This is an amusing, well-patinated ivory netsuke of a seated oni wearing a tiger-striped loin cloth, his foot in one hand, the other with a sake cup. (Netsuke carvers were known to represent the mischievous demons in whimsical and humorous activities and this small carving is an excellent example of such whimsy.) The oni's facial expression with wide eyes, baring his fanged teeth and clutching his foot contribute further to the jocular mood of the piece. Inlaid with horn and jet, the netsuke is... Click for details
A wood netsuke realistically modeled as a pumpkin. The deep carving for the grooves along the lobes of this autumnal vegetable and its chiseled effects provide wonderful texture to the beauty of the two-toned wood.(From among the many themes that inspired netsuke carvers, love of nature is a predominate one. Endowed with a religion that encouraged the appreciation of nature, Japanese netsuke carvers faithfully depicted nature - illustrating both its perfection and decay. This
wood netsuke is ... Click for details
The size of Netsuke: 1 1/2"High x 1" Dia. Very nice Tsuge Hardwood Netsuke. Netsuke has very fine quality wood and gently carved with fine rounded lines. The design subject with bearded men holding "Tai(sea bream)" out of fish basket. Men has the sort of hat which is unusual one. He has Hyotan(Gourd) on right back and sagemono type on the left side. There is Himotoshi on the back as well as one straight hole top to bottom. Datinf from late Edo(Edo Kouki). 19c. No signature, but very fine piece a... Click for details
A masterful 20th Century signed ivory netsuke after Gyokusai depicting a popular netsuke theme of a very young boy monk asleep on a temple bell (mokugyo). A very sweetly rendered carving, the boy’s facial features are tenderly depicted, and his elaborate robe is wonderfully detailed in tinted ivory. In addition to its exquisite, if sentimental, realism, this fine netsuke is an accomplished abstract sculpture being a study of juxtaposed oval forms, the composition of which is elegant from ever... Click for details
Wood Netsuke, Man at a Grinding Stone. The simplicity and excellent craftsmanship of this netsuke indicate that it is probably Edo period or early Meiji. A fine miniature sculpture of a tradesman at work at a grinding stone. His face shows humility and contentment. His cap, patterned clothing and tools of trade are all beautifully represented. Rich patina and in perfect condition. Unsigned. Dimensions: 3.5cm (1-1/2”) high.
Meiji Period, 19th Century. A bearded man seemingly in intensve revery with marked brow lines, slightly melancholy eyes, a pensive and faraway expression as if recalling something that brings a faint grin to his face. CITES restrictions on ivory will not allow this item to be shipped outside of the United States. Height: 1-3/4” (4.3cm).
An amusing unsigned ivory netsuke from a very old collection of netsuke and inro. The ivory has been worn to a desireable smoothness and is without chips or losses. Because of CITES restrictions on ivory export/import, this item will not be shipped outside the United States. Height: 1-1/4+” (3.7cm).
A signed, tinted ivory kataborinetsuke from the late Edo period (early 19th C.). A triangular composition on a pierced oval pedestal depicting a cowherd resting on the back of a napping cow, it’s head towards the ground, his wife at rest on the ground next to them. Height: 1-1/2” (3.7cm). From the Alfred Honigbaum (d. 1939) collection of Asian art. Please note: Because of CITES restrictions we cannot ship ivory netsuke outside of the United States.
WOOD NETSUKE OF A CHINESE SCHOLAR. An unsigned worn and well-patinated netsuke, mid to late 18th Century, of Jurogin, one of the Seven Gods of Felicity, representing wisdom and depicted as a Chinese scholar stroking his beard and holding what appears to be a fly whisk behind his back. Dimensions: 8.5cm (3-1/2”) high.
Four wooden netsuke modeled after Noh theatre masks, the dark wood of a uniform color, the back of each bearing the mark “Deme to” (the Deme family of carvers). The height of each, from left to right in photo 1, 4.6cm (1-3/4”), 4.5cm (1-3/4”), 3.5cm (1-1/2”) and 3cm (1-1/4”).
