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A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF BASHIKO SENNIN, ATTRIBUTED TO MITSUHARUAttributed to Mitsuharu, unsigned Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Barry Davies Oriental Art (1995) 100 Selected Pieces from the Netsuke Collection of Scott Meredith, no. 6.Well carved, the sennin standing and grabbing the claw of the ferocious dragon writhing above him, wearing a long flowing robe as well as leafy skirt and apron, a double-gourd attached to his belt, the dragon displaying all the signature traits of Mitsuharu with a long snout, the mouth agape revealing teeth and tongue, further detailed with two horns, funnel-shaped ears, and neatly incised scales. The back with one himotoshi, the other between the sennin's right arm and body.HEIGHT 7.3 cmCondition: Good overall condition with some wear, expected age cracks, natural imperfections to the material, few minuscule nicks. One foot is likely restored.Provenance: Dutch private collection.The subject is quite rare in netsuke art and usually misidentified as Chinnan Sennin or Rakan Handaka Sonja, who are both usually depicted with alms bowls from which they conjure the dragon. Bashiko Sennin was a healer of animals who came upon a sick dragon and remedied the dragon's ailments with acupuncture.Literature comparison:There does not appear to be any netsuke of dragons which are in fact signed Mitsuharu, however a number can be confidently attributed to the artist. See for example two dragons in International Netsuke Society Journal (Spring 2019) Vol. 39, no. 1, p. 20, nos. 25-26. Compare a closely related figure of a sennin with a dragon, also unsigned, dated early 18th century, illustrated in Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 336, no. 1024.Auction comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke of a dragon, also attributed to Mitsuharu and dated late 18th century, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 58 (sold for 3,286 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.

MASANAO: A NETSUKE-SIZED OKIMONO OF A MONKEY WITH PEACHBy Masanao, signed Masanao 正直Japan, Ise-Yamada, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a grinning male monkey (saru) holding a peach before him. Note the neatly incised fur and well-carved paws. Signed within a polished reserve MASANAO.HEIGHT 4.9 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: British private collection.

HOSHIN: A FINE WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF A SCREAMING MANBy Hoshin, signed Hoshin 法真 Japan, 19th centuryExpressively carved with wrinkled forehead, ridged brows, heavy lids, a broad nose with pierced nostrils, the pierced mouth wide open in agony, the teeth and tongue neatly detailed. The back with a short, arched himotoshi bar signed HOSHIN.HEIGHT 4.1 cmCondition: Good condition with minor surface wear, a minuscule chip to the lower lip, few light scratches. A tiny imperfection to the back.Provenance: J. J. Mathias Baron Ribeyre, Paris, 13 November 2012. European collection P. Jacquesson, acquired from the above. The back with an inventory number, '4272', suggesting a prior deaccession.

A FINE TANBA SCHOOL WOOD NETSUKE OF PUMPKINS AND NASUBI UnsignedJapan, Tanba province, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Superbly carved as three kabocha pumpkins aligned in a row with six nasubi (eggplants) arranged freely around them. A vividly detailed wood netsuke showing a superior use of staining and sukashi-bori (openwork). Natural himotoshi through the curved stem of the largest pumpkin.LENGTH 5 cmCondition: Some old repairs. Overall good condition.Provenance: German private collection.

A RED AND BLACK LACQUER THREE-CASE INRO DEPICTING ANCIENT COINSUnsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The black and red-lacquered ground in imitation of negoro-ware, inlaid in boxwood and decorated in brown and black takamaki-e with various ancient cash coins with simulated wear, the interior lacquered dark-brown.HEIGHT 7.6 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear (most of the wear is simulated). Provenance: The Ankarcrona Collection of Japanese Works of Art. Sten Ankarcrona (1861–1936) began collecting upon his first visit to Japan in the late 1880s, at the beginning of the golden age of travel and collecting in Europe. The young aristocratic Swedish naval officer became fascinated by the breadth of artistic production in the region and continued to add to his collection back in Europe. In 1923, by then an admiral, he was appointed by the King of Sweden to travel back to Japan on a special mission, where he spent two months making many more purchases. His love of Asian art was later passed down to his children and grandchildren, who have enriched the family collection during their own visits to Japan throughout the second half of the 20th century.With a black and red-lacquered ojime of globular form carved with floral and foliate designs.Auction comparison:For a related inro attributed to Ogawa Haritsu, see Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 272 (sold for 2,402 EUR).

DEME UMAN: A WOOD MASK NETSUKE DEPICTING A DEMONBy Deme Uman, signed Deme Uman 出目右滿Japan, Edo (Tokyo), early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Expressively carved as a demon mask with bulging eyes with pierced pupils looking upward, thick furrowed brows, a broad nose with pierced nostrils, and the mouth agape revealing teeth as well as sharp fangs. The reverse with a central himotoshi bar signed DEME UMAN.HEIGHT 5.3 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: International Netsuke Society, Paris Edo Convention Netsuke & Sagemono, Paris, 1994. French private collection, acquired at the above. Piasa, 16 December 2004. 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.Auction comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke of Fujin by Deme Uman at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 288 (sold for 2,528 EUR).

A VERY RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A MAN WITH A COIN IN HIS MOUTHSigned Okatomo 岡友Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sagemonoya (2011) Netsuke Opus 20, no. 27.A finely carved ivory netsuke of a man clad only in a fundoshi and cowering over a tub, his hands gripping the edge, a large coin visible in his mouth. The expression is superbly carved, this mysterious act seems to be causing the man great pain. The subject itself appears to be unique, or at the very least seen very rarely and there is no immediately plausible explanation. Gabor Wilhelm writes in the 2011 Sagemonoya “Netsuke Opus 20” publication: “Is this man spitting gold coins into his basin? Or is he attempting to win a wager consisting of trying to retrieve a gold coin without using his hands? To the French it could be a literal depiction of cracher au bassinet, a loose English translation would be “paying through one's nose” [or in this case mouth]". Natural himotoshi and not entirely convincing signature OKATOMO underneath.HEIGHT 3.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface wear.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris. 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.

SHIGEMASA: A RARE STAINED WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAILBy Shigemasa, signed Shigemasa 重正Japan, c. 1860Finely carved as a snail emerging from its shell, the lumpy body folded onto its back, sprawling its tentacles. The shell is neatly incised and exhibits a variety of stains combined with polished areas, the shell showing a peculiar spotted pattern. The underside shows the curling foot which is neatly polished and houses the himotoshi. Signed within a rectangular reserve SHIGEMASA.LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt.The artist excelled at the carving of snails and was superior in the staining of his work: His compositions depicting snails slithering across buckets or reishi fungi are well known and loved. The present model depicting a snail emerging from its shell, though popular amongst other snail carvers, appears to be unique for Shigemasa.Auction comparison:A related wood netsuke of a snail on a bucket by Shigemasa was recently sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2020, Vienna, lot 120 (sold for 8,216 EUR).

