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...

This is a finely hand-carved netsuke in Kurogaki (Black Persimmon) wood of a Lotus Seed Pod, made as a Karakuri or 'trick' Netsuke in that the seeds rattle and peep out of the seed holes. Netsuke was carved by an unknown artist from the Iwami Province sometime during the Early 19th centuries. The carving exhibits similar material and carving characteristics of a netsuke (Photo #6) made by Seiyodo Gansui (1809-1848)...

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...

This is an Early 19th Century, beautifully carved Group of Gourds. Outstanding form, polish and patina. Silk-smooth tactile qualities. Natural himotoshi. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 1.40 inches ((3.6cm) in diameter.

This is an excellent and intricately carved very charming small netsuke, made by our own Pennsylvania native, David Carlin. He describes it as a "Small, finely detailed representation of the bottom half of a man seeming to be passing through a tombstone with "RIP" etched on it. Daisies are carved on the other side of the tombstone instead of the man's head, giving new meaning to the phrase.” . Netsuke is heavily polished...

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 manju netsuke depicting Chok'aro, a character from Japanese tradition, trying to catch a miniature horse that is running away from its gourd. This netsuke shows Chok'aro in a dynamic pose, his eyes intent on catching the fleeing horse...

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...

A wonderful boxwood carved netsuke of five turtles climbing on top of each other. Intricate details can be seen throughout, creating a very realistic form. Each turtle has little black eyes. The large turtle on bottom has retreated into his shell and has the artist's signature delicately carved into his belly "Senzan". Size: 2.25" height, 2" width, 1.75" depth

This charming Japanese netsuke has the face of Noh theatre character surrounded with intricate basket weave pattern. It is signed under the chin dimensions 2.5 x 2 x 1 inch

A Japanese boxwood netsuke depicting Hotei 布袋, one of the Seven Gods of Good Luck, seated with his fan in his hands and a child embracing him. Hotei's face is plump, smiling, and conveys a sense of peace and tranquility. He is commonly referred to as the protector of children. Behind Hotei, there is a child, depicted with great sweetness, who embraces him. The carving lines are sharp and precise, creating an effect of three-dimensionality and depth...

DESCRIPTION: “The Inro Handbook, Studies of Netsuke, Inro and Lacquer” was written for collectors who have discovered the delights of the miniature Japanese art forms. This authoritative and enlightening book offers a wealth of valuable information and is written by one of the foremost collectors and scholars in the field, Raymond Bushell...

Eijer, Dieuwke, Kagamibuta, Mirrors of Japanese Life and Legend, The Baur Collection / Heinz Kaempfer Fund (Geneva / Leiden), 1994. 95 pages, numerous b/w and color illustrations. Extensive description of the history, materials, techniques of kagamibuta, its subject matter and kagamibuta makers, richly illustrated with excellent photos of pieces from the Baur Collection and from private collections...

A scarce and nicely formed bronze netsuke. The sculptural group depicts festival musicians playing a Taiko drum and Shinobue flute - the drum player with mask pulled back. Nicely detailed, down to the fingers and expressions of the musicians. The himotoshi is formed by the extended arm of one figure supporting the figure atop the Taiko. Edo period, 19th century. Good condition with rich, natural patina. Height, 1 5/8 inches

Rectangular rounded netsuke manju, made of ivory and depicting the mighty Shoki with horn eyes. Shoki is a Japanese mythological figure, also known as the demon hunter, who symbolizes protection from evil forces. Adding a touch of sophistication to the manju the sword, with which he fights demons, in mother of pearl and the details of Shoki's robes in tortoiseshell. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 3.7 x 4.5 x 1.5cm. State of conservation: Very good

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...

A Japanese pipe case (kizeruzutsu) decorated on a deep red lacquer and lacquered *agiro ground with Chinese bell flowers (kikyo) on one side and a waterlily on the other side. It is attached to a stylish leather pouch with a clasp of mixed metal beans. Some damages on lacquer. Late Edo/Meiji period. *Ajiro is a woven wickerwork made out of strips of bamboo skin, cypress bark or Japanese reed.

A woven antique Japanese men's wallet decorated with geometric design created with brocaded silk ribbon. Inside, hand stitched with Sashiko stitches on silk. The shakudo clasp is tomo-e shaped and inlaid with copper and silver. Silvered metal (brass?) netsuke in the shape of a tongue cut sparrow attached with three colored metal chain. Circa, early 1900s (Taisho period). Dimensions: 5 1/4" x 3 1/8"