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...

Wooden netsuke of the demon Oni hiding in a foot warmer (anka) in order to protect himself from the bean seeds that are thrown at him. The beans are represented by two inlaid stones. His right arm stands out, a part of his head is visible through a small hole in the foot warmer.

The Setsubun festival came from China it is introduced in Japan around the 8th century. Its celebrates the arrival of spring...

Height: 3.3 cm (1.3 cm)
Width: 3.3 cm (1.3 in)
Depth: 1.9 cm (0.7 in)

Japanese wooden netsuke of a seated nobleman holding his fan; excellent workmanship, patina and form; signed Masayuki; good condition

Height: 3 cm (1.2 in)
Width: 3.4 cm (1.3 in)
Depth: 2.2 cm (0.8 in)

Japanese wooden netsuke of a seated mask maker; shows a critical expression observing his work; excellent workmanship and form; signed Ryuraku, good condition

The arquebuse is technically perfectly detailed, its mechanism works. The barrel of the cannon is made of iron inlaid with bronze silver and gold. The carriage is made of very dense black wood, probably ebony inlaid with mother-of-pearl. A small metal key allows it to be dismantled, leaving the incised signature of the artist to appear under the barrel Kuni-Tomo familly perhaps Sada-Hisa who liked to depict birds and flowers on his tsubas? Edo period 19th century or earlier...

A Japanese boxwood netsuke of a Shinto priest wearing the geta and holding an umbrella with his right hand and the lantern with the other. Edo period 18th century Sizes: 7,5 x 2,5 x 2 cm. Condition report: Good condition

Antique Japanese small netsuke (inro toggle) carved in the form of a rural house under a large pine tree. The 2 story house, which is visible from three sides has multiple windows and a tiny figure standing in one. The pine tree with exaggerated branches grows on the side of the house, it's branches curving over it's roof. Carved of bone.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1867)

Dimensions: 1 1/2" high x 2" long x 1" wide

A Japanese boxwood netsuke depicting Shojo crouched in a typical posture, with his hand resting on his knee, while sleeping from the effects of too much sake, the kimono is finely carved with geometric motifs as well as the long hair on the back. Similar examples of the Nagoya carvers are illustrated in Meinertzhagen, MCI, p.844, Davey, MTH, p.189, no.570 and Lazarnick, NIA, p. .1063. Edo period 19th century Sizes: 3,3 x 2,7 x 2,6 cm. Condition report: Good condition

Joli petit okimono en bois sculpté en forme d'enfant jouant du tambour. Sa robe est finement incrustée de motif de fleurs stylisées de différent matériaux, argent, os teinté, corne ou ébène et nacre. Dessous 2 caractères gravés sur une tablette de nacre indiquent le nom de l'artiste qui est certainement célèbre au regard de la qualité de l'oeuvre. Il manque quelques perles et les baguettes de tambours, mais celà ne nuit point à l'équilibre de la sculpture...

19th Century Japanese Boxwood Carved Netsuke of a Naked Man Holding Rock

It is 1.2 inches (3.2 cm) tall and wide. It is 8.2 gram.

It has a small chip at the toe, missing signature cartouche at the bottom, and surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Some of the photos were taken under the sun.

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An antique Japanese manju sagemono carved from a stag antler rose. The top showing attributes of the Seven Lucky Gods, the bottom with leaves. Nice patina, the green silk cord is replaced, due of the material the rim section is partially not even. Condition: traces of age. Dimension: diameter: c. 4.6 cm, c. 1.8 cm wide.

Dark brown wooden netsuke of a rat on a radish, horn eyes, holding a seed between its paws.

In Japan, the term "nezumi" refers to both the mouse and the rat. They are considered the messenger of Daikokuten, the deity of trade and wealth...

Width: 4 cm (2.6 in)
Height: 1.9 cm (0.6 in)

Japanese wooden manju netsuke of a phoenix, the backside carved into a woven chained effect; good condition

Height: 4.7 cm (1.9 in)
Width: 4 cm (1.6 in)
Depth: 4.4 cm (1.8 in)

Fine wooden netsuke of a man sitting with a turtle between his feet; he is busy tying up the animal; quality carving throughout; good condition

Height: 3.4 cm (1.3 in)
Width: 2.1 cm (0.8 in)
Depth: 2.4 cm (0.9 in)

Finely carved deer antler netsuke of Hotei with, typically, his large bag draped over his shoulder; white metal has been inlaid into the top section of the piece, possibly silver; good condition

Height: 3.5 cm (1.3 in)
Width: 3 cm (1.2 in)
Depth: 3.7 cm (1.6 in)

Fine wooden netsuke carved by Gyokkei; a stone lifter, masseur or a man attempting to lift his distended scrotum?; a tumour is also present on the back of his head; the poor fellow also has a wall-eye; signed on an inlaid tablet; good condition

Height: 3.4 cm (1.3 in)
Width: 4.2 cm (1.6 in)
Depth: 3 cm (1.2 in)

Japanese wooden netsuke of Daruma; very minor wear; good condition

Silver square-shaped inrô representing a peony. It is considered as the queen of flowers in Japan. It symbolizes the feminine ideal and the protective force.

Shakudô (alloy of copper and gold, with a lacquered appearance) square-shaped manju netsuke with a golden border. On the front side, a delicately engraved plant, around which a moth flies under the silver moon...