DESCRIPTION: In Japanese lore the only female among the “Seven Lucky Gods” is Benten, the Sea Goddess, also known as the goddess of literature and music. In this remarkably detailed ivory carving (which could be classified as a netsuke or okimono), she is crafted playing her flute while riding on a Shi Shi (Buddhist lion) amid the waves. To the left of the shi shi are two little oni demons reading a scroll. The detail in this fine netsuke is incredible, from Benten’s flowing scarf, bird headd... Click for details
This is a finely carved Japanese ivory Okimono of an elder with a single horn mythical creature, 17/18th century. Very detailed carved for both facial features of the creature and the elder, and the back also carved in fine details. The flames carved on the legs of the creature and the single horn indicates the mythical creature and the elder were from a legend. (It looks like a figure from the Chinese Ming Dynasty.) Height: 2 7/8". Very good condition with no crack or restoration.
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 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
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.
A tiny, charming, signed, Edo period (18th/19th Century) tinted ivory netsuke with a pleasing, timeworn smoothness, depicting Sarumawashi, the traveling monkey showman, his monkey emerging from a large sack draped across his shoulders, the ends of which he is clutching with both hands. The two himotoshi are rather ingeniously placed for actual use, one back center and one along the right thigh, in such a manner that when strung and attached to an inro, both faces, that of Sarumawashi and that ... Click for details
An 18th or early 19th century finely detailed three-case inro, of cherry wood bark and brown lacquer, with intricate fine raden inlay. Both sides feature a stylized dragon with outstretched claws amidst clouds, the detail enhanced by the cut-a-way of multiple layers of lacquer and bark and further accented with reddish and green hued mother-of-pearl. The sides are flanked with tubular type himotoshi decorated with the same softly glowing, multi-colored mother-of-pearl inlaid in a very narrow r... Click for details
