Netsuke - A mask carver, by Masayuki. The carver is holding his lasted creation, a chisel resting in his other hand. Evidently satisfied with his work, the carver twists his face into the same expression of that of this subject- a kyogen mask of the "liar" (usofuki) type, one eye closed and the lips pursed into a sideways whistle. Japan, Asakusa, Edo (1603-1868) 19th century.

Netsuke – Nice model representing a fox, in Japanese Kitsune, in carved wood, represented seated, wearing a long coat, disguised as a priest, leaning on a base on which rests an open book. Nice model with a beautiful natural patina. Himotoshi in the back. Dimensions: 4 x 3.7 cm. Japan Edo (1603-1868) late 18th century.

Netsuke – Good size model of a toad with a rather strong expression, crouched down, about to jump, its legs folded under its belly. His eyes are encrusted with brown horn. Nice natural patina of the wood. Japan Edo (1603-1868) 18th century.

Sculpture - Inari. Symbolized by a pair of Japanese fox - Shinto kami. The foxes are represented seated on pedestals and take their place in a sort of painted wooden temple entrance door. Japan late Edo (1603-1868) 19th century. Dimensions of the wooden shelter: 24 cm x 25 cm. Dimensions of foxes: 14 cm x 6.5 cm. Inari is one of the main kami of Shintoism, mainly associated with agriculture, revered to protect the rice fields and provide an abundant harvest, a symbol of fertility...

A Japanese dark patina boxwood netsuke depicting an articulated lotus flower. The lotus is a symbol of purity and rebirth, as the flower emerges immaculate from the mud of the lakes...

A Japanese boxwood netsuke depicting a scene from Japanese mythology of a warrior called Nitta No Shiro riding a wild boar. Nitta No shiro holds firmly in his hand a tanto, a traditional Japanese sword, with a sure and determined grip...

Height: 5.3 cm (2.1 in)
Width: 2.4 cm (0.9 in)
Depth: 2.1 cm (0.7 in)

Quality Japanese wooden netsuke of a standing Sennin holding a peach; lovely patina; wear to left ear; good condition

A Japanese soft and valuable boxwood netsuke depicting a young naked woman kneeling with towel and bucket in the onsen bath 温泉, the Japanese “thermal baths”. Finely sculpted with an excellent patina and soft touch. Himotoshi (holes that allow thread to pass through) large and small on the back. The Japanese consider “communion in nakedness” important as it is capable of breaking down barriers and introducing new people in the relaxed and familiar atmosphere of the onsen. ...

A Japanese wood netsuke depicting a group of mushrooms with a caterpillar on the dome of the highest. Himotoshi is under the base. Edo period 19th century Sizes: 3,5 x 3,8 x 3,7 cm. Condition report: Good condition

A Japanese boxwood netsuke of a coiled snake around a lotus. The pistils are completely articulated pistils. The himotoshi is formed by the stem of the lotus. Edo period 19th century Sizes: 5 x 3,5 x 3,6 cm. Condition report: Good condition

A Japanese boxwood netsuke depicting a blind man holding his giant scrotum. Homin signature engraved on seal. Meiji period 19th century Sizes: 3,6 x 3,5 x 3 cm. Condition report: Good condition

A Japanese boxwood netsuke depicting the mask of the demon Kobeshimi. Bridge on the reverse forming the himotoshi. Meiji period 19th century Sizes: 4,2 x 3,5 x 1,6 cm. Condition report: Good condition

Height: 3.7 cm (1.6 in)
Width: 2.5 cm (1 in)
Depth: 2.2 cm (0.8 in)

Japanese lacquered wooden netsuke of a seated boy; minor wear to the lacquer; good condition

Height: 3.4 cm (1.3 in)
Width: 4.2 cm (1.6 in)
Depth: 3 cm (1.2 in)

Japanese wooden netsuke of Daruma; very minor wear; good condition

Height: 3.5 cm (1.3 in)
Width: 3 cm (1.2 in)
Depth: 3.7 cm (1.6 in)

Fine wooden netsuke carved by Gyokkei; a stone lifter, masseur or a man attempting to lift his distended scrotum?; a tumour is also present on the back of his head; the poor fellow also has a wall-eye; signed on an inlaid tablet; good condition

Height: 4.7 cm (1.9 in)
Width: 4 cm (1.6 in)
Depth: 4.4 cm (1.8 in)

Fine wooden netsuke of a man sitting with a turtle between his feet; he is busy tying up the animal; quality carving throughout; good condition

Width: 4 cm (2.6 in)
Height: 1.9 cm (0.6 in)

Japanese wooden manju netsuke of a phoenix, the backside carved into a woven chained effect; good condition

Dark brown wooden netsuke of a rat on a radish, horn eyes, holding a seed between its paws.

In Japan, the term "nezumi" refers to both the mouse and the rat. They are considered the messenger of Daikokuten, the deity of trade and wealth...