A charming ivory shishi dog netsuke. Signed by artist and in excellent condition, it dates circa 1880-1900. Measures 1 3/4 inches long by 1 1/2 inches high.

Height: 4.6 cm (1.8 in)
Width: 2.5 cm (1.0 in)
Depth: 2.3 cm (0.9 in)

Fine netsuke of two figures wrestling - one is an Oni; natural material; excellent detail; signed Mitsusada to the foot; good condition

Height: 3 cm (1.2 in)
Length: 4 cm (1.7 in)

Fine marine material netsuke of a grazing horse; fine hair work; inlaid horn eyes; some age lines present; good condition

Width: 3.8 cm (1.6 in)
Height: 2.6 cm (1.1 in)
Depth: 2.8 cm (1.2 in)

Fine Japanese netsuke of a puppy draped over a grinding stone; natural material; some age lines; warm patina; signed and by Rantei; good condition

Length: 4.1 cm (1.7 in)
Width: 3.6 cm (1.5 in)
Depth: 1.5 cm (0.6 in)

Fine Japanese netsuke of multiple seals; natural material; includes a lotus pod seal and five other calligraphic seals; good condition

Height: 3.5 cm (1.3 in)
Length: 4.2 cm (1.7 in)
Depth: 2.2 cm (0.8 in)

Japanese dragon fish netsuke modelled in the form of a Mokugyo bell; natural material; inlaid horn eyes; signed within an oval panel

A fine and expressive carved stag horn netsuke of Shoki, The Demon Queller. Early 19th century.

Shoki is the Japanese styling of the Chinese spirit Chung Kui who protects households from malevolent demons. In this example the gifted carver shows Shoki studying closely, an off stage, mischievous oni whilst carefully hiding his Chinese sword close to his body.

Approximately 4.8cm high...

Height: 3 cm (1.2 in)
Width: 3.4 cm (1.4 in)
Depth: 2.3 cm (0.9 in)

Fine Japanese (whale tooth material) netsuke of a rat; very well carved; nerve fissure present on the belly; good condition

Height: 4.2 cm (1.7 in)
Width: 4 cm (1.6 in)
Depth: 3.6 cm (1.4 in)

Rare Japanese netsuke of Okame laughing and hiding an Oni under a basket; natural material; a quality piece by the artist, Gyokusai; signed on the base

Ivory netsuke of a human skull.

Japon – Meiji era (1868-1912)
Height 1.2 in (3 cm) – length 1.4 in (3.5 cm) – width 1 in (2.5 cm)

A Japanese patinated ivory netsuke depicting a group of eight dancing frogs on a lotus leaf with gilded bronze eyes. Meiju signature on mother-of-pearl and natural himotoshi over the stem of the leaf. Edo Period 19th century Sizes: 2,5 x 5 x 4 cm Condition report: Good condition

Ivory netsuke representing a bamboo shoot (takenoko).

Netsuke constitute the major part of Japanese ivory of great quality. Since the Japanese costume (kimono) had no pockets, the objects were passed under the belt and the netsuke, held by a cord, was used to hold them.

From imaginary animals to natural and domestic elements, the subjects represented in netsuke are varied. The netsuke could represent elements of daily life...

Ivory netsuke of a guardian lion, komainu in Japanese or shishi in Chinese, with golden eyes. Resting on its front paws, its head is turned backwards on a four-lobed base.
The komainu is inspired by the Chinese guardian lion shishi, which dates back to the Tang dynasty (581-618)...

Ivory sculpture okimono of a kingfisher on its base, with a fish in its beak. Its eyes are in hard stone.

Japan - Meiji Era (1868-1912)
Width: 1.6 in (4 cm) - depth: 2.8 in (7.2 cm) - height: 1.6 in (4.3 cm)

Ivory netsuke of a group of three compactly intertwined monkeys, the smallest holding a longevity peach against him. Their eyes are inlaid horn. Their coats are carefully incised and their fingers are finely sculpted. Natural himotoshi through one of the legs.
Signature on the right flank of the largest monkey, in an unidentified rectangular reserve.

Japan - Meiji Era (1868-1912)
Width: 0.8 in (2.5 cm) - Depth: 1.6 (4 cm) - Height: 1.6 in (4.5 cm)

This is a Kyoto School Netsuke of a Dog. Seated, facing backwards, as if responding to a call. Its thin tail raising over its back forming a look. Finely detailed hair work. Its large eyes inlaid in dark horn. Measures 1.50 inches (3.8cm) long, and one-inch (2.5cm) high.

Height: 7.5 cm (3 in)
Width: 1.7 cm (0.7 in)
Depth: 1.2 cm (0.5 in)

A fine example of a Japanese netsuke of a laughing Sennin; very well carved throughout; natural material; good condition

Ivory netsuke representing a teacher sitting beside his disciple, the latter holding a book with his right hand and a "shishi lion" mask with his left hand. The netsuke is signed, also bears a small red mark, beneath. Japan, 19th century. Length: 40 mm. Height: 24 mm. Very good condition.