KANO TESSAI: A LACQUERED WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF A KYOGEN MASK DEPICTING BUAKUBy Kano Tessai (1845-1925), signed Tessai Dojin 鉄哉道人 with kakihanJapan, Nara, late 19th to early 20th centuryPublished: Bushell, Raymond (1985) Netsuke Masks, pl. 161.Well carved as a typical Buaku mask with pierced eyes, a broad nose, plump cheeks, and biting the lower lip showing teeth, the eyes and teeth with gold lacquer, the mask further painted with red and black lacquer to simulate an ancient mask, the reverse with the signature TESSAI dojin (hermit) with a kakihan.HEIGHT 4 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor and simulated wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Raymond Bushell. Sotheby's, 21 March 2001, New York, lot 142. European collection P. Jacquesson, acquired from the above.Kano Tessai (1845-1925) came from a Gifu family and started his life as a Buddhist priest, though his father instructed him in the art of carving. He studied Chinese literature and drawing and was a professor at Tokyo art school in 1872. He was also on the examining committee for investigating the ancient art of Japan and subsequently went to Nara where he engaged in the reproductions of old objects of art, such as the present example. This specific signature, adding Dojin ('hermit'), appears to be unique.Literature comparison: Compare a related Buaku mask dated 17th-19th century in the Nara National Museum, accession number 111-1, and another dated to the late Edo period in the Phoenix Art Museum, object number 2010.332.

TOSHIHIDE: A SUPERB LACQUER FOUR-CASE INRO AFTER A PAINTING BY KOSHU (1760-1822)By Tatsuke Toshihide, signed Toshihide 寿秀 and sealed Tokei 東渓; after a painting by Hatta Koshu (1760-1822), signed Koshu 古秀 and sealed Koshu 古秀Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of upright, rectangular form and oval section, the dark-brown lacquered ground finely decorated in splendid black and gold togidashi-e with mura-nashiji to depict a black crane flying over waves and reeds, the interior lacquered dark-brown with gold fundame edges. The front of the inro signed KOSHU with a red seal KOSHU, the underside signed TOSHIHIDE with a red seal TOKEI.HEIGHT 7 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear. Provenance: Spink & Son Ltd, London, 1990. A private collector in Australia, acquired from the above.Toshihide (1757-1833), together with his younger brother Toshihide II (1771-?), belonged to the branch of the Tatsuke family originated by Eisuke in Kyoto. The Toshihide brothers were both fine lacquerers and notable inro decorators, also lacquering boxes and netsuke. It is not always easy to distinguish between their work, but Toshihide I worked mainly in takamaki-e and only occasionally in togidashi-e. However, although the seal Tokei may have been used by both brothers, it is more associated with Toshihide I. Nonetheless, Toshihide II worked almost invariably in togidashi-e and his inro of birds in this technique are equal to the work of Moei and other distinguished exponents. See Earle, Joe [ed.] (1995) The Index of Inro Artists, p. 305.Hatta Koshu (1760-1822) was a painter and print artist of the Maruyama-Shijo School, studying with Murakami Toshu and Maruyama Okyo.Auction comparison:For a related inro by Toshihide, worked in splendid togidashi-e and depicting a bird amongst flowers, see Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part III, 15 May 2012, London, lot 227 (sold for 16,250 GBP).

AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECLINING HOTEI WITH HOSSU (FLYWHISK)Unsigned 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. 34.Finely carved in a reclining posture, holding a flywhisk (hossu) in his right hand, his loose-fitting robe with neatly carved folds, opening at the chest to reveal his rotund belly and ample chest, a cheerful expression on his chubby face, the mouth agape in a laugh, the back with two generously excavated asymmetrical himotoshi.LENGTH 6.2 cmCondition: Good condition, appealingly worn, expected age cracks, few minor nicks, traces of use, fine patina to reverse.Provenance: Lempertz, Cologne, 7 December 2007, lot 344. Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko, acquired from the above. Lempertz, Cologne, The Kolodotschko Collection of Netsuke II, 12 May 2014, lot 662. A notable private collector, acquired from the above.Netsuke such as the present lot and no. 2 are of unusually high quality for early figural ivory netsuke. Unlike the seated Hotei types, which tend to follow earlier Chinese models, these horizontal variants are purely Japanese in concept. Trade Certificate: 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 MARINE IVORY RYUSA MANJU NETSUKE DEPICTING TEKKAI SENNIN EXHALING HIS ANIMAUnsignedJapan, Tokyo, Asakusa District, mid to late 19th centuryPublished: Sydney L. Moss Ltd. (2016) Kokusai the Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. III, p. 420-421, no. 590.Of circular form, finely worked to imitate stag antler, delicately carved in openwork to depict Tekkai sennin seated with gourd and staff on an old pine trunk, the tree's clusters of pine needles practically encircling him as he blows out his soul in the form of a small figure trudging dutifully along in mid-air, suspended in a cloud-scroll vapor trail above swirling clouds to the reverse. The reverse with a central himotoshi above a five-lobed aperture.DIAMETER 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with expected surface wear as well as minor age cracks and splits.Provenance: Ex-collection June Schuerch.Literature comparison: Compare a related ivory ryusa manju netsuke depicting Gama Sennin, signed Kyo, 4.2 cm diameter, carved in a similar manner, particularly evident in the pine needles, illustrated in Coullery, Marie-Therese and Newstead, Martin S. (1977) The Baur Collection, p. 95, no. C 154.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.

TOYOKAZU: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE OF A MONKEY WITH PEACHBy Shugasai Toyokazu, signed Toyokazu 豊一Japan, Sasayama, Tanba province, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Sagemonoya (2009), The 2009 New York Sans Ivoire Netsuke & Sagemono Selection, p. 41, no. 102.Very finely carved and warmly stained, depicting a seated monkey (saru) mischievously guarding a suggestively carved peach with one hand, the other scratching his back. The simian's glaring eyes are inlaid in pale and dark horn and the hairwork is neatly engraved. Good, asymmetrical himotoshi through the underside and back. Signed within a typical oval reserve in cleanly cut characters TOYOKAZU.HEIGHT 3.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear, a tiny dent to the very edge of one foot.Provenance: French private collection, purchased from Sagemonoya, Tokyo, in 2009.Shugasai Toyokazu is widely regarded as the most accomplished pupil of Naito Toyomasa (1773-1856).Literature comparison:A very similar netsuke by Toyokazu is illustrated in Ducros, Alain (1994) Netsuke & Sagemono, p. 88.Auction comparison:For a related wood netsuke by Toyomasa of three monkeys fighting over a peach see Bonhams, The Harriet Szechenyi Sale of Japanese Art, 8 November 2011, London, lot 155 (sold for 85,250 GBP). Another related wood netsuke by Toyomasa of two monkeys fighting over a peach was sold at Tessier Sarrou, Arts D' Asie, 13 December 2021, Paris, lot 60 (sold for 160,000 EUR).

A GOOD IVORY NETSUKE OF A BAYING KIRINUnsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Boldly carved, seated on its haunches with one front leg bent, the hooves placed on the naturalistically carved base, the beast finely detailed with a single curved horn, floppy ears, wild mane, and bushy tail, its head twisted upwards and the mouth agape in howl revealing tongue and teeth, the incision work heightened with sumi, the base with a central himotoshi.HEIGHT 5.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with expected surface wear, minor age cracks, and traces of use.Literature comparison: Compare a similar ivory netsuke of a kirin illustrated in Joly, Henri L. (1966) The W. L. Behrens Collection, Part 1, Netsuke, pl. XXVI, no. 1378.The kirin is derived from the Chinese mythical beast qilin, one of the four divine creatures, the others being the dragon, phoenix and turtle. The Japanese kirin is something of wild mythical fantasy – its most characteristic feature is of course the horn, as it is also called the Japanese unicorn. It has four legs with hooves and the hindlegs are covered with very well-expressed fatty tissue, like that of a shishi. The rest of the body is covered in dense plumage, like that of a phoenix. 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.

