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AN IVORY SHUNGA NETSUKE OF ONNA DARUMAUnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved as Onna Daruma enveloped in the characteristic robe and cowl, her voluptuous breasts partly exposed, a hossu carved in relief to one side, the fine incision work very effectively and appealingly heightened with sumi, the circular cover can be unscrewed to reveal Onna Daruma pleasuring herself, the back with two himotoshi.HEIGHT 4 cmCondition: Good condition with some wear, minor age cracks, natural imperfections to the material, traces of use, the interior of the base with a small chip. Fine, smooth, honey-yellow patina. Provenance: Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 17 May 2012, London, lot 66 (part-lot). Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt, acquired from the above.This subject is sometimes referred to as Onna Daruma (Daruma's wife) and was meant to poke fun at Bodhidharma who was reputed to frequent brothels. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 FRUSTRATED RAT CATCHERUnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The emaciated rat catcher with a boil on his head is kneeling and holding down a box trying to catch the rat which has typically eluded him and is seen perched on his shoulder. His facial expression is clearly one of distress, the mouth agape in shock. The details well-carved. Natural himotoshi.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: Excellent condition. Fine patina.Provenance: US private collection.

A SUPERB KYOTO SCHOOL EBONY WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT COW WITH CALFUnsignedJapan, Kyoto, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A delicate, remarkably powerful, and superbly carved ebony wood netsuke depicting a recumbent cow baying her head with a sensitively crafted expression, her calf nestling up to her below and affectionately licking her chin. The hairwork is neatly incised, appropriately worn at the high points, and the ridged spine and ribs are subtly expressed. The rope halter which passes through the cow's nose ring, the curved horns, as well as all other details are achieved with exceptional detail. The underside shows the many well-carved hooves, as well as the generously excavated himotoshi, the larger hole oval and the smaller bean-shaped.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition, only very minor wear.Provenance: European collection. This carving certainly holds up to the greatest of the ivory Tomotada oxen, although attributions to this master, who very infrequently carved in ebony wood, are difficult to make.Auction comparison:A related ivory netsuke of a cow and calf, signed Tomotada, was sold at Lempertz, Asian Art, 16 December 2020, Cologne, lot 866 (sold for 20,000 EUR).

A FINE EDO SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A BOY WITH SHISHIMAI MASK Signed with a kakihanJapan, Edo (Tokyo), 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved as a seated boy removing his shishimai mask, the flexible fabric of the mask superbly executed as the boy pulls the mask off his head, his face with a fine expression and glass-inlaid eyes, the mask detailed with a fierce expression, bulging eyes, bared teeth, bushy brows, and floppy ears. Natural himotoshi and signed to the underside with a kakihan (artist's monogram). LENGTH 3.4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and few minuscule nicks. Provenance: French private collection.Literature comparison: Compare two related wood netsuke depicting the same subject by Miwa, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 565 and 570.

SHOKASAI AND SHIBAYAMA: AN INLAID GOLD LACQUER FOUR-CASE INRO DEPICTING KAN'UBy Shokasai and a member of the Shibayama family, signed Shokasai 松花齋 (for the lacquer) and Shibayama 芝山 (for the inlay)Japan, 19th centuryOf lenticular form, the kinji ground finely decorated in gold and colored hiramaki-e and takamaki-e with some details of e-nashiji and kirigane, with inlays of silver, aogai, and stained bone, depicting a continuous scene with Kan'u on horseback holding his large halberd in his right hand, a towering mountain and wispy trees in the background, a bearded servant with a wine jug in front of a waterfall, a gnarled pine tree between the two figures. The interior of nashiji with gold fundame edges. The underside with the signatures SHOKASAI (for the lacquer) and SHIBAYAMA (for the inlay) within a mother-of-pearl-inlaid rectangular reserve.HEIGHT 8.2 cmCondition: Good condition with wear, minor age cracks, small losses to lacquer, minor nicks, occasional light scratches, the interior with traces of use and small chips to edges. Provenance: From a private collection in southern Germany, assembled prior to 2007.There are a considerable number of lacquer inro and some manju netsuke that bear this signature. The inro are often lenticular and many are decorated with Shibayama style inlay, such as the present lot. See Earle, Joe [ed.] (1995) The Index of Inro Artists, p. 251.Auction comparison: Compare a related gold lacquer four-case inro depicting Fukurokuju by Shokasai and Shibayama, also dated to the 19th century, at Bonhams, Japanese Works of Art, 19 September 2008, New York, lot 5036 (sold for 7,200 USD).

KOSHIN: A SUPERB WOVEN RATTAN KISERUZUTSU WITH A STAG BEETLEBy Maeyama Koshin, signed Koshin 光真 Japan, c. 1900, Meiji period (1868-1912)Of slender muso-zutsu form, the woven ground lacquered in black and gold takamaki-e with a stag beetle on a furled lotus leaf, the neck mount with looped himotoshi of gilt metal, the reverse with the slightly worn signature KOSHIN in gold lacquer on a circular, black-lacquered reserve.LENGTH 22 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear. Provenance: British private collection.Maeyama Koshin was a lacquer artist who worked during the Meiji-Taisho periods, possibly being involved in or at least influenced by the school of Zeshin and Taishin. See Earle, Joe [ed.] (1995) The Index of Inro Artists, p. 150.Literature comparison:Compare with a superb rattan kiseruzutsu depicting a horse by Maeyama Koshin, in Bandini, Rosemary (2017) Japanese netsuke, kiseruzutsu lacquer and works of art, no. 29.Auction comparison: Compare a related woven rattan kiseruzutsu by Ikeda Taishin, at Bonhams, 17 May 2012, London, lot 113 (sold for 2,500 GBP).

A GOOD IVORY NETSUKE OF A DUTCHMAN WITH DOGUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2000) Myth, Reality and Magical Transformation, no. 4.Well-carved as an unnaturally happy Dutchman wearing an unusual and ornately decorated, cloud-pattern robe and flower-petaled hat, the coat opened in the front revealing a somewhat strange shirt and bib arrangement. The foreigner's head is twisted sidewards in a striking pose, his mouth is opened with cacophonous laughter as he points to a spot which has been soiled by a piglet-like, smooth dog which he holds in his other hand, nestled against his shoulder, studiously ignoring the scene of its recent crime. Large himotoshi to the back, the ivory bearing a superb patina.HEIGHT 8.6 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, few expected age cracks.An unusually humorous, striking, and pleasingly individual netsuke, signifying both the fascination and distaste held by the Japanese of the Dutch, who were the only foreigners permitted in Japan during the Edo period, confined to the island of Deshima. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 NETSUKE OF THREE GINKGO NUTSBy Ohara Mitsuhiro (1810-1875), signed Mitsuhiro 光廣 with kakihanJapan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved from core ivory of superior quality, depicting three ginkgo nuts laid end to end, the central nut pegged to the other two, the central nut signed MITSUHIRO with a red-inked kakihan. The ivory bearing a superb, lustrous finish.LENGTH 5.4 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear to inking. Tiny imperfection to the edge of the central nut where it is pegged.Literature comparison: The depiction of three ginkgo nuts by Mitsuhiro is rare. Compare a related ivory netsuke of a ginkgo nut by Mitsuhiro, illustrated in Mitsuhiro / Mikoshiba, Misao (transl.) (2001) Takarabukuro: A Netsuke Artist Notebook, p. 94, formerly in the collection of Raymond and Frances Bushell and now in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, accession number AC1998.249.305. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

