye socket.Provenance: European collection.The fly whisk (hossu) belongs to the paraphernalia of a Buddhist monk, especially those of the Zen sect. The combination of skull and hossu might be an allusion to the Zen priest Ikkyû (1394-1481) who according to legend wandered around on New Year's day with a skull mounted on a stick as a reminder of the ephemeral nature of human life and the significance of the Buddhist teachings.

A HIRADO PORCELAIN NETSUKE OF A TIGER ON BAMBOOJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A Hirado-yaki netsuke of a tiger clambering on a segment of bamboo. The tiger's body is covered with incised lines for fur and glazed mottled brown. The bamboo is covered in a beautiful blueish-white glaze. One large himotoshi, the other 'natural' through the opening of the bamboo.HEIGHT 4.3 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor associated firing flaws.Provenance: European collection.This motif is called take no tora, "tiger in bamboo". There are many different interpretations; the tiger has a strong nature, is flexible and resilient like the bamboo, but it is also said that the strong tiger is looking for shelter underneath the bamboo, as any earthly power is inferior to the forces of nature. Moreover, the tiger and bamboo represent the power of faith in Buddhism.

VADYM PYVOVAR: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A NAGOYA STYLE DRAGONBy Vadym Pyvovar, signed with the artist's markUkraine, 2021Finely carved as a coiled dragon, the scaly body rendered meticulously, and the eyes inlaid. The underside with natural himotoshi under one leg and signed with the artist's initials within a rectangular reserve to the side.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition.

IKKO: A WOOD NETSUKE OF BENKEI INSIDE HORAGAIBy Ikko, signed IkkoJapan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The hero dressed as a Yamabushi priest with tokin cap, nestled inside a large conch shell and energetically blowing a small conch horn (horagai) whilst holding a rattle (shakujo) over the side of the shell. The reverse with two large asymmetrical himotoshi. Signed Ikko within a rounded reserve.LENGTH 5.5 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear, a few minuscule chips.Provenance: US private collection.

MINKO: A WOOD NETSUKE OF KIYOHIME ON THE BELL OF DOJOJIBy Tanaka Juntoku Minko (1735-1816), signed Minko with kakihanJapan, Tsu, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The dragon witch typically winding around the bell of Dojoji, her head at the side and the removable handle turning to show either the face of the priest Anchin or red flames within. Kiyohime's eyes are inlaid and the tongue is highlighted in gold. The underside with two large asymmetrical himotoshi and the signature MINKO with kakihan.HEIGHT 4.6 cmCondition: Good condition with some wear, minor age cracks, few small nicks.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Tanaka Juntoko Minko (1735-1816) was one of the few names mentioned in the Soken Kisho of 1781, the first publication mentioning netsuke. He was famous during his lifetime and is widely regarded as one of the greatest netsuke carvers. This was one of the most popular subjects of the "Tsu" school founded by Minko.The tale of Anchin and Kiyohime forms the basis of a collection of plays termed Dojoji mono (Dojo-ji Temple plays), depicting an event some years after the temple bell was destroyed. These plays include the Noh play Dojoji and the Kabuki dance drama Musume Dojoji. The legend, connected with the founding of the Dojo-ji temple in Kii Province (modern-day Wakayama Prefecture), relates how a priest named Anchin from Shirakawa in Oshu province making pilgrimage to the Kumano Shrine lodged at the home of a shoji (steward of a shoen manor) of Manago/Masago, where the manor official's daughter Kiyohime fell in love with the young monk. In order to avoid her, he deceived her with a false promise to return and continued his journey. Kiyohime became furious by his rejection and pursued him in rage. At the edge of the Hidaka River, Anchin asked a ferryman to help him to cross the river, but told him not to let her cross with his boat. When Kiyohime saw that Anchin was escaping her, she jumped into the river and started to swim after him. While swimming in the torrent of the Hidaka river, she transformed into a serpent or dragon because of her rage. When Anchin saw her coming after him in her monstrous new form, he ran into the temple called Dojo-ji. He asked the priests for help and they hid him under the bonsho bell of the temple. However, the serpent smelled him hiding inside the bell and started to coil around it. She banged the bell loudly several times with her tail, then gave a great belch of fire so powerful that it melted the bell and killed Anchin.Literature comparison: Compare two closely related wood netsuke by Minko, both with a similar revolving mechanism as the present lot, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 510 and 511.

