This is an excellent and intricately carved very charming netsuke, made by our own Pennsylvania native, David Carlin. He describes it as a "Model of 3 elderly bearded gentlemen, each leaning on the back of the other with the first two carrying blind man's canes. The third holds a bottle into which "DC" is etched in a double square cartouche. Each dressed in a robe with a rope belt.”. Natural Himotoshi is formed by the first Blind Man's arms. Netsuke is heavily polished...

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...

Circa 1900 Japanese ivory netsuke of a Kappa creature on the back of a catfish. According to Japanese folklore kappa were the size of a small child, but with the strength of many men and lived in streams, ponds, and rivers. Hand carved and artist signed, please note this kappa's facial and eye details. He also features a dish type indentation on the top of his head for holding water when on land. Measures 2.75 inches long

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

Netsuke - A finely carved ivory netsuke of a cluster of various shells, some of them with an inner life reminiscent of the famous clam’s dream story. The himotoshi underneath is formed by one of the trumpet shells. Beautiful and glossy patina. LENGTH 4.4 cm. beautiful patina. Provenance: German private collection.

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 very rare and exquisitely carved ivory CICADA NETSUKE, signed, Meiji period, Japan. Excellent condition, no damage or restorations whatsoever. The signature on the bottom is in red on an oval piece of mother of pearl. Details of the cicada's body are incredibly fine and exact. Size: length 5.3 cm x width 1.9 cm x height 1.3 cm. Price: open to serious offers only.

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.

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

Length: 3.3 cm (1.4 in)
Height: 2.5 cm (1 in)
Depth: 2 cm (0.8 in)

Quality netsuke of a puppy chewing on an octopus tentacle; natural material; stained fur a little faded over time; some age lines; late 18th century; signed in an oval cartouche

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

Height: 4.1 cm (1.7 in)
Width: 3.8 cm (1.4 in)
Depth: 2 cm (0.8 in)

Japanese netsuke of a Hotei with one hand in his bag; natural material; early angular form; very good patina; good condition

Height: 3.5 cm (1.3 in)
Width: 2.8 cm (1.2 in)
Depth: 1.7 cm (0.8 in)

Japanese netsuke; probably whale tooth or walrus; depicts a Hotei with his bag; early angular form; very good honey-coloured patina; good condition

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: 4.8 cm (1.9 in)
Width: 2.9 cm (1.2 in)
Depth: 1.3 cm (0.6 in)

Japanese netsuke of a priest; natural material; nice patina and good condition

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

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...

Length: 4.2 cm (1.7 in)
Height: 1.8 cm (0.7 in)
Depth: 3.2 cm (1.2 in)

Japanese mask netsuke of a fox; natural material; stained and signed