HOSHINO HAKUSAI: A SUPERB STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A CROUCHING TOAD By Hoshino Hakusai, signed Hakusai 白斎Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa District, late 19th centuryA compact and finely carved stag antler netsuke of a crouching toad, the warty skin realistically rendered, and the large almond shaped eyes inlaid in dark horn. The underside shows the beautifully porous surface of the antler. The carver has utilized this material, which may have been considered by some as discardable, with incredible skill. Himotoshi underneath, the signature within a raised rectangular reserve HAKUSAI (the character Sai 斎 is slightly obscured).LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Excellent condition with natural flaws to the material.Provenance: German private collection.Hoshino Hakusai is considered one of the 'Asakusa-greats' whose output has always been regarded as very limited in scale and whose carving is very rarely encountered.Literature comparison: For a stag antler netsuke of a Tennin carved from a similarly porous material and signed Haku (Hakusai), see Moss, Sydney L. (2016) Kokusai The Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. III, pp. 144-145, no. 420.

KAGETOSHI: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF JO AND UBA ON A PINECONEBy Kagetoshi, signed Kagetoshi 景利Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Meinertzhagen / Lazarnick (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 285.The wood netsuke shaped as a well-detailed pinecone, the elderly couple Jo and Uba carved in high relief and holding a rake and broom respectively, to rake in good fortune and sweep away trouble. The asymmetrical himotoshi in the back are ringed in dark horn and the signature KAGETOSHI is located within an inlaid oblong tablet. A cleverly designed netsuke of ideal toggle-shape.Jo and Uba, the pine spirits who were thought to inhabit two pines at Takasago and Sumiyoshi, are depicted here as an old couple. According to legend, Jo makes a trip to Sumiyoshi nightly to visit his love. The two spirits represent eternal fidelity, good fortune, and longevity.HEIGHT 4.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Ex-collections W. W. Winkworth, Frederick Meinertzhagen, Floyd Segal and Helmut Laudenbach.Meinertzhagen notes on this piece: 'A most attractively carved and spirited little netsuke, of original design'.

IKKEI: A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A STREET PERFORMER WITH WEASEL By Ikkei, signed Ikkei 一圣Japan, Edo (Tokyo), c. 1800, Edo period (1615-1868)The smiling performer wearing a kataginu jacket and holding a box before him, tied around his neck, a little weasel jumping out and gliding on a flaming gust of wind. The wood bearing a fine patina. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi through the back. Signature IKKEI underneath the box.HEIGHT 5.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface wearProvenance: Estate of Guenther Kauth (1946-2016), Frankfurt am Main.At a certain point of the musical accompaniment of the presentation, the itinerant entertainer lets a weasel jump into the audience as a climax of the performance.Literature comparison:The artist appears to be very rare working in a similar style to Jobun. For another netsuke with a similar expression see Sydney L. Moss, Ltd. (2000) Myth, Reality and Magical Transformation, no. 9.

MINKO: AN INLAID EBONY WOOD NETSUKE OF A FLY ON ROTTING NASUBI By a follower of Tanaka Juntoku Minko (1735-1816), signed Minko 民江Japan, Tsu, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Two nasubi (eggplants) are nestled inside a large leaf, the area around the stems masterfully stippled, a small area of the skin rotting away revealing the well-carved fleshy interior, an aogai (mother-of-pearl) fly has landed there to feast. Two further crescent-shaped aogai-inlays to the area which connects the stem and fruit. The underside with large, asymmetrical himotoshi and the signature within an aogai plaque MINKO.LENGTH 4.2 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: French private collection.

A SUPERB TALL STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A SAGE WITH CRANEUnsignedJapan, Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a Taoist sage stroking his long beard with a fierce expression, his free hand lowered to meet the beak of a crane which raises one foot and its head obediently. The sage is cloaked in a voluminous robe with long draping sleeves, decorated with a regularly spaced 'punctured pattern'. The surface bearing a gorgeous, lustrous patina turning caramel-brown in some areas. At first glance, it appears as if carved from ivory, except for the telling plugs at the bottom and top. Large, functional himotoshi through the back.HEIGHT 8.6 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear, superb patina.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.This work can be attributed to one of the early Kyoto masters, who apparently never signed their stag antler pieces.Literature comparison:Compare to a stag antler netsuke of a Chinese man, attributed to one of the early Kyoto masters, in Moss, Sydney L. (2016) Kokusai The Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. I, p. 35, fig. 20.Auction comparison:Compare to a related ivory netsuke of a Chinese sage with crane, sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 13 May 2008, London, lot 365 (sold for 3,240 GBP).

MORIKAZU: A FINE NAGOYA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF A SLUMBERING SHOJOBy Morikazu, signed Morikazu 守一Japan, Nagoya, c. 1830, Edo period (1615-1868)A well-carved, bulky model of a slumbering Shojo with an unusually expressive face. The drunken spirit is in a deep slumber induced by a hefty amount of sake. One hand is placed in his/her lap and the other pressed against the cheek, supporting the face, probably dreaming of drinking more sake. The finely incised long hair neatly falls down the back and the well-carved robe is adorned with elaborately carved patterns. The wood of a good color with an appealing, warm patina. Asymmetrical himotoshi and signed within a raised rectangular reserve MORIKAZU.HEIGHT 4.1 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor associated surface wear.Provenance: US private collection.

A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A CAT EATING A FISHUnsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The mischievous feline clambering on an upturned mortar, a fish caught in its mouth with one paw placed on the scaly body, the cat wearing a collar, the fish with a pupil inlaid with dark horn, the underside well carved with bamboo leaves and two himotoshi.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: Good condition, appealingly worn, expected age cracks, few small chips, traces of use, occasional light scratches. Fine and smooth honey-yellow patina.Provenance: Old Viennese private collection, acquired from Galerie Zacke, Vienna, on 10 July 1992. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

CHIKUYOSAI TOMOCHIKA: A LARGE IVORY NETSUKE OF EGUCHI NO KIMI AS FUGEN BOSATSUBy Chikuyosai Tomochika, signed Chikuyosai Tomochika 竹陽齋友親 with kakihanJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The courtesan reading a long calligraphic scroll held with both hands, her long hair tied at the back and falling over her loose robe, finely incised with a foliate design, as she sits on the recumbent elephant visibly delighted by her presence, smiling benevolently. Her facial features are finely carved with pronounced feminine features showing her beauty, while at the same time radiating tranquility and Buddhist compassion. The underside with two asymmetrical himotoshi and the signature CHIKUYOSAI TOMOCHIKA with a kakihan.LENGTH 7.2 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear. Provenance: French private collection. The underside with old inventory number, '123'.According to legend, Kimi was a courtesan in the village of Eguchi and was so devoted to Buddhist scripture that she became the incarnation of Fugen Bosatsu (Boddhisattva Samantabhadra). The imagery satirizes the Buddhist bodhisattva Fugen (Samantabhadra), whose mount is the elephant, by replacing the deity with a beautifully coiffed modern courtesan. Such a visual pun (mitate) was an artistic trope, popular in the Edo period.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of Eguchi no Kimi by Tomochika, 7.7 cm wide, also dated mid-19th century, with the same signature and kakihan, at Lempertz, The Papp Collection of Netsuke, 16 June 2018, Cologne, lot 1057 (sold for 8,060 EUR). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