CHIKUSAI: AN IVORY NETSUKE-OKIMONO OF A MOTHER POUNDING MOCHIBy Chikusai, signed ChikusaiJapan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)Depicting a mother supporting her child on her back while pounding mochi inside a mortar, two roosters standing on a duster by her side, the child holding a rattle. Natural himotoshi and signed within an oval reserve to the underside CHIKUSAI.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Good overall condition, expected age cracks, traces of use, a crack to the body of the mother. The mortar with a possibly intentional repaired crack fixed with an inlaid clasp. Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0297).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.

FUSAI: A RARE INLAID IVORY NETSUKE OF A CORAL FISHERMANBy Fusai, Signed Fusai Japan, Tokyo, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)The islander seated crossed-legged and holding a large piece of coral, wearing an inlaid loincloth and bracelets on his wrists and ankles, the ivory deeply stained. Two himotoshi to the back and signature within an oval reserve to the underside FUSAI.HEIGHT 4.9 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0292). 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 TARTAR ARCHERJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved from a hollow branch of antler, plugged at the top and bottom, and finely carved standing, wearing an elaborate robe with incised key-fret band, holding an arrow in his right and a longbow in his left hand, his head crouched with a grim expression. Two generously excavated himotoshi two the back.HEIGHT 7.2 cmCondition: Very good condition, natural imperfections, fine patina.Provenance: German private collection.

A RARE SILVER AND GILT RYUSA MANJU NETSUKEJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The massively cast and open-worked silver manju netsuke consisting of two parts which are welded together, ornately decorated with a central flower surrounded by scrolling foliage and with gilt highlights. Two himotoshi to the reverse.DIAMETER 4 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few casting irregularities.Provenance: Ex-collection Richard R. Silverman, purchased from Yagi, Kyoto, in 2007. 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.

A WOOD SEAL-TYPE NETSUKE OF ONO NO KOMACHIJapan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The legendary poetess depicted as an old emaciated hag, her beauty withered away, a large kasa (straw hat) attached to her back and holding a straw basket and cloth bag. She is forgotten by the courtly world in which she once shone and is reduced to begging and starving on the side of the road. The ingyo (seal) type netsuke with very large, generously excavated himotoshi. The underside of the seal is unengraved.HEIGHT 4.6 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear.Provenance: US private collection.Ono no Komachi was a Japanese waka poet, one of the Rokkasen (six best waka poets of the early Heian period) and was renowned for her extraordinary beauty. Several legends tell of her mistreatment of her many lovers. In the arts, she is often depicted as an old, withered hag and has thus become a symbol of the impermanence of beauty.

