This is a finely hand-carved netsuke in Kurogaki (Black Persimmon) wood of a large Seated Hotei with a wide Smile, by an unknown artist from the Iwami Province, carved sometime during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The carving exhibits similar material and carving characteristics of the region...

Early 19th Century Japanese Wood Netsuke: ACROBAT

This is a finely hand carved, Early 19th Century Wood Netsuke depicting an Acrobat, who is wearing a fundoshi and sports an Eboshi hat on his head, demonstrating his contortionist skills by placing his left leg over the back of his head.

Very nice carving with great, glossy patina. Unsigned. It measures 1.60 inches (4.0cm) wide, and 1.58 inches (4.0cm) tall. It is in excellent condition, as shown in the posted photos...

19th Century, finely hand-carved Wood Netsuke depicting a Karako, squatting and trying to lift the heavy Hotei's bag, signed KISEKI...

Century Japanese Ebony Wood Netsuke: Tanuki Badger, Signed Minko with Kakikan

19th Century, finely hand-carved boxwood netsuke depicting a seated Tanuki, or Japanese Badger (raccoon dog) raising his right paw in order to beat his belly, or distended scrotum as it if were a drum. Pupils made in bronze and inlaid with black horn. Wonderful chimney himotoshi that starts on the bottom, and extends to the left side of his body, between his legss...

Early 19th C. Japanese Wood Netsuke: Wood Gatherer, Signed YOSHINAGA, Miura

This is an Extremely Rare example of a wood netsuke excellently carved by Yoshinaga, as signed on a border, on the bottom of this superb miniature sculpture, depicting a Wood Gatherer who has taken a rest from his daily journey by sitting on top of a rock. He is carrying on his back a wicker basket, and two bundles of wood on top of it...

Height: 3.8 cm (1.7 in)
Length: 3.2 cm (1.3 in)
Depth: 2.5 cm (1 in)

Quality wooden netsuke of peasant sharpening his adz on a grindstone; finely carved throughout with a wonderful patina; signed Tomokazu

The falcon is represented resting on a branch. His expression is attentive and we can guess that he is hunting. The artist knew how to infuse him with all the ruthless savagery in his gaze. It is signed by Haru Mitsu. It is finely carved in wood, probably cherry,the pupils inlaid in black horn.I remember having read that this artist liked to exaggerate certain parts of the body of his subjects, here it is clear that the claws, eyes and beak are strongly exaggerated...

The immortal is powerfully carved in wood, probably cherry. Gama Sennin holds his stick in his hand and his toad on his shoulder. He is unusually tall. The sculpture is powerful, the folds of the dress are elegant and the expression is serene. Although Gama-Sennin is attested male there are rare examples of its female representation. The softness of the features make me think that this would be a woman...

Tenuki is depicted standing, his head covered by his huge scrotum. It is carved in a wood that seems to me to be cherry. The sculpture is simple and vigorous. The netsuké is ideally compact in shape. The patina of the wood is very old and beautiful. There is a 2 characters signature which I have not translated but can do on request. It is probably a well-known artist. I think beginning of 19°, but maybe before. Height: 55mm Very worn.

Netsuké in wood by Kokeï A rabbit with its small forming netsuké carved in cherry wood by Kokei. There is no the two hole, the himotoshi is naturally formed by a leg. Unlike most netsuké bearing Kokei's signature which are fakes or plagiarisms, this one is from the artist, indeed the quality is excellent. Everything is good, the volumes, the precision of the carving, the expression of the animals and the feeling of life. The signature is under a back tab. Japan early 19th century...

Four finely carved wooden (maybe sandalwood) masks with lacquering and most with glass bead eyes. Showing different types of theatre masks as Hannya, Oni etc. Condition: minor rim frits, the Hannya mask with few lacquer losses. Dimension: c. 5.1 cm long x c. 3.5 cm wide.

An exceptional antique Japanese bowwood carved netsuke - the Yama Inu - a dog resting his paw on his masters scull. Protecting him in even past the point of death. Superstition related to the okuri(yama) inu are extremely old, and are found in all parts of Japan.
The meaning of the dog also speaks about patience, reliability, and obedience. It focuses on protection, guardianship, and service. The dog spirit animal is a noble animal...

18th Century Japanese Wood Tall Netsuke: Gama Sennin

18th Century, excellently hand-carved Boxwood Netsuke depicting a standing Gama, wearing the typical mugwort cape with wide sleeves, and a rope tied at his waist, holding a staff with his right hand, and carrying a three-legged toad (that possesses magical powers) on top of his left shoulder. Very interesting himotoshi that starts in the back of the Sennin and exits on the left side of his body (see photo #8)...

18th Century, Japanese Boxwood Netsuke: Recumbent Dog

18th Century, nicely hand-carved Boxwood Netsuke depicting a recumbent Dog that appears to be pleasantly resting. Very nice stylized touches characterizes this netsuke made during the EDO Period of Japan. Unsigned. A bit larger than most netsuke of this type, with large himotoshi, common of carvings made during the 18th century, and beginning of the 19th century..

This type of netsuke were referenced in an article written b...

Early 19th C. Japanese Iwami School Netsuke: Sennin This is a finely hand-carved netsuke in Ebony wood of a standing Sennin striking his beard with his right hand. Netsuke was carved by an unknown artist from the Iwami Province sometime during the Early 19th century. The carving exhibits the carving characteristics of another netsuke in this store (Photo #8), with similar robe and natural himotoshi (under the left wide sleeve of the Sennin's robe). Netsuke is unsigned. It measures...

EDO, Late 18th Century, Japanese Wood Netsuke: Merchant

Late 18th Century, nicely hand-carved wood Netsuke depicting a Merchant who seems concerned, probably, because he has not been able to sell his stock. He is shown here with his right hand over his head while he is taking a step forward, with his right heel slightly raised.

Very nice stylized touches characterizes this netsuke made during the EDO Period of Japan. The large and uneven himotoshi on this netsuke is typica...

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. Japanese foxes...

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.