KAJIKAWA: A RARE AND LARGE LACQUERED WOOD NETSUKE OF IKKAKU SENNIN CARRYING THE LADY OF BENARESBy a member of the Kajikawa family, signed Kajikawa 梶川 saku 作Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Joly, Henri L. (1912) The W. L. Behrens Collection, Part 1, Netsuke, no. 3429 (unillustrated).Meinertzhagen / Lazarnick (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 305.The unusually large netsuke decorated in gold and iro-e takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, and with rich gold sprinkling. Depicted is the one-horned Ikkaku powerfully striding forwards and carrying the Lady of Benares on his back. Himotoshi through the back and signed on the hem of the robe KAJIKAWA saku [made by Kajikawa].HEIGHT 6.5 cmCondition: The lacquered details slightly worn. Both feet repaired.Provenance: Ex-collection W. L. Behrens (1861-1913). Sold at Glendining's, London, in 1926 and 1954.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.Auction comparison:A related lacquered wood netsuke by the Kajikawa family, depicting an oni with offspring, and rather interestingly mentioned with the present netsuke in MCI p. 305, was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 270 (sold for 3,539 EUR).

ISHIKAWA RENSAI: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A FISHERMAN SUBDUING A FUGU (BLOWFISH)By Ishikawa Rensai, signed Rensai 蓮齋Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa District, second half of 19th centuryPublished: Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. III, p. 52-53, no. 357.Superbly polished, amusingly and finely carved as a fisherman on top of a giant fugu, his behind resting squarely on the fish's head, his hands grabbing the tail fin, his legs spread out as he uses all his strength to hold the fugu down, which has been considerably flattened by the man's effort, forming the oval base of the netsuke, the underside with two asymmetrical himotoshi and the rather unusual signature RENSAI in sosho script. Note the fine staining to the fugu's head and surrounding area.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear.Literature comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke depicting a similar subject by Rensai, with similar staining to the fugu, illustrated in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (1996) Meetings with Remarkable Netsuke, London, no. 90, and also illustrated with a line drawing in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 647. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

KIKUGAWA: A FINE IVORY AND EBONY NETSUKE OF A KARAKO ON DRUMBy a member of the Kikugawa family, signed Kikugawa 菊川 saku 作Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The boy almost naked, wearing only a bib, crawling over the top of large drum and holding a rope attached to a colored ivory ball. The drum is carved from ebony wood, the studs on the side minutely inlaid with dark horn, and with a looped ivory ring to the top. The boy is finely carved from ivory bearing a lustrous polish, the details inlaid in variously stained materials. Large himotoshi underneath, the smaller hole ringed in green-stained ivory and the larger hole generously excavated to accommodate the knot. Signed KIKUGAWA saku [made by Kikugawa].LENGTH 4.6 cmCondition: Very good condition, some losses to the horn-inlaid studs of the drum.Provenance: French private collection acquired from Guffroy, Amiens, on 5th April 2003. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

SHUMIN: A WOOD NETSUKE OF DARUMA By Hara Shumin, signed Shumin 舟民Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The Zen patriarch Daruma, bare-chested and almost completely enveloped in his robe, is shown meditating with a stern-faced expression. The garment folds are powerfully accentuated, and the facial expression is expertly crafted. The large and asymmetrical himotoshi are ringed in stained bone. Signed SHUMIN, who was a pupil and adopted son of Hara Shugetsu.HEIGHT 3.8 cmCondition: Excellent conditionProvenance: French private collection, old Japanese label pasted inside the larger himotoshi.

A GOOD WOOD NETSUKE OF A GRAZING HORSE UnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The classic 18th-century model interpreted here in a bold and dynamic manner, depicting a grazing horse standing with its hooves close together and one leg slightly raised. The saddle cloth which covers the horse's back is incised with scrolling patterns. The eyes are inlaid in gilt brass. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi through the back.HEIGHT 4.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor age-related surface wear.Provenance: German private collection.

MASATOMO: A POWERFUL WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAILBy Masatomo, signed Masatomo 正友Japan, Kyoto or Osaka, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Boldly carved as a snail emerging from its shell, with a striking contrast between the smooth texture of the shell and the stippled skin of the animal. Natural himotoshi between the body of the snail and the shell to the underside, beside the signature MASATOMO. The antennae pointing in different directions is very typical of this artist.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Good condition with some wear, small nicks, light scratches, an old fill to the shell.Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt.Literature comparison: Compare a closely related netsuke by Masatomo in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 91.1.1024.Auction comparison: Compare a near-identical netsuke by Masatomo at Christie's, The Duncan Beresford-Jones Collection of Japanese Art, 7 June 2000, London, lot 4 (sold for 1,645 GBP, approx. 3,083 GBP today after inflation).

KOKUSAI: A SUPERB STAG ANTLER CHAIRE (TEA CADDY)By Ozaki Kokusai (1835-1892), signed Koku 谷Japan, Shiba, Tokyo, c. 1860-1880Published: Moss, Sydney L. (2016) Kokusai The Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. II, pp. 168-169, no. 167.Masterfully carved in imitation of a potter chaire (tea caddy) with a beautifully stippled and ink-engraved design of grasses, some of the design using the naturally markings of the antler. The lid is of ivory, again in imitation of the typical pottery chaire lid, which are usually carved from ivory. The underside with a plugged spiral-ridged base, showing a circular seal KOKU, where one might typically expect the potter's mark (typically, Raku), deliberately half obscured as if partially glazed over. One himotoshi to the side, the cord attachment to the underside of the flush-fitting ivory lid, which shows a firing flaw in the form of a simulated crack.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Ex-collection June Schuerch.Literature comparison:A similar stag antler ojime of a chaire, also with ivory lid and by Ozaki Kokusai, is illustrated next to the present lot in Moss, Sydney L. (2016) Kokusai The Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. II, pp. 168-169, no. 168. Another smaller stag antler netsuke of a chaire, also with ivory lid and by Ozaki Kokusai, is illustrated in Moss, Sydney L. (1982) Eccentrics in Netsuke, pp. 112-113, no. 71. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