JUGYOKU: AN IMPORTANT AND MASTERFUL WOOD NETSUKE OF THE FEMALE GHOST OIWA WITH CHILD, COMMISSIONED FOR THE FAMOUS KABUKI ACTOR ONOE BAIKOBy Ryukosai Jugyoku, signed Jugyoku saku and with inscriptionJapan, Edo (Tokyo), c. 1830, Edo period (1615-1868)Superbly carved as the ghost Oiwa-san emerging from ghastly flames, her body twisting and robes flowing. Her bony fingers are finely shaped, one hand is cradling an infant which is nestled into her loose-fitted robe, gently pressed against her stomach, one of the baby's hands grabbing one of her breasts. Note the subtly incised rib cage and neck bones. Oiwa is looking at the child with motherly compassion, the infant in return looks up at the ghost yearningly. The superbly carved backside shows neatly incised trailing hair and a grave post (sotoba) engulfed by more ghastly flames and the minutely incised inscription as well as the signature JUGYOKU saku [made by Jugyoku].The inscription reads: 梅幸丈好應、寿玉作 "Baiko-jo konomi ni ojite, Jugyoku saku" [Made by Jugyoku by the request of Master Onoe Baiko" The word "Jo 丈" is an honorific suffix given to Kabuki actors. According to the inscription in the back, this netsuke was commissioned by the famous Kabuki actor Onoe Baiko - there are many generations of the same name but it most likely refers to Onoe Kikugoro III (active as Baiko III). This netsuke depicts a legendary and controversial scene in the fifth and final act of the famous kabuki play Yotsuya Kaidan by Tsuruya Nanboku IV. In this scene, Oiwa emerges in the form of an Ubume from a consecration cloth, holding her child in her arms. An Ubume is a type of ghost associated with pregnancy and childbirth. Depicting Oiwa as an Ubume was considered highly audacious, because Oiwa had murdered her own child. With depictions of ubume being ubiquitous at the time, the unusual twist had an immense impact on the audience, and it ultimately defined the stardom of Onoe Kikugorō III (1784-1849), who was the only actor ever to play Oiwa in it.The scene was dropped after the first production in 1825 amid fierce debate and replaced with a special effect in which Oiwa emerges from a burning lantern. For further reading on the cultural significance of this scene see Shimazaki, Satoko (2011) The End of the "World": Tsuruya Nanboku IV's Female Ghosts and Late-Tokugawa Kabuki.HEIGHT 7.8 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: From a noted Swiss private collection.Tsuruya Nanboku IV, the playwright of the famous Yotsuya Kaidan, wrote the role of Oiwa specifically for his friend Onoe Kikugoro III (Baiko III), who played the lead role during this famous kabuki play's debut in 1825. It is most likely that this netsuke was commissioned both as a as a talisman (engimono 縁起物), because kabuki actors playing ghosts-roles were thought to be haunted and accident-prone, and as a commemorative gift to remind of the legendary scene in the fifth and final act which had only been performed in the introducing season of the play. Onoe Kikugoro III (1784-1849) was one of the most talented actors of his age. He was adopted into the Onoe lineage of actors and made his debut at the age of four under the name Onoe Eisaburo I. After playing the parts of young men, he assumed the name of his adoptive father in 1809, becoming Onoe Matsusuke II. In 1814 he appeared as Onoe Baiko, and a year later his reputation was such that he became the first actor for almost 30 years to succeed to the Kikugoro name, becoming Onoe Kikugoro III, although he retained the name Baiko to sign his poetry. He is best remembered for his alliance with the playwright Tsuruya Nanboku IV, who in 1825 wrote the role of Oiwa in Yotsuya Kaidan, the best known of all Kabuki ghost plays, specifically for him.Yotsuya Kaidan, the story of Oiwa and Tamiya Iemon, is a tale of betrayal, murder and ghostly revenge. Arguably the most famous Japanese ghost story of all time, it has been adapted for film over 30 times and continues to be of a major influence on Japanese horror stories of the present day.Ryukosai Jugyoku, the carver of this netsuke, was likely provided with an immense challenge, given the notorious prominence of this specific depiction of Oiwa. A generous commission, and being able to work for one of the biggest kabuki-stars of all times, must have had a stimulating effect on the artist. Arguably, he eventually surpassed himself with the present work, which certainly must be considered as this carver's masterpiece.Not only is the present lot exemplary of the very finest carvings of its era, and by one of its most talented artists, but the absolutely unique historic angle, confirmed by an inscription, makes this sublime work of art one of the most important netsuke to ever appear on the market.

A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SEAMSTRESS, ATTRIBUTED TO MINKOKUAttributed to Shuyusai Minkoku, unsigned Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved kneeling, the lady holding a length of cloth in her hands, a sewing box next to her. The patterned robe, neatly tied up hair and sewing box with minute details are skillfully incised and inked. Big asymmetrical himotoshi to the underside.HEIGHT 4.1 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and few natural age cracks, fine honey-colored patina, particularly to the backside.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0331).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 TSUISHU LACQUER NETSUKE OF A DOG ON RECTANGULAR BASEJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved and lacquered in tsuishu (carved red lacquer) depicting an unusually characterful dog (inu) with sparsely incised fur, a long pronounced snout, floppy ears, and a content expression. The entire composition is set on a rectangular base incised with a key-fret design on the sides and with a hanabishi (lit. flower diamonds) pattern on the underside. Central himotoshi underneath.HEIGHT 4.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear to lacquer.Provenance: Ex-collection Conte Don Enrico Lucchesi Palli, Monarch of Campofranco. Purchased in 1889, when he accompanied his cousin Enrico (Henry), Prince of Parma, Earl of Bardi, on a tour of the world from 1887-1891. Thence by descent within the same family.

GEORGES WEIL: AN AMUSING WOOD NETSUKE OF A DUCKBy Georges Weil (b. 1938), signed with the artist's markCarved from red-stained wood and depicting a duck, the various parts of the animal carved in an accomplished matter, displaying a variety of complex textures, the inlaid eyes and beak producing an amusing expression. The underside carved showing the flat webbed feet, asymmetrical himotoshi and signature within a gold tablet WEIL.LENGTH 4.6 cmCondition: Good condition, a small hairline to the side. Provenance: Dutch private collection.Georges Weil was born in Vienna in 1938 and moved to England one year later. He became a famous jewelry designer and sculptor of precious metals and his works are highly collectible to this day. Weil started collecting netsuke in the 1960s and started carving netsuke in the 1970s. His works have been featured in many exhibitions throughout the world, and are in the collections of many museums, such as the British Museum.

