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)...

Ivory netsuke depicting a monkey skillfully grasping and riding the legendary earthquake fish Namazu, an imposing catfish-like creature with an eel-like body, which was believed to cause earthquakes with its movement. The famous Kadori Myojin is represented by a monkey...

Ivory netsuke, belonging to the Osaka school, portraying a tiger lying on a section of bamboo, with its head turned backwards and its tail to the side. It has an excellent patina, subject and shine. Origin: Japan Period: Edo late 18th century Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 1.5 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Ivory netsuke depicting a dromedary with a long neck that bends backwards. The surface is distinguished by its shine and blonde patina, with color transitions ranging from yellow to lighter ivory. To the touch, the netsuke feels soft and smooth. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 4 x 3.5 x 1.7 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Ivory netsuke depicting a rat with black horn eyes. The rat is represented resting on its hind legs, while its long tail surrounds an acorn that it is gnawing with its front legs. The object is accompanied by an original label which certifies its origin from the former Tamanini collection in Milan. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 3.4 x 4.3 x 2.9 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Japanese ivory netsuke depicting the Buddha's Hand or Fingered cedar among the leaves, a scented ornamental citrus fruit, a very important symbol in Buddhism, in the shape of a hand, originating from China and Japan where it is grown for religious purposes. The surface of the netsuke precisely reproduces the natural texture of the fruit, which is not smooth but characterized by roughness and pores. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 5.2×2.3×2.5 cm. Stat...

Ivory netsuke depicting a snail crawling on a bamboo shoot. The snail is carefully rendered highlighting its curvature of the shell. The underside is enhanced with spherical horn details and an excellent patina. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 7 x 3 x 3cm. State of conservation: Very good

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...

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

Ivory netsuke depicting a quail crouching on millet, carved with attention to detail on its feathers and body. The eyes are in horn. This netsuke is signed under the base in an oval reserve and has a natural himotoshi. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 2.8 x 3.5 x 2.3cm. State of conservation: Very good

Fine ivory netsuke depicting a playful scene where a monkey emerges from a giant chestnut. The monkey is depicted in a perky attitude. His muzzle expression and body posture convey a sense of joy in coming out of the chestnut. The giant chestnut creates a surprising and imaginative effect...

Ivory netsuke in the form of a small school table with a book and hat resting on the desk. The netsuke is finely carved, showing great attention to detail. The sides of the table are decorated with engraved geometric patterns, adding a touch of sophistication. Himotoshi under the base, signed Hideshige 秀重. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 3.3 x 3 x 2cm. State of conservation: Very good

Netsuké representing a squirrel, perhaps a dormouse. The little animal is carved from a boar's tooth. He has just been surprised and stands on his hind legs momentarily abandoning the vegetable (eggplant?) he was nibbling. Its inset eyes were carved from a shiny black material, probably horn. The imotoshi is natural, formed by the base of the tail. The artist knew how to breathe life into this little animal...

A Japanese extraordinary polychrome ivory netsuke depicting a lively monkey. The monkey is shown holding a giant peach branch with its right hand, with a strong expression of satisfaction on its face. With its other hand, it scratches its back, adding a touch of realism to the scene. Himotoshi holes under the belly. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 3 x 4 x 4 cm. State of preservation: Very good

A Japanese large ivory netsuke with excellent color and patina depicting a foreigner with trumpet and child on his shoulder. He has a long beard and curly hair with a necklace with horn pendants in the shape of a chrysanthemum on his back next to the engraved signature Washūjin Kōsen 和州人 光仙, under two large himotoshi. Edo period 18th century Sizes: 10,6 x 3 x 2 cm. Condition report: Good condition

A Japanese ivory seal netsuke carved in the shape of Siniu, sitting with his legs bent on an oval sigil base, smiling while holding his head up and turned back. Edo period late 18th century Sizes: 5.6 x 3 x 2.8 cm Condition report: Good condition

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...