MASANAO: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A PUPPY SCRATCHING ITS EARBy Masanao, signed Masanao 正直Japan, Ise-Yamada, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a chubby puppy lifting its left hindleg and lazily scratching its ear. The fur is neatly incised, and the wood is attractively stained dark and polished. The small squinting eyes with dark horn pupils. Natural himotoshi and signed within a polished reserve MASANAO.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Very good condition.Provenance: US private collection.Literature comparison:For a near identical example formerly in the Victor Topper collection see Hurtig, Bernard (1973) Masterpieces of Netsuke Art: One Thousand Favorites of Leading Collectors, p. 178, no. 749.

A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A KARASU TENGU UnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The crow-beaked tengu seated with one hand resting on its lap, holding a feathered fan (hauichiwa), dressed in yamabushi garments, and wearing a tokin cap. The stern expression is marked by glaring eyes double-inlaid in pale and dark horn. The feathered wings in the back are very finely carved. Good himotoshi through the back and underside.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear to the underside.Provenance: French private collection.

A NARWHAL TUSK NETSUKE OF AN OXHERD AND OX, ATTRIBUTED TO GARAKUAttributed to Risuke Garaku, unsignedJapan, Osaka, second half of 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The small boy wearing a loose robe and holding the rope halter of a recumbent ox as he tries to clamber onto its back, the underside well carved with the boy's and ox's legs, two asymmetrical himotoshi, and a characteristic oban-shaped reserve.LENGTH 5.5 cmCondition: Wear, natural age cracks, a larger circumferential crack, the tail with a small loss. Overall good condition. Provenance: European collection.The oban-shaped reserve to one of the hind legs is an invention of Garaku. Raymond Bushell writes, “Garaku preserved a section of the spirally grooved bark in the shape of an oban (gold coin) on which he carved his signature – an innovation – […] The signed oban-shaped reserve in narwhal is distinctively the work of Garaku of the Soken Kisho. Unsigned narwhal netsuke with this characteristic oban-shaped reserve, and otherwise consistent, may be attributed to Garaku with the utmost confidence.” (Collector's Netsuke, 1971, p. 44).Literature comparison:A near-identical narwhal tusk netsuke attributed to Garaku I or II and depicting a herdboy and ox, with the same unsigned oban-shaped reserve as on the present netsuke, is illustrated in Moss (2008) Such Stuff As Dreams Are Made On, p. 56-57, no. 20. Compare also a near-identical marine ivory netsuke by Garaku at Sotheby's, The Carlo Monzino Collection of Netsuke, Inro and Lacquer, 21 June 1995, London, lot 167.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a boy oxherd, also attributed to Risuke Garaku, 5.4 cm wide, at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part IV on 6 November 2013, London, lot 60 (sold for 4,375 GBP). A closely related narwhal tusk netsuke of a baying Kirin attributed to Garaku, was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 61 (sold for 9,480 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.

KYOKUSEI: A FINE INLAID EBONY WOOD NETSUKE OF A CORAL DIVERBy Kyokusei, signed Kyokusei 旭生Japan, Edo/Tokyo, late 19th centuryA fine and amusingly crafted netsuke depicting a foreign islander. The finely polished ebony wood is embellished with various materials - the islander holds a large bright-red coral branch slung over his back and attached to a gilt metal rope, which he holds in his right hand. A tabako-ire set worked in semi-precious stones is attached to his loincloth, which like his eyes and teeth, are inlaid in bone. The underside neatly decorated with geometrical bands and waves. Signed within a green-stained tablet next to the two irregularly shaped himotoshi – KYOKUSEI 旭生.The artist was known for his idiosyncratic depictions of islanders. Similar examples also exist by Jugyoku, Minkoku and Shibayama Soichi.LENGTH 4.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear. Provenance: US private collection. Literature comparison:For a very similar netsuke by Kyokusei see Coullery, Marie-Therese and Newstead, Martin S. (1977) The Baur Collection, pp. 184-185, no. C 446. For another similar netsuke see Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 171, no. 511.Auction comparison:For a similar netsuke of a standing islander by Kyokusei, see Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 27 March 2020, Vienna, lot 139 (sold for 4,044 EUR).

HOJUSAI: A RARE LACQUERED WOOD KAGAMIBUTA NETSUKE DEPICTING A MAN WITH BASKETBy Hojusai, signed Hojusai 宝珠齋Japan, 19th centuryThe plate bearing a kinji ground, lacquered in gold, black, and red takamaki-e with a man carrying a large woven basket on a bamboo stick, wearing a simple robe and hat. The bowl covered in a light translucent lacquer coating heightening the grain of the wood. Central himotoshi through the back and cord attachment on the roiro-ground reverse of the lid next to the signature HOJUSAI.DIAMETER 4.7 cmCondition: Overall good, worn condition, the plate with small nicks and minor losses to lacquer.Provenance: Canadian private collection.Literature comparison:A related kagamibuta netsuke by the same carver, but with a shunga depiction to the interior, is illustrated in Ducros, Alain (1994) Paris Edo, no. 29b. Note the translucent lacquer coating heightening the wood grain, which is executed in the same manner in the present netsuke.Auction comparison:A closely related lacquer kagamibuta depicting a rakan, by the same artist, was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 319 (sold for 948 EUR).

SHIBATA ZESHIN: A FINE LACQUER ITOMAKI NETSUKEBy Shibata Zeshin (1807-1891), signed Zeshin 是眞Japan, c. 1860The two-part cushion-shaped netsuke serving as a silk spool (itomaki), silver thread wrapped tightly around it in one direction and gold in the other, a small section of loose gold thread visible near the bottom, all against a stunning red and black mokume ground. The interior with gold fundame edges and densely sprinkled nashiji, the looped cord attachment of silver. Signed to the reverse within a double-ringed oval reserve in carefully lacquered characters ZESHIN.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Ex-collection Charles Greenfield, old collection label 'Greenfield Collection' pasted inside.The subject references the Tanabata festival and enduring love.Literature comparison:A closely related example by Shibata Zeshin is illustrated in Bandini, Rosemary (2020) The Larry Caplan Collection of Japanese Netsuke, no. 53.

A LARGE WALRUS TUSK NETSUKE OF TWENTY FROGS ON LOTUS LEAF, ATTRIBUTED TO SEIMINAttributed to Seimin, unsignedJapan, Iwashiro, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved as a family of twenty (!) smooth frogs (kaeru) clambering on top of one another, the entire composition set on a large furled lotus leaf. The material is finely stained and polished to form a sumptuous colour, enhancing the natural depth of the material. Natural himotoshi through the stem of the lotus leaf.LENGTH 5 cmCondition: Very good condition, typical wear, few age cracks.Provenance: Austrian private collection.Literature comparison:A similar netsuke by Seimin of frogs on a lotus leaf is in the Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection, see LACMA, accession no. M.91.250.125.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.