A TALL STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF SEIOBOJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved from a large hollow branch section of the antler, plugged at the top and bottom, the slight curvature of the carving adhering to the natural shape of the material, boldly carved as the Queen Mother of the West Seiobo holding a basket of peaches and a fruiting peach branch. Asymmetrical himotoshi to the back.HEIGHT 10.7 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear.Provenance: European collection.

AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A RAT WITH HAMAGURI CLAMSJapan, Osaka or Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A well-sized and boldly carved ivory netsuke of a seated rat (nezumi) lifting its front paws, the thick tail curling around and caught inside a hamaguri clam, another clam next to it revealing a fleshy tongue - both surely an erotic allusion. The rodent's eyes are inlaid in dark horn. Very large and generously excavated himotoshi underneath. The ivory bearing a fine, yellowish patina and the neatly incised hairwork is appealingly worn.LENGTH 4.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with associated natural age cracks.Provenance: French private collection.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related ivory netsuke, signed Masakazu, sold at Van Ham, Asian Art, 14 June 2018, Cologne, lot 2280 (sold for 1,935 EUR).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0105).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

MITSUHIRO: A FINE IVORY MASK NETSUKE OF OKAME By Ohara Mitsuhiro (1810-1875), signed Mitsuhiro and kakihanJapan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Okame is depicted with black hair neatly parted in the middle, a pair of hikimayu eyebrows high on her forehead, with a gentle smile, the inside of the mouth and lips stained black. The reverse with the signature MITSUHIRO and kakihan below a ladle which functions as the cord attachment. The ivory superbly polished and lightly stained as is typical for this celebrated artist.HEIGHT 3.5 cmCondition: Very good condition. A few age cracks, fine patina.Provenance: French private collection.Literature comparison:For a closely related example see Victor Harris (1987) The Hull Grundy Collection in the British Museum, no. 87.Auction comparison:Compare a related ivory netsuke of Okame by Ohara Mitsuhiro, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke &Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 76 (sold for 3,792 EUR).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0345). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A RARE STAG ANTLER 'SILK SEAL' TYPE NETSUKE OF A FOREIGNER Japan, late 17th - early 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved in the shape of a monstrous head with an elaborately crafted collar. The antler bearing a beautiful patina. Large himotoshi. The underside of the seal is unengraved.HEIGHT 4.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition with 'natural flaws' to the material.Provenance: French private collection.During the Muromachi, Momoyama, and Edo periods, Japan imported large quantities of raw silk from China through the port of Nagasaki. The Chinese merchants attached metal seals known as itoin (literally, 'fiber seals') to their shipments where they were used to verify a transaction and subsequently returned to China. During the Edo period internal silk shipments were identified by seals which were modelled after the Chinese itoin, though instead of metal, stag antler was the preferred medium. This distinct type is commonly known as a 'silk seal'.Literature comparison:For a discussion of this type and for similar examples see Bushell, Raymond (1975) Netsuke Familiar &Unfamiliar, pp. 204-205.

A WOOD 'DOUBLE MASK' NETSUKE Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a Kyogen-mask with a humorous expression marked by small wide-set eyes, broad nose, protruding forehead, biting his upper lip with the lower lip curled forwards above the cleft chin. Turning the mask upside down presents the image of a tengu, with large beak and bulging eyes below a ridged brow, making this a double mask netsuke of sorts. The back with a central himotoshi bar.HEIGHT 4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and few minuscule nicks.Provenance: French private collection.Kyogen is a form of traditional Japanese comic theater. It developed alongside Noh, was performed along with Noh as an intermission of sorts between Noh acts on the same stage, and retains close links to Noh in the modern day. Its contents are nevertheless not at all similar to the formal, symbolic, and solemn Noh theater; kyogen is a comic form, and its primary goal is to make its audience laugh.