GYOKUHOSAI RYUCHIN: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF MOMOTARO'S LOOTBy Gyokuhosai Ryuchin, signed Gyokuhosai 玉宝斎Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Superbly carved as the loot of Momotaro after vanquishing the demons on Onigashima, including the severed head of the three-eyed demon chief in the form of rokurokubi with outstretched tongue, a large treasure box with a banner on top incised with a peach design and the inscription Nihon'ichi ('number one'), an openworked peach carved with a figure and hut in anabori, the top showing a finely carved crab (one of Momotaro's allies) and incised with the inscription Tamagawa (referring to the scenic Tama Rivers), a tray and openworked stand filled with treasures (takaramono) next to a bundle of coral, and a small plaque inscribed Nihon ('Japan'). The underside well carved and with two himotoshi as well as the signature GYOKUHOSAI. A remarkably intricate carving.LENGTH 5 cmCondition: Good condition with some wear, minor age cracks, few minuscule nicks, occasional scratches. Fine patina.Provenance: Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 10 November 2016, London, lot 239 (sold for 3,750 GBP; part-lot, together with an unsigned ivory netsuke dated mid to late 19th century).Momotaro is a popular hero of Japanese folklore. His name translates as Peach Taro, a common monkey name, and is often translated as Peach Boy. The present netsuke alludes to the tale of Momotaro in several ways or could also be interpreted as a theatre prop set for a travelling entertainer to perform the tale.When he matured into adolescence, Momotaro left his parents to fight a band of oni, who marauded over their land. He sought them out in the distant island where they dwelled, a place called Onigashima or 'Demon Island'. En route, Momotaro met and befriended a talking dog, monkey, and pheasant, who agreed to help him in his quest in exchange for a portion of his rations. At the island, Momotaro and his animal friends penetrated the demons' fort and beat the band of demons into surrendering. Momotaro and his new friends returned home with the demons' plundered treasure and the demon chief as a captive.Gyokuhosai Ryuchin was regarded by Frederick Meinertzhagen as one of the most brilliant netsuke carvers of his time. His designs were original and often displayed his superior use of sukashibori (openwork technique). Gyokuhosai also excelled in the anabori (open cave-like carving) technique and often wrote inscriptions referring to scenic locations in Japan such as Mount Fuji, the Tamagawa Rivers, or Enoshima beach on simulated acorns and shells.Auction comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke by Gyokuhosai, 3.5 cm wide, showing a similar use of anabori, at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 75 (sold for 2,000 GBP). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A SUPERB STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A CROUCHING TOADUnsignedJapan, Tokyo, Asakusa District, late 19th centuryAn ingenious carving which excels in both its simplicity and superior use of material, carved from the coronet of the antler, the natural protrusions of this section found near the base being ideal for the warty skin of the toad. The material is largely unchanged, only the webbed feet underneath and some smaller details are carved. The eyes are double-inlaid in pale reddish horn with dark pupils and follow the viewer when the netsuke is slightly turned. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi underneath.LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition with 'natural flaws' to the material.Provenance: Canadian private collection.While one would usually imagine the subject to be envisioned before the material is chosen, we believe this is a case where the material allowed nothing other than for this toad to be born.

TOYOKAZU: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT OXBy Shugasai Toyokazu, signed Toyokazu 豊一Japan, Sasayama, Tanba province, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Zacke, Netsuke – Ausstellung 1983, Vienna, no. 71.Superbly carved, the bulky animal in a reclining posture, its sizeable legs folded underneath for compactness, its tail sweeping forward over the left flank, the head reared to the back, the neck producing a large fold as a result, the head with elegantly curved horns, a rope halter attached to a ring through its muzzle, and the eyes beautifully inlaid in pale horn giving life to the animal. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi underneath and signed on the haunch TOYOKAZU.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor surface wear.Provenance: Austrian private collection, acquired from Zacke in 1983.Shugasai Toyokazu is widely regarded as the most accomplished pupil of Naito Toyomasa (1773-1856). This model was a popular subject of Hidari Toyomasa, Naito Toyomasa's son, who also signed Toyoyo.Literature comparison:For a closely related wood netsuke of an ox, signed Toyomasa, but attributed to Hidari Toyomasa (Toyoyo) see Ducros, Alain (1994) Paris Edo, no. 17.Auction comparison:For a closely related wood netsuke of an ox, signed Toyomasa, but attributed to Hidari Toyomasa (Toyoyo), see Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 6 November 2012, London, lot 146 (sold for 21,250 GBP).

A RARE STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A PARROT ON PINE TREEUnsignedJapan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Perched on a short section of a leafy pine branch, its head lowered, and the large wings folded for compactness. The large eyes are inlaid in reddish horn. Himotoshi through the branch.HEIGHT 4.3 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Auction comparison:Compare to a very similar stag antler netsuke of a parrot, likely from the same hand/workshop, sold at Lempertz, Asian Art, 6 December 2019, Cologne, lot 222 (sold for 1,736 EUR). Another closely related example carved from ivory was sold at Bonhams, The Julius & Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 148 (sold for 2,250 GBP).

OKATORI: A SUPERB IVORY NETSUKE OF A RAT EATING A FRUITBy Yamaguchi Okatori, signed Okatori 岡隹Japan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A larger than usual model, finely carved and stained, the rat crouching and gnawing at a fruit held in its front paws, the fur masterfully incised and appealingly worn, the large eyes inlaid in dark horn, the well-carved paws grasping the thick tail which curls around underneath forming the himotoshi, the signature OKATORI to the back at the base of the tail within a rectangular reserve.LENGTH 4.9 cmCondition: Very good condition, expected surface wear with associated age cracks, one ear with a tiny chip.Provenance: Dutch private collection.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related ivory netsuke of a rat gnawing at a fruit by Okatori, measuring 4.2 cm in length, sold at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part II, 10 May 2017, London, lot 48 (sold for 13,750 GBP). Another closely related ivory netsuke of a rat gnawing at a candle by Okatori, measuring 3.9 cm in length, was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 46 (sold for 13,904 EUR). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

SHUNSUI: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SLEEPING HAREBy Shunsui, signed Shunsui 春水Japan, Tokyo, Meiji period (1868-1912)The rabbit curled up in a fetal position with all limbs placed close together, the eyes closed and the long floppy ears relaxed, the smooth body with subtle incision work, the back with two asymmetrical himotoshi and the signature SHUNSUI.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Good condition with some surface wear, few minor age cracks, traces of use.Provenance: A private collection in the Rhineland, Germany, acquired between 1960 and 1990.While some animals are commonly depicted sleeping, such as cats, the depiction of a sleeping hare appears to be extremely rare. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

HOSHUNSAI MASAYUKI: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A BOY WITH HOZUKIBy Hoshunsai Masayuki, signed Masayuki 正之Japan, Tokyo, Asakusa District, late 19th centuryPublished: Virginia / Davey, Neil (2006) The Virginia Atchley Collection of Japanese Miniature Arts, p. 202, IN15.Moss, Sydney L. (2016) Kokusai The Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. III, pp. 118-119, no. 405.Finely carved, the ivory stained and polished, depicting a seated boy wearing a loosely-fitted monk's robe, and opening a giant hozuki (winter cherry) from its translucent and semi-transparent veined, papery skin to reveal the full glory of the fruit inside. The fruit is inlaid in bright red coral, the contrast between the ivory and coral producing a striking effect. The underside with large himotoshi, the smaller one hidden away in a fold of the robe and signed in running script MASAYUKI.HEIGHT 3.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Virginia Atchley.Hozuki proliferate during the Summer Hozuki-ichi fair held on the grounds of the Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. The fair is associated with Atago Gongen who is believed to be the local avatar of the boddhisattva Jizo, a revered deity and protector of children. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 LARGE WOOD NETSUKE OF MOSOUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well-carved as Moso, one of the Twenty-four Filial Exemplars, who went into the woods in the middle of winter to look for bamboo shoots, a favorite dish of his ailing and dying mother. He is depicted here wearing a large straw raincoat and a straw hat covered in snow. In his right hand he holds two large bamboo shoots. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi through the back. The wood bearing a fine patina.HEIGHT 8 cmCondition: An old chip to the hat and the left hand lost. Otherwise good condition with typical wear. Very good patina.Provenance: Ex-collection Rene Vittoz (1904-1992).Literature comparison:For a closely related netsuke of Moso see Coullery, Marie-Therese and Newstead, Martin S. (1977) The Baur Collection, pp. 140-141, no. C 308. Another is in the Linden Museum, Stuttgart, Inventory Number OA 18.633.