RYUGYOKU: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A BOY WITH A BUAKU MASK By Ryugyoku, signed Ryugyoku 龍玉Japan, Edo/Tokyo, second half of 19th centuryThe boy seated with one knee raised, making the bekkako gesture while hiding a buaku mask behind his back, his tonsured hair neatly incised, his patterned robe further decorated with tiny metal and bone inlays. The underside with two asymmetrical himotoshi, one ringed with bone and the other with metal, and the signature RYUGYOKU within a bone-inlaid rectangular plaque.HEIGHT 3.2 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear, one finger with an old repair, the metal lining to one himotoshi is probably a later replacement.Provenance: From a private collection in Cologne, Germany.Literature comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke depicting the same subject by Ryumin, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 678.

A RARE SHUNGA WOOD NETSUKE OF A HAMAGURI CLAM WITH EROTIC SCENE INSIDE UnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The hamaguri clam well-carved and consisting of two parts, opening to reveal an erotic scene. The clam is secured together with a small peg and with the male's phallus. The himotoshi on the exterior of both parts and cord channel runs through behind the enamored couple.LENGTH 4.8 cmCondition: Very good condition, tiny chip to the exterior hinge of the clam.Provenance: French private collection.Auction comparison: A related shunga wood netsuke was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 103 (sold for 2,402 EUR).

A POWERFUL WOOD NETSUKE OF KIYOHIMEUnsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved standing and slightly leaning forward, holding a wooden mallet behind her back with one hand and a strand of her hair in the other, her demonic face with a fierce expression, the mouth agape, wearing voluminous and richly patterned robes, the neatly incised hair falling elegantly over the back and shoulders, the back with two generously excavated, large, and asymmetrical himotoshi.HEIGHT 5.8 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear. Provenance: Austrian private collection.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.

A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT HORSEAttributed to Shinzan Masanao (born 1904), unsignedJapan, Ise-Yamada, 20th centuryFinley carved as a proudly resting horse, its legs neatly folded underneath for compactness, the head curiously raised and turned to its right. Note the finely engraved fur and mane. The pupils are inlays of dark horn. Natural himotoshi.Unsigned, however attributed to the lineage of Masanao of Ise, most likely carved by Shinzan Masanao (born 1904).LENGTH 4.2 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: Collection of Henry-Louis Vuitton (1911-2002) who traveled to Japan in 1969 to open the first Louis Vuitton branch office and likely acquired the present netsuke during this time. Louis Vuitton is a French fashion house and luxury goods company founded in 1854 by Louis Vuitton. Today the company operates in 50 countries with more than 460 stores worldwide.The lack of signature may suggest was made by special order for Henry-Louis Vuitton during his stay in Japan.Literature comparison:Compare to a near-identical wood netsuke of a horse, signed Shinzan (Masanao), illustrated in Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, Vol. 1, p. 725.Auction comparison:A similar wood netsuke of a horse was sold at Christie's, Art of Japan: Online, 5 December 2019, London, lot 17 (sold for 2,375 GBP).

RANTEI: A CHARMING IVORY NETSUKE OF TWO PLAYING PUPSBy Rantei, signed Rantei 蘭亭Japan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved in the typical manner of this master who gained the honorary title of Hogen. The two playful pups are huddled together, one clambering over the other, and each pulling at the rope in their mouths. The fur is neatly engraved, and the eyes are inlaid in dark horn. Himotoshi and the signature RANTEI within the typical oval reserve underneath.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: One small loss to the rope. Otherwise very good condition with minor wear and age cracks.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.Auction comparison:Compare to a single puppy by Rantei, sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Works of Art, 17 September 2013, New York, lot 3041 (sold for 1,750 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 AND LARGE IVORY NETSUKE OF A RECLINING SARUMAWASHI AND HIS MONKEYUnsignedJapan, early 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A larger than usual model of unusual sculptural quality, depicting a monkey trainer sprawling on the ground and leaning on one elbow, his mouth agape in a tired yawn, his monkey pulling on his robe and bamboo taming stick in an effort to keep his trainer from falling asleep. Two asymmetrical himotoshi to the underside, the larger one generously excavated.LENGTH 8 cmCondition: Very good condition with some wear, due to extensive handling over a long period of time, many age cracks. Fine, smooth, honey-yellow patina.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.This superb and large ivory netsuke appears to be the precursor to the sleeping sarumawashi and thieving monkey model which is frequently seen in netsuke art. 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 TWO SAGESUnsigned Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Boldly carved as two sages with rather grotesque expressions, one standing and holding a hossu (flywhisk) in one hand, appearing to wake his reclining companion below him, both holding on to a baton, wearing long flowing robes opening at the chest, their mouths agape revealing teeth and tongue, the back with two asymmetrical himotoshi.HEIGHT 5 cmCondition: Very good condition, appealingly worn, expected age cracks, traces of use, one foot slightly chipped. Fine, smooth, honey-yellow patina.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris. 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.

MASAYOSHI: A FINE WOOD OKIMONO NETSUKE OF A RAT CATCHERBy Masayoshi (Seikei), signed Masayoshi 正慶Japan, Nagoya, late 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Very finely carved as a disappointed rat catcher, wearing only a loincloth, kneeling and holding a box down, looking backwards as the escaped rat clambers over his back. His expression is masterfully worked, brilliantly capturing his anger and disappointment, while at the same time vilifying him. Note the extremely well-carved bony fingers and toes, as well as the muscular and emaciated body. All pupils inlaid in dark buffalo horn. Signature MASAYOSHI on the underside of the fundoshi (loincloth).LENGTH 5 cmCondition: Very good condition.Provenance: French private collection, purchased at Christie's on 26th November 2002.Masayoshi was a pupil of Masakazu and Masasada and was best known for his netsuke of rat catchers, the present piece being a particularly fine example.Literature comparison: A closely related okimono-wood netsuke is illustrated in the Baur collection, Marie-Therese Coullery and Martin S. Newstead (1977) The Baur collection, p. 221, C 590.Auction comparison: For a closely related wood okimono-netsuke see Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 2 November 2019, Vienna, lot 193 (sold for 2,891 EUR).

NOBUKAZU: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONKEY WITH KAKI (PERSIMMON)By Nobukazu, signed Nobukazu 信一Japan, Tokyo, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Well carved seated and holding a persimmon borne on a leafy stem, the face with a quizzical expression marked by small eyes with dark pupils, the fur neatly incised, the feet and hands with long fingers and toes, natural himotoshi between the monkey's limbs and the fruit, signed to one leg NOBUKAZU within an oval reserve.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with some wear and a minor age crack to the back.Provenance: French private collection, acquired at Toledano, Bordeaux, 19 December 1998. Literature comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke by Nobukazu of a monkey eating fruit, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 608. 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.

MASANAO: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A RAT WITH PEANUTSBy Masanao, signed Masanao 正直Japan, Ise-Yamada, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a large rat (nezumi) with bulging eyes inlaid in dark and lustrous horn, cowering over two peanuts and nibbling at them. Note the minutely incised fur and the large well-carved tail which curls around underneath. Natural himotoshi and signed within a recessed oval reserve MASANAO.LENGTH 5 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: French private collection.