AN IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO SUMO WRESTLERSJapan, Osaka, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Boldly carved to depict two wrestlers engaged in a match, dressed only in a fundoshi, the one in the front executing the kawazu gaku technique (one leg entanglement drop), as he coils his leg around his opponent's, effectively using his weight to topple him. The artist has captured this dynamic powershift with humor, typical for the Osaka school. The eyes are inlaid with large dark horn pupils further enforcing the caricatural nature of the carving.HEIGHT 5.8 cmCondition: A section of one leg and the toes of the other foot are restored. Otherwise good condition with some wear and expected age cracks. Fine and smooth honey patina.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke by Isshu, dated early 19th century and attributed to the Osaka school, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke &Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 70 (sold for 2,528 EUR).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0293). 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 EDO SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY WITH BAMBOO SHOOTJapan, Edo (Tokyo), c. 1780, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved and bearing a dark patina, depicting a contented monkey seating cross-legged and cradling a huge bamboo shoot between its arms. The hairwork is neatly incised and appealingly worn. Very large, functional himotoshi through the back.HEIGHT 4.1 cmCondition: Good, worn condition. Some minor nicks here and there.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.The bamboo shoot may refer to the tiger (tora), the monkey (saru) being its opposite zodiac sign. Although they are opposites, these two signs are traditionally deemed as highly compatible, and this netsuke is certainly emblematic of this love.The carving is characteristic of the early Edo school, the facial expression being somewhat reminiscent of the work of Jobun.

GYOKUSAI: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SUMO WRESTLER AND HAIRDRESSERBy Gyokusai, signed GyokusaiJapan, mid to late 19th centuryPublished: Bandini, Rosemary (2006) Tiny Titans: The Sumo Netsuke Collection of Karl-Ludwig Kley, no. 65.Finely carved and stained, the wrestler seated cross-legged on a mat, the hairdresser standing behind him holding his customer's hair back with one hand and combing it with the other, his robes neatly incised with various patterns and designs, a pouch and pipecase attached to his belt, the wrestler clad only in a loincloth, the underside well carved with the incised mat with floral himotoshi as well as a fan and an oval plaque with the signature GYOKUSAI.HEIGHT 4 cmCondition: Good condition with some surface wear, few small nicks, and minor age cracks.Provenance: Ex-collection Karl Ludwig Kley.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0328). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A RARE STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF THE CLAM'S DREAMJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved from a branch of antler, the hollow sections at the top plugged, and the surface bearing a fine, deep caramel patina. A cloudy mist emerges from the hamaguri clam surmounted by the island of Horai and the palace of the dragon king Ryujin. Several possibilities for himotoshi as well as a little carved loop at the top.HEIGHT 6 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, age cracks.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.

AN IVORY NETSUKE OF IKKAKU SENNIN CARRYING THE LADY OF BENARESJapan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved with the one-horned rishi standing and carrying the lady of Benares (sometimes called Sendabunin) on his back, holding one of her hands in his raised right hand and supporting her back with the other, wearing a robe with neatly incised foliate scroll and opening at the chest, revealing his emaciated ribcage, as well as a leafy skirt and apron, her robe also incised with cloud designs, both with happy expressions, some details heightened with sumi, the back with large himotoshi.HEIGHT 6.8 cmCondition: Overall good condition with minor wear, minimal age cracks, the toes with old repairs.Provenance: Formerly in a French private collection. Old inventory label to reverse, '180'.The subject is derived from the Noh play Ikkaku Sennin, written by Komparu Zembo Motoyasu (1453-1532). Ikkaku Sennin, the one-horned rishi, once slipped on a hill near Benares and in his anger captured the dragon kings and kept them from letting rain fall from the sky. He is then seduced by a beautiful lady from Benares and eventually loses all his power, thus freeing the dragon kings and ending a terrible drought.Literature comparison: Compare a related netsuke depicting the same subject, dated to the late 18th century, formerly in the collection of Raymond Bushell and now in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, accession number M.91.250.115. Compare a related netsuke depicting the same subject, dated 18th century, illustrated in Schwarz, Karl M. (1992) Netsuke Subjects, p. 43, no. 64.Auction comparison: Compare a related netsuke depicting the same subject, 8.3 cm high, also dated late 18th to early 19th century, at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 8 (sold for 6,875 GBP).Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0089).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 OLD IVORY NETSUKE WITH A BOY, SCROLL AND DOGJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The quite unusually-shaped ivory netsuke carved as a seesaw-bed balancing on the arched bottom part. The top is carved with a young boy dressed only in a coat, his plump buttocks naked, a dog seated next to him tearing at the scroll from which the boy is reading. A charming composition bearing a stunning yellowish honey patina. Large central himotoshi underneath.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Very good condition with associated wear and age cracks.Provenance: Austrian private collection.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0102).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