A RARE BONE MASK NETSUKE OF OKAMESigned illegiblyJapan, Meiji period (1868-1912)Published: Bushell, Raymond (1975) Netsuke Familiar & Unfamiliar, New York/Tokyo, p. 145, no. 300.Mikimoto (1979) Netsuke, An Unknown Japanese Art, Raymond Bushell Collection, Tokyo, p. 71, no. 387.Bushell, Raymond (1985) Netsuke Masks, pl. 242.Netsuke Kenkyukai (1985) Vol. 5, no. 3, p. 18.Eskenazi (1998) Japanese Netsuke, Ojime and Inro from a Private European Collection, p. 52-53, no. 50.Exhibited: Netsuke: An Exhibition of Netsuke from the Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection, Mikimoto Hall, Tokyo, 1-17 September 1979, no. 387.Well carved with characteristic plump cheeks, lively wide eyes, and a broad nose, the tiny mouth agape in a cheerful smile showing teeth, the parted hair neatly incised and heightened with sumi. The back with a single himotoshi and a faint illegible signature.HEIGHT 5.1 cmCondition: Good condition with some surface wear. Provenance: Ex-collection Raymond Bushell. Christie's, The Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection of Netsuke, Part IV, 23 April 1991, New York, lot 131. Ex-collection Emiel Veranneman, acquired from the above. Sotheby's, May 2007, London, lot 784. European collection P. Jacquesson, acquired from the above.Okame (or Otafuku) represents a lovely, always smiling Japanese woman who brings happiness and good fortune to any man she marries. She is also known as the Goddess of Mirth and is a very popular image in Japanese culture. Otafuku literally means 'much good fortune', and Okame means 'tortoise', which is also an auspicious symbol of longevity, as tortoises lead long lives.

A GOOD WOOD NETSUKE OF A DUTCHMAN WITH CHILDUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Typically depicted with shoulder-length, curling hair and exaggerated features, clad in a coat of finely detailed texture with a pleated collar, carrying a boy on his back and a trumpet in his right hand. The expression of each is very finely crafted, the eyes with minutely carved pupils. The wood bearing a fine patina, large himotoshi through the back.HEIGHT 8.2 cmCondition: Very good condition, appealingly worn, with minor surface wear. Fine, naturally grown, dark patina.Provenance: European collection.In the Edo period Dutch merchants were the only Europeans admitted to Japan, where they were confined to the island of Deshima. Netsuke representing foreigners were popular in this period, and a number of examples in ivory are in museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of New York (no. 10.211.1506) and the British Museum (F.558). Interestingly, the lapa (trumpet) in this Dutchman's hand is also foreign, being of Chinese origin.Auction comparison:Compare to a closely related wood netsuke of a Dutchman with child, sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 4 (sold for 3,286 EUR).

MASANAO: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT BOARBy Masanao, signed Masanao 正直Japan, Ise-Yamada, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved, the creature raising its head and bellowing with its mouth agape, the small tusks at the corner of the mouth showing, the hairwork superbly incised, and the crisply carved feet folded underneath for compactness. Natural himotoshi and signed within a polished reserve on the haunch MASANAO.LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Ex-collection Julius & Arlette Katchen, Paris.Auction comparison:Compare to another boar by the artist sold by Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part III, 6 November 2018, London, lot 101 (sold for 4,375 GBP).

KANGETSU: AN UNUSUAL LACQUER MANJU NETSUKE WITH FROGSBy Kangetsu, signed Kangetsu 閑月 and kakihanJapan, 19th centuryOf peculiar shape, consisting of two cymbal-shaped parts, the front very finely lacquered in iro-e takamaki-e with three frogs in various attitudes, all against an elaborate sabiji-nuri (iron imitation) ground. The back with a central himotoshi and the gold-lacquered signature KANGETSU and kakihan.DIAMETER 3.1 cmCondition: Very good condition, very minor wear to lacquer.Provenance: European private collection.

A WALRUS TUSK INGYO (SEAL) NETSUKE OF A FROG AND TORTOISE ON A LOTUS LEAFIn the manner of Rensai, unsignedJapan, Tokyo, Asakusa District, late 19th centurySuperbly carved in openwork with a small tortoise and a frog, the two animals of similar size, each clambering on a worm-eaten lotus leaf with stems issuing neatly incised buds, the tortoise and frog approaching each other as if about to fight, the seal face with a single himotoshi encircled by flower petals and carved with the inscription Kayu 華友.LENGTH 4.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and expected age cracks.Provenance: Collection of Adalbert and Thilda Colsman, thence by descent in the same family. Adalbert Colsman (1886-1978) was a German businessman and art collector. From 1915 to 1958 he was the managing director of Conze & Colsman, a long-standing German silk producer. He was friends with several German painters and a patron of the Museum Folkwang in Essen. In 1964, he founded an art foundation together with his wife Thilda.Auction comparison: Compare to an ivory netsuke of a frog and lotus by Rensai (unsigned), sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 241 (sold for 2,275 EUR).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 this item can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.

A STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF TOBOSAKU SENNINUnsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved to depict Tobosaku Sennin (Dongfang Shuo) carrying a basket of immortality peaches, which he has stolen from Seiobo. The immortal is wearing a long flowing robe with neatly incised folds as well as a leafy apron, his finely incised hair falling elegantly over his back, the back with two asymmetrical himotoshi.HEIGHT 5.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, appealingly worn, the material with natural imperfections.Provenance: European collection.

YOSHISATO: A SUPERB MIXED METAL NETSUKE DEPICTING PUPPIESBy Kono Yoshisato, signed Yoshisato 芳里 and kakihanJapan, c. 1870Published: Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures (LNIA), Vol. 2, p. 1245.Of lobed shape, the back with a shibuichi disc and looped cord attachment, the front worked in shakudo and inlaid in the center with two playful puppies, the hairwork very finely incised, the one in the front wearing prayer beads around his neck. The central composition is framed by craggy rocks with gold accents and some inlaid gold bamboo leaves. Signed to the side YOSHISATO and kakihan.SIZE 4.1 x 3.5 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear.Provenance: European collection.Kono Yoshisato's given name was Junzo 純蔵. The artist was a student of Kono Yoshikuni, the 7th generation of the Kono School, who studied under the famous metal Tosogu (sword-fittings) artist Hamano Yasuyuki (1763-1836) of the Hamano School.