TOMOCHIKA: A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A FARMER SHELTERING FROM THE STORMBy Chikuyosai Tomochika I, signed Tomochika 友親Japan, Edo/Tokyo, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well-carved as a farmer caught outside during a heavy storm, hiding beneath a huge mushroom which has just been struck by lightning, which has been executed by raised angular lines and a cracked opening to the cap, above the man's fearful face with the mouth agape in shock, the naturalistically carved base with the himotoshi (one to the underside and the other to the side) and the signature TOMOCHIKA.LENGTH 4.2 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear, expected age cracks, few minuscule nicks.Provenance: Sotheby's, 23 February 1977, lot 532. Galerie Yamato, Paris, 2001. French private collection, acquired from the above.An early work by the prolific carver Chikuyosai Tomochika, the subject is most unusual. 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.

SHOKYUSAI: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF AN EAGLE SNATCHING A FOXBy Shokyusai, signed Shokyusai 正久斎Japan, Edo (Tokyo), 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A fine ivory netsuke of an eagle firmly grasping a helpless fox in its talons. The reverent bird of prey has a fierce expression, its head is slightly tilted downwards, and its beak is opened. The feather-work of the eagle is executed masterfully. The little fox is crafted quite sensitively with a terrified expression, one claw covering its eye – one truly feels sorry for the little fox and hopes that perhaps it can trick itself out of its demise, as foxes are known to have magical powers. The himotoshi on the back of the eagle and the signature in a rectangular reserve on the underside of the fox SHOKYUSAI.LENGTH 3.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear and expected age cracks.Provenance: European collection.Literature comparison:Compare a closely related ivory netsuke in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 29.100.796 (together with an inro).Auction comparison:Compare a closely related ivory netsuke by Tomochika at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part IV, 6 November 2013, London, lot 61 (sold for 1,625 GBP), and another at Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 27 April 2019, Vienna, lot 206 (sold for 1,643 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.

TOMOTADA: A GOOD STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A RECUMBENT COW AND CALFSigned Tomotada 友忠Japan, Kyoto, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a recumbent cow, her calf lying below her neck and huddling up against the side of her head. The rope halter is tied around the head and trails the length of the back and circles around the plugged section of the antler. Large asymmetrical himotoshi underneath and signed within a rectangular reserve TOMOTADA. A boldly carved and rustic stag antler netsuke showing a sensitive interpretation of the Kyoto school subject of cow and calf.LENGTH 5.9 cmCondition: Excellent condition with 'natural flaws' to the material.Provenance: German private collection.The manner of the first kanji Tomo 友 is written in a similar manner of Tomohisa, who was proficient in stag antler carvings and active in Kyoto.

A RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF A CORAL DIVERUnsigned Japan, Edo (Tokyo), c. 1830, Edo period (1615-1868)The lanky South Sea islander slightly stooping under the weight of the large piece of coral tied to his back with a braided rope, holding on to it with one hand, clad in a sarong with neatly incised floral decoration to the back, his face with curled hair and cheerful expression with the mouth agape in a smile, the back with two himotoshi.HEIGHT 7.6 cmCondition: Good condition, appealingly worn, possibly minor smoothened chips.Provenance: An important private collection in Bavaria, Germany, assembled during the 1950s and 1960s.This netsuke presents the rare motif of a coral diver returning with a huge bounty after a hard day of work, the present netsuke being even rarer due to the exclusive use of ivory, which appears to be almost unique. 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.

HIDEHARU: A SUPERB WOOD NETSUKE DEPICTING A MERMAID CAUGHT IN A GIANT HAMAGURIBy Hideharu, signed Hideharu 秀晴Japan, Nagoya, late 19th centuryPublished: Hurtig, Bernard (1973) Masterpieces of Netsuke Art: One Thousand Favorites of Leading Collectors, p. 150, no. 604.Masterfully carved, the mermaid with finely incised hair falling elegantly over her back, her eyes double-inlaid in translucent and dark horn. One of her fins has been caught in the huge hamaguri clam below her, and she is attempting to free herself. The contrasting textures of the clam shell, the mermaid's scaly body, and her fins are all superbly executed. The underside with two asymmetrical himotoshi flanking the signature HIDEHARU within a recessed reserve.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Martin S. Newstead. Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt.The mermaid (ningyo) caught in a giant hamaguri is one of Hideharu's most popular designs, the present netsuke being certainly the finest example of the group.Literature comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke depicting the same subject by Hideharu, illustrated in Eskenazi (1993) Japanese Netsuke from the Carre Collection, p. 99, no. 101. Compare a related wood netsuke depicting the same subject by Hideharu, illustrated in Barry Davies Oriental Art (1996) Netske Through Three Centuries, p. 129, no. 146.Auction comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke depicting a kappa caught in a hamaguri by Hideharu at Bonhams, Japanese Works of Art, 19 March 2009, New York, lot 409 (sold for 3,965 USD).

MASACHIKA: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF MONKEY WITH YOUNG RIDING A HYOTANBy Masachika, signed Masachika 正親Japan, second half of 19th centuryThe finely carved wood netsuke depicting a large monkey wearing a sleeveless jacket adorned with scrolling patterns, the fur minutely incised, and the large eyes double-inlaid with slightly displaced pupils resulting in an amusingly impish expression. The simian is shown riding on a large hyotan (a double gourd known for its magical properties), pulling on its furcated stem as if it were the reins of a horse. A smaller monkey is carved below the adult, holding on to one of the gnarly stems. Signed within a stained bone tablet MASACHIKA. Natural himotoshi.The motif of a horse emerging from a hyotan is well-documented and signifies an unlikely event. Furthermore, the motif of a monkey riding a horse means to have a good career.According to the scholar F. M. Jonas, Masachika was the adopted son and successor of Kaigyokusai Masatsugu and the father of Kaigyokudo Masateru.HEIGHT 4.8 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor associated surface wear. A small split through the stem of the gourd.Provenance: US private collection. With old collection or museum number written in white underneath: “W8LL”.Auction comparison:A similar wood netsuke of a monkey and gourd by Masachika, formerly in the Tomkinson collection, was sold at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 15 May 2014, London, lot 7 (sold for 3,750 GBP).

A VERY RARE CHAMPLEVE-DECORATED IRON 'INRO-SHAPED' WRITING SETUnsigned Japan, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of upright form and oval section, the hinged container cast as an inro with incised faux-cases, secured by a gilt-metal pin inserted in one of the cord holes, opening to reveal various small gilt-metal tools, including a brush, spoon, knife, and tweezers, as well as two hinged seal paste containers. The iron exterior is finely inlaid with prunus blossoms and dew drops in gilt-metal, silver, copper, and champleve enamel.HEIGHT 6 cmCondition: Good condition with minor wear and manufacturing flaws, tiny nicks, light surface scratches, few small losses to inlays, the interior with extensive traces of use, some of the gilt-metal fittings oxidized.Provenance: Formerly the property of the Strong Museum, donated by Margaret Woodbury Strong (1897-1969), a prolific collector and founder and namesake of the museum. The underside with an accession number, '75.534[0]'. The Strong National Museum of Play (known as just The Strong Museum or simply the Strong) in Rochester, New York is the only collections-based museum devoted solely to the study of play. With a metal netsuke cast in openwork as a hamaguri clam with floral and scroll decoration, attributed to Karamonoya Kyubei, who is mentioned in the Soken Kisho published in 1781. Kyubei is described as making ashtrays, Chinese-style cast netsuke and kuwara (rings used for a priest's kesa). Other designs include gourds, incense burners, eggs, and clams. Many other shapes were used for his Netsuke. Sophisticated designs such as rain dragons, arabesques, flowers, clouds, and spirals were skillfully combined to create an openwork finish. They are very high-quality, perfect netsuke, not too heavy, not too light, and are very comfortable to the touch.With a globular ojime with wire-inlaid decoration of ingots and pearls.

