An ivory netsuke depicting Chinnan Sennin, an immortal hermit sage from Japanese mythology, with a serene smile as he controls the dragon Ryu. This representation is of important dimensions. Ivory, with its colour, shine and patina, enhances the engraving. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century. Dimensions: 8.7 x 3.5 x 2.5 cm. State of conservation: Very good

An ivory netsuke depicting a horse standing in a typical attitude with its head bowed to the ground. Provenance: Bluth collection with an old label on the back. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji late 19th century. Dimensions: 6.2 x 5.5 x 3 cm. State of conservation: Very good

An ivory netsuke depicting the samurai warrior Sato Tadanobu, who saved the life of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Tadanobu is depicted with the goban board under his feet and his right hand behind his head ready to throw the container of pieces, the goke. He signs engraved under the foot and himotoshi on the back. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century. Dimensions: 4.5 x 2.5 x 1.8 cm. State of conservation: Very good

An ivory netsuke depicting an Oni and a Kappa on a giant lotus leaf. The sculpture captures the moment in which the Oni cunningly pulls the thread to prank the Kappa and steal the cucumber he is holding in his hands. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 2 x 4 x 4.5 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Ivory netsuke depicting a monkey skillfully grasping and riding the legendary earthquake fish Namazu, an imposing catfish-like creature with an eel-like body, which was believed to cause earthquakes with its movement. The famous Kadori Myojin is represented by a monkey...

An ivory netsuke depicting a Takarabune “treasure ship”, complete with the Seven Sages (Shichi Fukujin) of good fortune. The netsuke is signed Tomochika under the base. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century. Dimensions: 2.3 x 4.4 x 1.7 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Ivory netsuke, belonging to the Osaka school, portraying a tiger lying on a section of bamboo, with its head turned backwards and its tail to the side. It has an excellent patina, subject and shine. Origin: Japan Period: Edo late 18th century Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 1.5 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Ivory netsuke depicting a dromedary with a long neck that bends backwards. The surface is distinguished by its shine and blonde patina, with color transitions ranging from yellow to lighter ivory. To the touch, the netsuke feels soft and smooth. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 4 x 3.5 x 1.7 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Ivory netsuke depicting a rat with black horn eyes. The rat is represented resting on its hind legs, while its long tail surrounds an acorn that it is gnawing with its front legs. The object is accompanied by an original label which certifies its origin from the former Tamanini collection in Milan. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 3.4 x 4.3 x 2.9 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Ivory netsuke representing six pumpkin-shaped flasks, with a cord that holds the first three, while the other three are still in a natural state, before being worked and dug to be transformed into real bottles for sake. Below the central button, the writing “Fuki chomei” (Blessed long life) has a deep symbolic meaning...

Japanese ivory netsuke depicting the Buddha's Hand or Fingered cedar among the leaves, a scented ornamental citrus fruit, a very important symbol in Buddhism, in the shape of a hand, originating from China and Japan where it is grown for religious purposes. The surface of the netsuke precisely reproduces the natural texture of the fruit, which is not smooth but characterized by roughness and pores. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 5.2×2.3×2.5 cm. Stat...

Ivory netsuke depicting a snail crawling on a bamboo shoot. The snail is carefully rendered highlighting its curvature of the shell. The underside is enhanced with spherical horn details and an excellent patina. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 7 x 3 x 3cm. State of conservation: Very good

Ivory manju netsuke depicting Chok'aro, a character from Japanese tradition, trying to catch a miniature horse that is running away from its gourd. This netsuke shows Chok'aro in a dynamic pose, his eyes intent on catching the fleeing horse...

Ivory manju netsuke depicting a giant cricket with long antennae next to an aubergine. Signed Mitsuo 光雄 under the base near the himotoshi holes. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 2cm. State of conservation: Very good

Rectangular rounded netsuke manju, made of ivory and depicting the mighty Shoki with horn eyes. Shoki is a Japanese mythological figure, also known as the demon hunter, who symbolizes protection from evil forces. Adding a touch of sophistication to the manju the sword, with which he fights demons, in mother of pearl and the details of Shoki's robes in tortoiseshell. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 3.7 x 4.5 x 1.5cm. State of conservation: Very good

Lovely ivory netsuke depicting the sparrow Fukura Suzume, a small symbolic bird associated with various legends and stories of Japanese folklore. The netsuke is associated with various legends and stories, including that of “The sparrow with the tongue cut out” (舌切り雀, “Shitakiri Suzume”). The netsuke is signed Masanao 正直 within an oval reserve under the base. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 2.5 x 4.2 x 3.3cm. State of conservation: Very go...

Ivory manju netsuke with a scene depicting Kintaro, a traditional Japanese figure, together with a mighty tiger...

Boxwood netsuke depicting a professional sneezer, imaginary character or Japanese folk hero known for his ability to induce sneezes, seated with a feather in his hand, the main implement of the professional sneezer. Signed Gyokkei 玉珪 on an ivory dowel. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 4 x 3.7 x 2.4cm. State of conservation: Very good