TOMOCHIKA: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF BENTEN WITH DRAGONBy Tomochika, signed Tomochika 友近Japan, Edo (Tokyo), c. 1830, Edo period (1615-1868)The goddess of music standing on top of a dragon, engulfed by billowing clouds, and playing the koto. The eyes of the dragon are inlaid in dark horn. Natural himotoshi through the swirling clouds in the back and signed within a rectangular reserve TOMOCHIKA. Beautiful, deep patina.HEIGHT 4.8 cmCondition: Good condition, some minor wear, tiny nicks to edges. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.The kanji Chika 近 used here is usually associated with Gyokusen Tomochika, as Chikuyosai Tomochika used Chika 親. The style is undoubtedly that of Chikuyosai Tomochika of Edo.Auction comparison:A similar ivory netsuke of Benten by Tomochika, formerly in the M. T. Hindson collection, was sold at Quinn's Auction Galleries, The Helen and Jack Mang Collection of Netsuke, 7 December 2012, Falls Church, lot 133 (hammer price 3,000 USD). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 BAMBOO NETSUKE OF AN INEBRIATED MONKUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The monk wearing a half-shouldered monastic robe, his facial features finely carved and visibly inebriated, sitting on two large hyotan-shaped containers, presumably filled with sake, and drinking from the elongated tubular spout of the larger one. Natural himotoshi. The combination of this rare subject and material are most unusual.HEIGHT 3.9 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface wear, some tiny dents.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.

MASAMITSU: AN EBONY WOOD NETSUKE OF DARUMA By Masamitsu (Shoko), signed Masamitsu 正光Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Bodhidharma is depicted here with a somber expression, the eyes double-inlaid in bone and dark horn, and holding a hossu (Buddhist flywhisk). Himotoshi and signature MASAMITSU underneath.LENGTH 3.9 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear.Provenance: French private collection, old collector's label to the base.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A COCKEREL ON A WAR DRUMUnsignedJapan, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The rooster with carefully incised wings, plumage, and tail, finely stippled comb and wattle, and dark inlaid eyes, seated on a war drum of circular form with metal-inlaid studs to the sides and well carved wood grain, the underside with a seven-character inscription and a small himotoshi, the other larger himotoshi found on the side of the drum. The top of the drum with a single character 華 Ka (Hana).DIAMETER 3.5 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear, few minuscule nicks, possibly some replacements to inlays.Provenance: A private collection in the United States, assembled between the 1990s and 2010s.The inscription to the underside of the netsuke reads Kanko koke fukaku tori odoro kanu and can be translated as, 'A bird is not frightened by the sound of a drum and the moss growing thick'. This is a direct quote from the Wakan Roei Shu anthology, compiled by Fujiwara no Kinto ca. 1013. A cockerel perched atop a barrel drum is a symbol of peace under a good ruler. It is based on a Chinese story; such drums were traditionally used in ancient China to warn the approach of enemy forces. However in peace times they were not used and birds roosted upon the moss-gathered drums.Auction comparison:Compare a related netsuke depicting a cock and hen on a war drum by Masatami, also with studs to the sides, with a dragon design to the underside instead of the inscription seen on the present lot, at Bonhams, The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke Part I, 8 November 2016, London, lot 107 (sold for GBP 3,500).

MINKO: A FINE INLAID WOOD NETSUKE OF KIYOHIME WITH THE TEMPLE BELL OF DOJO-JIBy Minko II, signed Nidai Minko 二 代 珉江 and kakihanJapan, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The vengeful, serpentine monster Kiyohime wrapped around the temple bell of Dojo-ji, her extraordinarily well carved face and claws are inlaid in ivory. The hair and scaly body are finely carved and expressive. The slightly curved horns are inlaid in horn. The handle of the bell can be turned to alternate between the two expressions of Anchin, one showing a pale, frightened expression and the other burnt-red from fire. Two himotoshi underneath, one ringed in ivory, next to the red-inked signature Nidai MINKO and kakihan.HEIGHT 4.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: French private collection.This model belongs to one of the true classics of netsuke. It was treated by all members of the Tsu school founded by Tanaka Juntoku Minko (1735-1816). The present netsuke bears the signature Minko but also the additional characters Nidai, meaning second generation. There is no information on Minko II, however it is known that Tomin, a pupil of Minko, signed Minko in the earlier stages of his career.Auction comparison:A closely related netsuke by Minko was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 24 November 2018, Vienna, lot 70 (sold for 8,670 EUR).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 made a 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. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 A FOREIGNER FROM SENHA LEADING A SHISHIUnsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Boldly carved as a curly-haired and bearded foreigner wearing a long robe and leading a huge shishi by a rope, which he has to hold with both hands, a strained expression on his face due to the effort needed to move the gigantic beast, the shishi with wild mane and bushy tail, a fierce expression, the mouth agape in a roar revealing tongue and teeth. Himotoshi through the side and belly of the shishi.HEIGHT 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear and expected age cracks. Fine, smooth, and warm patina.Literature comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke illustrated in Sagemonoya (2004) Ninety-Nine Netsuke & One Inro, p. 30, no. 40. For a different treatment of the same subject in ivory, dated 18th century, see Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 344, no. 1040. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

ONO RYOMIN: AN IVORY MANJU NETSUKE DEPICTING BOYS AND TOYSBy Ono Ryomin, signed Ryomin 陵民 with kakihanJapan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of circular form, the two-part manju finely carved in shishiaibori with two boys, one seated and beating a drum, the other dancing while holding a rattle and wearing a kitsune (fox mask), their robes neatly incised with diapered designs, and to the reverse with a group of children's toys including a duck and fishing rod, further with the central himotoshi and the signature RYOMIN with a kakihan.DIAMETER 4.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear.According to Neil Davey, Ono Ryomin was a “fine maker of sukashi netsuke and manju, invariably of ivory. He was the founder of a fairly large school, most of whom took the name Ono. The signature is clearly written in kaisho, without reserve.” See Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 314. Ono Ryomin was particularly fond of carving netsuke of boys, however manju netsuke with such depictions appear to be rare.Literature comparison: Compare a related kagamibuta netsuke by Ono Ryomin depicting a boy beating a drum, illustrated in Dieuwke Eijer (1994) Kagamibuta, Mirrors of Japanese Life and Legend, Leiden and Geneva, p. 26, no. 18.Auction comparison: Compare another ivory two-part manju netsuke by Ono Ryomin, 4.2 cm diameter, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 7 November 2013, London, lot 18 (sold for 4,750 GBP; part lot, together with an ivory manju netsuke by Hojitsu). Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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 A SEATED HOTEIUnsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. I, no. 29.The lucky god seated with his sack wrapped around his back, supporting him, his loose-fitting robe falling off the shoulders and decorated with neatly incised cloud scroll and peach sprays. His face with a curious expression, the inked xx pupils glancing sideways, flanked by huge earlobes, his hands resting on his knees. Large himotoshi to the underside and back.HEIGHT 4.4 cmCondition: Good condition, appealingly worn, expected age cracks, few minor nicks, traces of use, fine honey-orange patina.Provenance: Ex-collection June Schuerch.The expression is certainly reminiscent of the carvings by members of the Yoshi- school in Kyoto, notable members being Yoshitomo, Yoshinaga, etc. The present carving may very well be the precursor to these. Trade Certificate: In accordance with new EU regulations that went into effect in January 2022, we have applied for a certificate to sell this item within the EU. We expect the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology to issue the certificate in 4-8 weeks. The item can only be shipped / handed over once the certificate has been issued.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.