A WOOD NETSUKE OF TWO LEVERETSUnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The young bunnies seated on their rear haunches side by side, each with large dark-inlaid eyes and finely incised fur, neatly detailed with paws, short tails, funnel-shaped ears, and charming expression. The underside with two himotoshi.LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear and few minuscule nicks to exposed areas.Provenance: British private collection.Literature comparison: Compare a related wood netsuke of a short-eared hare and its young, dated to the early 19th century, illustrated in Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 376, no. 1129.Auction comparison: Compare a closely related boxwood netsuke of two young rabbits by Minko, dated late 18th to early 19th century, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese Art, 16 May 2013, London, lot 25 (sold for 2,375 GBP).

A FINE IVORY MANJU NETSUKE WITH BAKU, ATTRIBUTED TO RENSAIAttributed to Ishikawa Rensai or a close follower or associate, unsignedJapan, Tokyo, Asakusa District, late 19th centuryPublished: Moss, Sydney L. (2016) Kokusai The Genius: and Stag-antler Carving in Japan, vol. III, pp. 28-29, no. 341.The solid ivory manju of sixteen-petaled kiku (chrysanthemum) shape, very finely carved in highly polished shishiaibori (sunken relief) to the center with a reclining dragon-horned baku facing backwards with an amusingly stern expression, the creature set against a finely incised hanabishi (lit. flower diamonds) ground. The finely stained verso with two himotoshi.LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor imperfection near the baku's horn (also visible in the back).Provenance: Ex-collection Jury Kolodotschko, sold at Lempertz, Cologne, 5th June 2015, lot 1207.Baku are Japanese supernatural beings that are said to devour nightmares. According to legend, they were made from the spare pieces that were left after the gods had finished creating all other animals. Baku heads are commonly placed under the eaves of Japanese Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines to ward off bad spirits. They are protectors against evil, devour nightmares, but cannot be summoned without caution, because - as legend tells - if the baku is not satisfied after consuming the nightmares, it may devour one's hopes and dreams too. 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.

KASHUN: A WOOD SHUNGA NETSUKE OF OKAME CARESSING A TENGU MASKBy Kashun, signed Kashun 花春Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)An exquisitely small wood netsuke carved with a healthy dose of humor, depicting the Shinto goddess of mirth Okame caressing the phallic long nose of a konoha-tengu mask, laughing bashfully and coyly hiding her smile behind her sleeve. Himotoshi and signature KASHUN underneath.LENGTH 3.2 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface wear.Provenance: French private collection, purchased at Galerie Yamato, Paris, in 2000.

SOSHI: A RARE SO SCHOOL WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF AN OCTOPUS-USOFUKIBy Soshi, signed Soshi 藻之 to 刀Japan, Tokyo, late 19th century – early 20th centuryPublished: Bushell, Raymond (1985) Netsuke Masks, pl. 233.Expressively carved with a comical expression marked by bulging eyes with large recessed pupils, characteristically puckered mouth, and finely incised, deep wrinkles. The reverse with a central himotoshi bar signed SOSHI to [carved by Soshi].HEIGHT 4 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.Soshi was a netsuke artist from the Joso school whose work is rarely seen. Most of his netsuke are masks, with his signature engraved on a bar himotoshi.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 present netsuke presents a rare variant of this type in the form of an octopus.Literature comparison: Compare a closely related red lacquer mask netsuke, also an octopus variant of the usofuki type, by Sosai, illustrated by Davey, Neil K. / Tripp, Susan G. (1993) The Garrett Collection, p. 267, no. 349. Compare a related wood mask netsuke by Soshi, illustrated by Davey, Neil K. (1974) Netsuke: A comprehensive study based on the M.T. Hindson Collection, p. 158, no. 473.

SATO MASAYOSHI: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF RAIJIN POURING SAKEBy Sato Masayoshi, signed Masayoshi 正義Japan, Nagoya, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The thunder god Raijin seated and leaning against a taiko drum, a pair of drumsticks tucked into his tiger skin loincloth, and leisurely pouring sake into a cup, sporting a wide grin in anticipation of his drunken delight. The details are very well-carved, the studs of the drum are inlaid in dark horn, and the eyes are attractive double-inlays of pale and dark horn. Himotoshi through the back and signed underneath MASAYOSHI.HEIGHT 4 cm, LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor surface wear.Provenance: French private collection.

A RARE EBONY WOOD INGYO (SEAL) NETSUKE OF A SINIUUnsignedJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The goat-like mythical being seated on an oval base, its plump body slightly contorted as it swings its head dynamically to look behind. The underside of the base cut in high relief with a kakihan (artist's cursive monogram). Natural himotoshi. Some remnants of red seal paste underneath. This seal was probably used by a painter.HEIGHT 4.8 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Auction comparison:Compare a related ivory seal netsuke, carved with a siniu in a similar posture, dated late 18th century, at Christie's London in Japanese Ceramics & Works of Art on 8 November 2007, lot 7, (sold for GBP 6,875).

A STAG ANTLER NETSUKE OF A DUTCHMAN WITH COCKERELUnsignedJapan, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Carved from a tubular section of stag antler, the Dutchman with elongated body following the curvature of the material, the boots with black horn-inlaid buttons to the back, the face with grotesque expression, wearing a characteristically large hat, holding a long-tailed cockerel (onagadori) in his arms, two asymmetrical himotoshi to the back. The details all very finely carved and remarkably well-preserved, the antler bearing an appealing yellowish patina.HEIGHT 8.4 cmCondition: Very good condition, only very minor surface wear.Provenance: Old Viennese private collection, purchased from Galerie Gemini (H. Hohenadl).Auction comparison:Compare a closely related but slightly larger stag antler netsuke, dated to the 18th century, at Van Ham, Asiatische Kunst, 8 December 2016, Cologne, lot 2411 (sold for 2,580 EUR). Another similar stag antler netsuke of a Dutchman was more recently sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 261 (sold for 2,149 EUR).

HOJITSU: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF AN INUBARIKO WITH SHUNGA INTERIORBy Meikeisai Hojitsu, signed Hojitsu 法實 with kakihan Japan, Edo (Tokyo), 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved in the form of an inubariko, a dog-shaped box – a symbol of fertility – and popular bridal gift, used for the storage of towels and accessories for intimate care. The dog is coyly smiling, seemingly knowing what is hidden within. The netsuke opens to reveal a minutely carved lady pleasuring herself with a harikata (artificial phallus). A little mechanism enables her hand to move back and forth. The exterior finely incised with shaped reserves enclosing various paintings. Himotoshi to the side and underside. Signed to one of the fan-shaped reserves to the exterior HOJITSU with a kakihan.LENGTH 3.7 cm, HEIGHT 3.4 cmCondition: Very good condition with surface wear, minor age cracks, traces of use, the interior with remnants of pigment.Provenance: French private collection, acquired from Galerie Yamato, Paris, in 2005.Literature comparison: Compare a closely related netsuke by Hojitsu at Sotheby's, The Cornelius V.S. Roosevelt Collection of Netsuke, 2 June 1992, New York, lot 257, and another illustrated in Severin, Mark F. (1976) Inubariko, INCS Journal Vol. 4, No. 2, p. 19, fig. 9.Auction comparison: Compare a related netsuke, unsigned, dated second half of 19th century, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 29 October 2021, Vienna, lot 98 (sold for 4,298 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.