AN IVORY NETSUKE OF KADORI MYOJIN WITH NAMAZUJapan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved as Kadori Myojin sitting on namazu, while grasping a hyotan (double gourd). The giant earthquake fish is well carved, its face neatly detailed and showing an eerily grinning expression marked by bared teeth, the large visible eye inlaid in dark horn. Generously excavated himotoshi to the underside. LENGTH 5.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with little wear, a few light surface scratches. Fine patina and with a few age cracks.Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0305).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF AN EGG ON A STANDJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved from two parts and joined together, the upper part carved as a baby sparrow hatching from a large egg, the lower carved as a presentational stand. The cord channel runs through the center, so that this netsuke could also be used as an ojime.HEIGHT 4.3 cmCondition: Good condition, appealingly worn, expected age cracks, traces of use. Fine, smooth, honey-yellow patina. A tiny chip to the bottom edge. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0290). 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.

MINSHO: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAILBy Minsho, signed MinshoJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved as a snail emerging from its shell, its optical tentacles touching the shell, with subtle incision work creating a striking contrast between the varying textures, the underside with natural himotoshi in the center between the snail's body and the shell, the underside of the shell with the signature MINSHO.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear, few tiny nicks, and traces of use.Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, acquired at Lempertz, June 2000, Cologne, lot 873.

A GOOD IVORY NETSUKE OF A DRIED FISHJapan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Naturalistically carved as a dried fish (himono), a classic dish during Japanese New Year (Shogatsu). The mouth is opened showing rows of teeth and the scales are finely detailed. Good asymmetrical himotoshi through one side. The ivory bearing a fine patina.LENGTH 8.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: German private collection, old collector's label '155' to one side.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0315).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.

GISAI: A WOOD NETSUKE OF SOTOBA KOMACHIBy Gisai, signed GisaiJapan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The poetess Ono no Komachi, once renowned for her beauty, depicted here as an old hag, her facial features resembling those of a skeleton, her emaciated rib cage showing, clad in tattered robes, sitting on a grave post (sotoba), reduced to begging and starving by the roadside. The details are well-carved, the well-toned wood bearing a fine patina. Good, asymmetrical himotoshi to the back and underneath, the larger hole generously excavated to accommodate the knot. Signed underneath in bold characters GISAI. The signature 義齋 appears to be unrecorded.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear.Provenance: French private collection.

ALEXANDER DERKACHENKO: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAKE AND SKULLBy Alexander Derkachenko, signed with the artist's markUkraine, 2021Finely carved as a coiled snake writhing around a skull, the snake's eyes inlaid with dark horn, the underside with two asymmetrical himotoshi and the artist's signature.HEIGHT 3.8 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear.With an original mahogany box and cover signed by the artist.Memento mori (Latin for 'remember that you will die') is an artistic and symbolic reminder of the inevitability of death. Altogether sobering, and in some sense comforting, it's an epitaph for the masses - commoners and kings alike. Such art, which already appeared in ancient cultures, is also associated with festivals in remembrance and honor of the deceased, as held by many peoples throughout the world.

AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A DANCING KITSUNEJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved as a kitsune (fox), standing on one foot, its forepaws raised as it dances, the tail turned upwards. Two himotoshi to the back.HEIGHT 5.1 cmCondition: Very good condition. Fine honey-yellow patina and age-related cracks.Provenance: European collection.In Chinese and Japanese mythology the fox is one of several animals set on doing evil to mankind. In this it is partly aided by supernatural and demonic powers, which allow it to shapeshift, more often than not into a woman, young or old. It is omniscient and capable of taking possession of its human victims. There are many different Japanese folk tales associated with foxes. In the present netsuke the fox is probably caught in mid-transformation into a seductress.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0306).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 IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO SWIMMING GULLS (MIYAKODORI)By Toshu, signed ToshuJapan, late 19th century to early 20th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Finely carved as a pair of gulls swimming together felicitously. The season is April to May at cherry blossom time, indicated by the fallen petals covering the two birds. The eyes of both are inlaid in dark material. The base is incised with a wave design and signed TOSHU in red ink next to large, asymmetrical himotoshi.LENGTH 3.1 cmCondition: Very good condition, with minor nibbling.Provenance: Ex-collection Raymond Bushell, sold at Christie's, The Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection of Netsuke Part IV, 23 April 1991, lot 215.Trade Certificate: The trade certificate for the sale of this lot within the EU has been granted (permit number AT 22-B-0329).This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

AN IVORY NETSUKE CARVED AS WARRIORS FIGHTING WITHIN A STIRRUP

A Chinese hardwood treen netsuke, in the form of a recumbent water buffalo, signed, 8.5cm wide