BOKUZAN: A RARE BAMBOO NETSUKE OF A SNAIL RETRACTED WITHIN ITS SHELLBy Bokuzan, signed Bokuzan卜山Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved, the natural structure of the bamboo cleverly utilized for the heterogeneous structure of the spiraling shell, the underside neatly polished and showing the beautiful 'stippled' bamboo markings, the opening of the shell showing the retracted snail in the form of a well-carved, curled lump. Himotoshi underneath and signature BOKUZAN within a recessed reserve.LENGTH 3.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition, minor wear and natural flaws to the materialProvenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt. Purchased from Robert Fleischel in 1995.

ISSAI: AN UNUSUAL KUROGAKI WOOD NETSUKE OF AN ONIBy Issai, signed Sai 齋 Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The demonic creature standing dressed only in a straw loincloth, his emaciated yet muscular body very well-carved, looking upwards with a mournful expression, the eyes inlaid, and with large fangs in the corners of his mouth. The oni has large curved horns, bushy brows, beard, and hair, and inlaid eyes of dark lustrous horn. One hand is clenched into a fist and the other is grabbing at its crotch. Generously excavated chimney-type himotoshi through the back and between the oni's legs. Signed SAI underneath one foot.HEIGHT 6 cmCondition: One foot repaired with associated fill to the other foot. There may have been a removable object in the oni's hand.Provenance: Ex-collection Raymond Bushell, sold at Sotheby's, Netsuke from the Collection of Raymond and Frances Bushell, 18 November 1999, London, lot 40.

TADAYUKI: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAIL RETREATING INTO ITS SHELLBy Tadayuki, signed Tadayuki 忠行Japan, Nagoya, c. 1820-1840, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 191, no. 576.Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 847.The finely carved and compact netsuke of a snail retreating into its shell, its head almost entirely inside, the radial markings of the shell carefully executed in masterful ukibori, the skin of the snail neatly incised, the himotoshi formed by a gap between the body and the shell, signed in cursive ukibori characters in a rectangular reserve TADAYUKI.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear and few light scratches.Provenance: Ex-collection Frederick Meinertzhagen. Ex-collection W. W. Winkworth, acquired from the above. Ex-collection M. T. Hindson. Sotheby's, 20 October 1969, London, lot 1007. Dr. J. J. Desneux, Brussels, acquired from the above. Christie's, An Important European Collection of Netsuke, 14 November 2001, London, lot 80. Ex-collection De Rahm, Switzerland, acquired from the above. Barry Davies Oriental Art, 2001. Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt, acquired from the above.Neil Davey writes, “Little can be said of this artist, save for the fact that he worked very much in the tradition of Tadatoshi, producing similar models, lightly stained of compact form.”This is a rare variation of the classic Tadatoshi model where the snail is usually shown with its feelers lapped over the shell.Auction comparison:Compare a related wood netsuke of a snail emerging from its shell by Tadatoshi, 3.5 cm wide, dated early 19th century, at Christie's, 15 September 1999, New York, lot 156 (sold for 13,800 USD). Another by Tadayoshi was sold at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part IV, 6 November 2013, London, lot 71 (sold for 5,000 GBP).

DEME UMAN: A WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF USOFUKIBy Deme Uman, signed Deme Uman 出目右滿Japan, Edo (Tokyo), early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Bushell, Raymond (1985) Netsuke Masks, pl. 228Well carved with an amusing expression, the elongated lips puckered in a whistle, indicated also by the sunken cheeks, the wide eyes with pierced pupils below ridged and subtly incised brows, the broad nose with large nostrils, the reverse with a central himotoshi bar signed DEME UMAN. HEIGHT 5.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear. Provenance: Ex-collection Raymond Bushell. Sotheby's, 21 March 2000, New York, lot 303 (part lot). European collection P. Jacquesson, acquired from the above.Deme Uman was the grandson of Deme Juman, who is regarded as the originator of mask netsuke. He is regarded as the most celebrated of mask netsuke makers and worked almost invariably in wood.Usofuki is a Kyogen mask type which is not well standardized, but easily identifiable by the pursed or puckered lips, lending the mask (and the actor wearing it) a highly comical expression. The noun usobuki or usofuki is a gerund of the verb usobuku, which has many meanings: exhale sharply, whistle, hum, intone, howl or bay, pretend ignorance, and brag. A highly regarded ethnographer and linguist, the late Shinobu Orikuchi assigned a much earlier meaning to usobuku: taunt, oppose, and rebel. He specifically interpreted the pursed lips of old indigenous masks as signifying imminent speech, as the expression of seirei determined to speak out in defiance but constrained by the consequences of thereby acknowledging the authority of the kami.Literature comparison: Compare a closely related wood mask netsuke of Usofuki by Deme Uman, also dated 19th century, at Sotheby's, The Betty Jahss Collection of Netsuke – Part 1, 13 June 1991, London, lot 29.

GYOKUSEN: A FINE INLAID EBONY NETSUKE OF A CORAL FISHERMANBy Gyokusen, signed Gyokusen 玉川Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th centuryThe South Sea islander standing with a delighted expression on his face as he holds a jar from which a choice piece of coral rises, his features neatly detailed, the mouth agape revealing his coral-inlaid tongue, his loincloth with two himotoshi and the signature GYOKUSEN to the back.HEIGHT 5.5 cmCondition: Good condition with minor surface wear, a tiny chip to the rim of the jar and a minuscule nick to one of the himotoshi.Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt.Although Gyokusen Tomochika of Kyoto carved a number of related ebony netsuke depicting similar subjects, the present netsuke is more in line with Edo school works, such as similar carvings by Minkoku and Jugyoku.Literature comparison: Compare a closely related netsuke depicting the same subject by Jugyoku, dated approx. 1850-1900, in the collection of the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, object number B70Y1615.Auction comparison: Compare a related netsuke of two coral fishermen by Minkoku, also dated mid-19th century, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 156 (sold for 5,688 EUR).

MASAHIRO: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY WITH TWO YOUNG INSIDE PEACHBy Masahiro, signed Masahiro 正廣Japan, second half of 19th centuryA humorous wood netsuke bearing testament to the deep love monkeys seem to have for peaches, which are not only a delicacy but also a fruit of immortality. A large adult monkey is crouching on top of a large leafy peach, one hand holding a peach and the other holding on to the gnarly branch which trails down underneath and houses the himotoshi. Two of its young are visible inside a large hole in the front and are tearing at a leafy peach branch. The eyes of the adult monkey are double inlaid in pale and dark horn. Signed within an inlaid tablet to the reverse MASAHIRO.HEIGHT 4.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor irregularities to the edge of the peach's opening.Provenance: Estate of Guenther Kauth (1946-2016), Frankfurt am Main. Purchased from Lempertz Cologne on 2nd December 1987, lot 618.Auction comparison: A related wood netsuke of a monkey on chestnut was sold at Lempertz, Netsuke from the Albert Brockhaus Collection, 27 June 2020, Cologne, lot 506 (sold for 3,250 EUR).