MASANAO: A LARGE WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNAKE AND TOAD ON SANDALBy Masanao, signed Masanao 正直Japan, Ise-Yamada, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Extraordinarily well-carved as an unsuspecting toad sitting on the edge of an old, worn-out zori (sandal), a large snake slithering up from underneath and biting into the right hindleg of the poor amphibian. The textures of the two animals' skins, as well as the surface of the sandal are achieved with a heightened sense of realism. All eyes are inlaid in dark horn. Natural himotoshi and signed within a raised oval reserve MASANAO.LENGTH 6.5 cmCondition: Very good condition, minuscule age cracks.Provenance: French private collection.Auction comparison:A closely related netsuke was sold at Bonhams, Snow, Sex and Spectacle, 13 May 2021, London, lot 5 (sold for 2,295 GBP).

A SUPERB UMIMATSU NETSUKE OF A FROG ON TREE STUMPUnsignedJapan, probably Iwami, late 18th to early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The large frog with a superbly carved chunky body sits somewhat camouflaged with its legs splayed on a tree stump, its back lowered in an alert position and ready to pounce at any moment. The large glaring eyes are double inlaid in amber and umimatsu. Large himotoshi underneath and to the side.HEIGHT 3.5 cmCondition: Very good condition, natural material-inherent cracks throughout.Provenance: US private collection.A remarkably powerful and naturalistic study, the material cleverly chosen and utilized to perfection. The stunning natural marbling of the umimatsu (sea pine) is a true marvel to behold, especially under sunlight.Auction comparison:An umimatsu netsuke of a frog on a tree branch attributed to the Iwami carver Kanman, was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 25 September 2020, Vienna, lot 126 (sold for 3,034 EUR).

A TSUISHU LACQUER HYOTAN-FORM NETSUKE WITH KEMARI PLAYERSUnsignedJapan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely lacquered in tsuishu (carved red lacquer), with a revolving image of sages playing kemari, amongst pinetrees and craggy rocks, all against a fine hanabishi (lit. flower diamonds) ground. Silver and patinated metal mounts serve as stopper and looped himotoshi. This type of netsuke was part of a yatate sagemono set and was used to store powdered ink.HEIGHT 5.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition, only very minor surface wear.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Kemari, a popular athletic game during the Heian period (794-1185), is one of the earliest versions of football and is a non-competitive game where the goal is to keep the ball in the air.

OKATORI: A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A MONKEY WITH BIWA (LOQUATS)By Yamaguchi Okatori, signed Okatori 岡隹Japan, Kyoto, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Finely carved as a seated monkey leaning forwards, holding in one hand a leafy branch with four loquats (biwa) and cradling one fruit with the other, the face with a fine expression, the eyes and fruit with dark horn inlays, the fur and other details neatly incised, the incision work heightened with sumi, natural himotoshi between the monkey's limbs and branch, the underside with the signature OKATORI within a rectangular reserve.LENGTH 4.3 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Clive King, United Kingdom. Clive King was a nephew or cousin of the important netsuke scholar George Cohen and was introduced to collecting netsuke by him. According to Frederick Meinertzhagen, “[Okatori] was without doubt the most brilliant of Okatomo's pupils, his work (less often imitated than that of Okatomo) being in some respects perhaps even superior to that of the master. His animal models are hardly inferior in their delicate treatment, charm and vitality, to those by Tomotada, and in some cases they possess an individuality and character suggestive of Masanao's work […]”, see Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 622.Literature comparison: Compare a closely related wood netsuke of a monkey holding a leafy branch with three loquats by Oktatori, illustrated in Meinertzhagen, Frederick / Lazarnick, George (1986) MCI, Part B, p. 623.Auction comparison:A closely related ivory netsuke of a monkey by Okatori was sold at Bonhams, The Edward Wrangham Collection of Japanese Art Part V, 5 November 2014, London, lot 80 (sold for 4,375 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 RARE EBONY GYODO (RELIGIOUS) MASK NETSUKE OF DOKENInscribed Doken 道顕 Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Boldly carved with a fine expression, the pupils inlaid with pewter, the hair, brows, beard, and mustache neatly incised, with an unusual headdress. The reverse with a large central himotoshi bar inscribed Doken.HEIGHT 6 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Dr. Walter Heihs. Sotheby's, 17 June 1998, London, lot 735 (where the inscription was transcribed as Gendo). European collection P. Jacquesson, acquired from the above.Doken was a monk of the Asuka period, who came from Goguryeo (present-day Korea) and arrived in Japan during the 7th century. Out of reverence for past masters and historical figures, mask netsuke (particularly religious masks such as the present example) were often not signed by the artist but rather inscribed with the name of the subject.Literature comparison: Compare a related ebony mask netsuke of Koshikaki, also inscribed with the name of the subject, illustrated in Bushell, Raymond (1985) Netsuke Masks, pl. 28.

JUICHI: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF A KAPPA WITH CUCUMBERBy Juichi (Toshikazu), signed Juichi 壽一Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved seated with the knees bent, holding a large cucumber of green-stained stag antler in its lap, the emaciated rib cage and turtle-like carapace neatly detailed, the grimacing face expressing the yokai's ravenous hunger, the eyes double-inlaid with pale and dark horn and the fangs inlaid with bone. Himotoshi through the back and signed to one leg on the underside JUICHI. The artist was a pupil of Ryukosai Jugyoku.HEIGHT 3.3 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: French private collection, purchased from Galerie Yamato, Paris, in 2003.According to folklore there are two ways to escape a kappa-encounter unharmed. One is to feed it with a cucumber, which is the kappa's favorite food, and the other is to bow, as kappa are exceedingly polite creatures and find it difficult to resist returning the favor. This is a problem for the kappa as the cavity on top of their head retains water, and if this is damaged or its liquid is lost (either through spilling or drying up), the kappa is severely weakened.Auction comparison:Compare a closely related wood netsuke by Jugyoku, dated mid-19th century, at Lempertz, Japanese Art, 5 December 2015, Cologne, lot 746 (sold for 3,968 EUR). Another closely related wood netsuke by Gyokusai was more recently sold at Zacke, Asian Art Discoveries, 27 January 2020, Vienna, lot 592 (sold for 5,688).

MASANAO: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A SNARLING TIGERBy Masanao, signed Masanao 正直Japan, Ise-Yamada, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A delicate, yet remarkably powerful carving of a snarling tiger, its body twisted and tail curling, forming an ideally-shaped, compact composition. The characteristic tiger stripes are rendered with alternating finely etched and smoothly polished areas. Natural himotoshi and signed within a polished reserve MASANAO.HEIGHT 2.2 cm, LENGTH 2.8 cmCondition: Good condition, some age cracks and minor wear.Provenance: American private collection.Auction comparison:Compare to a similar wood netsuke by Masanao sold at Bonhams, The James A. Rose Collection of Netsuke and Sagemono, 17 September 2013, New York, lot 2016 (sold for 5,250 USD). Also compare to a similar wood netsuke by Masanao sold at Lempertz, Netsuke from the Albert Brockhaus Collection, 27 June 2020, Cologne, lot 528 (sold for 10,000 USD).

