An ivory netsuke depicting Chinnan Sennin, an immortal hermit sage from Japanese mythology, with a serene smile as he controls the dragon Ryu. This representation is of important dimensions. Ivory, with its colour, shine and patina, enhances the engraving. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century. Dimensions: 8.7 x 3.5 x 2.5 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Boxwood netsuke depicting a snake wrapping around a pumpkin. The snake is a symbol often associated with rebirth, transformation while the pumpkin is a symbol of fertility, abundance and prosperity in Japanese tradition. Signed Yoshimasa (吉正) under the pumpkin in “ukibori”. For similar netsuke see the Katchen collection, published N7, vol.2, p.31, no.K329. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century. Dimensions: 3 x 3.5 x 3.3 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Height: 4.8 cm (1.9 in)
Width: 2.8 cm (1.2 in)
Depth: 2 cm (0.7 in)

Japanese carved netsuke of an Oni carrying Okame on his shoulders; fine details throughout; natural material; lacquer tablet on the base; good condition

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)...

Boxwood netsuke of two chestnuts, one smaller on top of the larger.

Chestnuts, found all over Japan, are considered a symbol of victory and a good omen.

Japan – Meiji era (1868-1912)
Width: 2 cm (5 cm) – depth: 0.8 in (2.8 cm) – height: 1.6 in (4 cm)

Ivory netsuke of a craftsman with a fan. Near the holes reserved for the rope (himotoshi), maple leaves.

Signed below, the first character unidentified: ?夫 .

Japan – Late Edo period (1603-1868) or Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th century – ?夫
Width: 1.9 in (5 cm) – depth: 1.6 in (4.5 cm) – hauteur : 1.6 in (4.2 cm)

Ivory netsuke of a craftsman making a bucket.

Signature below, the first unidentified character : ?光.

Japan – Late Edo period (1603-1868) ou Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th century – ?光
Width: 1.2 in (3.8 cm) – depth: 1.2 in (3.7 cm) – height: 1.2 in (3.8 cm)

An ivory okimono, carved from a single block, depicting a hunter accompanied by an onagadori rooster and a child with a net in his hand. Yukiharu 之晴 signature in relief seal under the base within a rectangular reserve in red lacquer. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 29 x 7.5 x 6 cm. State of conservation: Very good