AN EXQUISITE HIRADO PORCELAIN NETSUKE OF A PUPPYUnsignedJapan, 19th centuryFinely and sensitively modeled, the recumbent dog with the head raised and turned to one side, wearing a plain fabric collar tied at the back of the neck, the short tail elegantly swung to one side, the animal further detailed with almond-shaped eyes, floppy ears, and neatly incised fur, the underside with two asymmetrical himotoshi.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and firing irregularities:Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt.

A RARE WOOD NETSUKE OF A DRAGON EMERGING FROM A TAMAUnsignedJapan, Nagoya, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A remarkably powerful carving depicting a dragon (tatsu) coiled around and emerging from a tama - a wish-fulfilling jewel which the dragon usually clutches in one of its claws – its head resting on the apex of the jewel, the long whiskers flowing downwards, and the sharp claws forcefully gripping the edges of the holes through which its twisted body winds. The tail is visible through a tama-shaped hole on the side, which also functions as one of the cord holes, the other is found through the bottom. The work is of distinct Nagoya style and can be attributed to the workshop of Tametaka.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Chip to one whisker and a tiny chip to the tama-shaped hole. Otherwise fine condition.Provenance: US private collection.As tengu no tomago signifies a tengu hatching from an egg, this very unusual subject may be referred to as tatsu no tama.

INABA: A GOLD LACQUER FOUR-CASE INRO DEPICTING A PLUM TREEBy a member of the Inaba family, signed Inaba 稲葉 saku 作Japan, 18th/19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of rounded rectangular form and oval section, the roiro ground finely decorated in mura-nashiji to depict wispy clouds and gold takamaki-e and kirigane with a gnarled prunus tree with thin branches issuing blossoms and buds. The interior of nashiji with gold fundame edges. The underside with the signature INABA saku [made by Inaba].HEIGHT 6.8 cmCondition: Good condition with some wear, minor age cracks, tiny nicks here and there, occasional light scratches.Provenance: Ex-collection Claudio Perino, a collector with a keen interest in Japanese, Chinese and Far Eastern cultures. His collection consists of over 2000 works of art, partly loaned to the Museum of Oriental Arts (MAO) in Turin, Italy and to the Museo delle Culture (MUSEC) in Lugano, Switzerland. An exhibition of Kakemono scroll paintings was on view in the MUSEC until end of April 2021.With a pressed horn manju netsuke carved in relief with Otohime and Urashima Taro, and a coral ojime.Inaba is the family name of a line of lacquer artists who produced inro during at least the 18th and 19th centuries. See Earle, Joe [ed.] (1995) The Index of Inro Artists, p. 90.Literature comparison: Compare an inro depicting a map of Japan, also by a member of the Inaba family, dated ca. 1775-1850, in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, accession number W.29-1952.Auction comparison:Compare a related inro depicting a flowering prunus tree by a member of the Inaba family, dated 19th century, at Bonhams, The Last Treasures from the Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art, 19 July 2021, London, lot 128 (sold for 3,570 GBP).

HOKKYO SESSAI: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A YAMABUSHI BLOWING ON A CONCH By Hokkyo Shima Sessai (1820-1879), signed Sessai 雪斎 to 刀Japan, Echizen, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a man (possibly Benkei) dressed in yamabushi attire and blowing on a horagai-conch, the traditional instrument used by these ascetic warrior monks. The long flowing folds of his robe are well-carved and accentuated with dark staining. Note the superbly crafted facial expression, typical for the artist. Signed SESSAI to [carved by Sessai] in formal seal script to the side next to the himotoshi.HEIGHT 5.5 cmCondition: Very good condition. Minor wear (particularly around the himotoshi), some remnants of gold lacquer.Provenance: French private collection. Hokkyo Shima Sessai (1820-1879) was an excellent carver who earned the honorary title of Hokkyo during his lifetime and served the lord of the Echizen clan. His work is scarce as he died at a relatively young age.

A SUPERB AND UNUSUAL SAISHIKI NETSUKE OF A MAN IN AGONY UnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The saishiki (painted hinoki wood) netsuke amusingly carved as man standing on his toes, dressed only in a loincloth, and with both hands behind his back, one tightly clutching the back of his thigh and the other reaching under his loincloth trying to loosen it as he has tied it too tightly. His expression, marked by agony, is carved extremely well – his cavernous mouth is opened, and his eyes are closed as the man yelps out in pain and exertion. Excellent himotoshi, the larger hole generously excavated to accommodate the knot.HEIGHT 9.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with typical wear.Provenance: French private collection.

MITSUHARU: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF SHOKI AND ONIBy Mitsuharu, unsignedJapan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Dynamically and expressively carved in the typical manner of Mitsuharu, the demon queller dressed in a voluminous robe incised with cloud designs and with long draping sleeves, his downward-pointing sword at the ready, and holding on to the brim of his hat on which a boldly carved oni hides. Shoki's expression is typically carved - his mouth is open, his beard is flowing in the wind, the ringed eyes with horn-inlaid pupils. The back with large himotoshi between the sword's scabbard.HEIGHT 8.2 cmCondition: The feet are probably restored. Some general wear, minuscule nicks. Otherwise fine condition, beautiful patina.Provenance: French private collection.Literature comparison:For a discussion of the carver see INSJ, vol. 39, no. 1, pp. 11-23, A similar example in ivory (also unsigned) is illustrated in fig. 29 (and illustrated on the cover of the journal). For a related example in wood see Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part A, p. 532.

A SUPERB STAG ANTLER RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE OF A MOKUGYO, ATTRIBUTED TO TOKOKUAttributed to Suzuki Tokoku (1846-1913), signed with a kakihanJapan, Tokyo, Asakusa District, second half of 19th centuryThe ryusa manju netsuke consisting of two separately carved parts, the front very finely carved with a double dragon-headed mokugyo sharing a tama in their mouths, the curling manes and scales neatly incised, the reverse with a central floral himotoshi framed by openworked petals. The interior with a nyoi-scepter forming the cord attachment above a kakihan (artist's monogram).LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Dutch private collection.Suzuki Tokoku (1846-1913) is regarded as one of the finest netsuke carvers, distinguished by masterful use of inlay. His earlier works are in the Asakusa style of manju or ryusa type and often using fine metal inlays. It seems plausible his art name Tokoku 東谷 is derived from Kokusai 谷齋, and although Tokoku was apparently self-taught, he must have worked with Kokusai at some point in his life.Literature comparison:A similar example by Tokoku, the signature hidden within, is in Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. III, pp. 182-183, no. 183.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY, GOURD AND NAMAZUUnsignedJapan, second half of 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well-carved as a monkey in the guise of Kadori Myojin, wearing a sleeveless jacket and holding a large hyotan, pressing down against the Namazu, the visible eye of the earthquake fish inlaid in dark horn. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi underneath. The wood bearing a fine, dark patina.LENGTH 4.2 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor associated surface wear.Provenance: French private collection.