JUSHI: A FINE INLAID WOOD NETSUKE OF SHOKI WITH A BAG OF ONI By Jushi (Toshiyuki), signed Jushi with kakihan 壽之Japan, Edo (Tokyo), mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures (LNIA), Vol. 2, p. 1321.The amusingly grim-faced demon queller is dressed in typical attire and is shown tightly gripping a large bag behind his back with three mischievous oni peeking out, two of them inlaid in stained bone and antler. Large, asymmetrical himotoshi underneath, next to the signature JUSHI (Toshiyuki) and kakihan.The work is typical for the Jugyoku school, therefore the reading of Jushi is listed here rather than the reading Toshiyuki which is more commonly found in literature. Furthermore the idiosyncratic kakihan found on this piece has been recorded on one netsuke by Ryukosai Jugyoku (see the note by Lazarnick in LNIA vol. 2, p. 1178).HEIGHT 3.8 cm, LENGTH 4 cmCondition: Excellent condition.Provenance: US private collection. With old collection or museum number written in white underneath: “85.0117”.Auction comparison:A very similar netsuke by Jugyoku was sold at Van Ham, Asiatische Kunst, 7 December 2017, Cologne, lot 2289 (sold for 5,547 EUR). Another similar netsuke by Ryusai in ivory was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 206 (sold for 5,056 EUR).

DORAKU: AN IVORY NETSUKE OF A DRUNKARDBy Doraku, signed Doraku 道乐Japan, Osaka, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved and superbly stained as a smiling man clad only in a fundoshi, his naked back neatly incised with an ornate tattoo depicting floral and foliate designs, his body hair finely incised as well, the incision work heightened with sumi. He is holding up a stippled sake bottle, the label of which is found at the top of his head, inscribed Joshu Issho (one sho of high-grade sake) and with the sake maker's logo possibly reading Yama Isseki within a square. The back and underside with himotoshi. Signed to one leg within a wavy reserve DORAKU. HEIGHT 4 cmCondition: Good condition with minor surface wear, minimal age cracks, a tiny nick to the edge of one himotoshi. A cup or other object appears to have been held in the man's left hand but is now lost. Fine honey-yellow patina.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.Auction comparison: Compare to an ivory netsuke of two wrestling drunks by Doraku, sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 16 April 2021, Vienna, lot 71 (sold for 11,376 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.

A FINE IVORY NETSUKE OF A SLEEPING SHOKI WITH ONIUnsignedJapan, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The demon queller in a deep slumber, seated in a relaxed pose atop an openworked stool, one hand supporting his weary head and the other resting on his lap, wearing voluminous robes with neatly carved folds, his trusty sword sheathed and tied to his back, his finely incised hair elegantly falling over his back. At his feet kneels a frightful oni with the mouth wide open, desperately trying to wake Shoki, although the reason – after all, they are mortal enemies – remains elusive.HEIGHT 4.6 cmCondition: Good condition, appealingly worn, expected age cracks, natural imperfections to the material. Superb, lustrous, deep honey-yellow patina.Provenance: French private collection.The present netsuke, especially in its treatment of the oni, which is expressively carved and has a characteristically wide face, is typical of the Hakata school of carvers, the most notable member being of course Matsushita Otoman.Compare the manner of the carving of the oni on the present lot with a related ivory netsuke of an oni, attributed to Otoman, illustrated in Bandini, Rosemary (2001) Expressions of Style, Netsuke as Art, Scholten Japanese Art, New York, p. 53, no. 67. 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.

KOKEI: A FINE WOOD NETSUKE OF TANUKI HARA TSUZUMI By Kokei, signed Kokei 虎溪Japan, Kuwana, Ise province, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)A finely carved dark wood netsuke, depicting tanuki no hara tsuzumi (belly drumming raccoon dog). The fur is finely incised, the rib cage and spine expressively carved, sharp fangs, upwards turned snout and jovial expression – he is visibly delighted with drumming on his belly. The eyes are inlaid in green-shimmering mother-of-pearl. Typical himotoshi between one of the legs and signature on the underside KOKEI.HEIGHT 3.1 cmCondition: Excellent condition.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:For a similar netsuke by Kokei see Bonhams, Netsuke from a European private collection, 8 May 2016, London, lot 56 (sold for 2,250 GBP).

KANO TESSAI: A RARE WOOD MASK NETSUKE OF A SHISHI WITH MOVEABLE JAW AND EARSBy Kano Tessai (1845-1925), signed Tessai 鐵哉 to 刀 with kakihanJapan, Nara, late 19th to early 20th centuryPublished: Bushell, Raymond (1985) Netsuke Masks, pl. 245The shishi with fierce expression, the eyes painted with sumi, the flame-like brows and curled mane finely incised, the floppy ears and the lower jar are movable, the back with a single himotoshi and the signature TESSAI to [carved by Tessai] with a kakihan.LENGTH 3.7 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor surface wear.Provenance: Ex-collection Raymond Bushell. Sotheby's, 21 March 2001, New York. European collection P. Jacquesson, acquired from the above.Kano Tessai (1845-1925) came from a Gifu family and started his life as a Buddhist priest, though his father instructed him in the art of carving. He studied Chinese literature and drawing and was a professor at Tokyo art school in 1872. He was also on the examining committee for investigating the ancient art of Japan and subsequently went to Nara where he engaged in the reproductions of old objects of art, such as the present example.The subject is most unusual for Tessai.

KOMA KANSAI: A FINE LACQUER MANJU NETSUKE DEPICTING MATSUSHIMA BAYBy Koma Kansai, signed Kansai 寛哉Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The two-part lacquer manju netsuke bearing a mokume ground and decorated to the front in gold takamaki-e and okibirame, depicting an island in Matsushima Bay, one of the three scenic views of Japan (Nihon Sankei), next to two passing sailboats. Signed to the front KANSAI. Central himotoshi to the reverse, the cord attachment inside, the interior rim lined with pewter.DIAMETER 4 cmCondition: Excellent condition, very minor surface wear. Provenance: US private collection.The pine cladded islets floating in the Matsushima Bay near Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, have been canonized in Japanese poetry and paintings. The poetic sage Matsuo Basho 松尾芭蕉 (1644-1694) eternalized the beauty of Matsushima in his most simple Haiku:松島や、ああ松島や、松島や “matsushima ya, aa matsushima ya, matsushima ya”matsushima aaah! matsushima matsushima... —Basho

AWATAGUCHI: A LARGE OLD WOOD NETSUKE OF A RAT WITH CHESTNUTSBy Awataguchi, signed Awataguchi 粟田口Japan, Edo, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published: Rutherston & Bandini (2013) Japanese Netsuke, no. 18.Carved as a small rat with dark-inlaid eyes clambering on a cluster of chestnuts (kuri) and gnawing at a small piece of nut flesh, its long tail elegantly curved, the underside with two large, generously excavated, asymmetrical himotoshi as well as the signature AWATAGUCHI.LENGTH 6.1 cmCondition: Very good condition with minor wear.Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection, Paris.