Boxwood netsuke depicting a character sitting on the shell of a giant hamaguri (Meretrix lusoria – oriental clam). The representation alludes to a man involved in an erotic relationship from which he desperately tries to get out, as his shell symbolizes the vulva. Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 4.6 x 3.7 x 3.2 cm. Conservation status: Excellent condition.

Boxwood netsuke depicting a small mouse, finely carved, crouching over an aubergine. The horn eyes give the mouse a lively and slightly mischievous appearance. Himotoshi along the eggplant. Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 3.4 x 5.3 x 2.2 cm. Conservation status: Excellent condition. There are threads typical of the material

Boxwood netsuke depicting the smiling Okame mask. Shuzan signature engraved on the bridge on the back. Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 cm. Conservation status: Excellent condition. There is a small chip on the right eye.

Ivory netsuke depicting Chokaro clinging to the pumpkin from which the head of a horse emerges. The subject represents the miniature horse of Chōkarō 張果老. It refers to the legend of Chōkarō Sennin, an immortal being who owns a horse that he can summon as if by magic from a pumpkin if necessary. In Japanese there is a saying “hyōtan kara koma”, “horse appearing from a pumpkin”...

Boxwood netsuke with three opposing Noh theater masks, including Okame, Usofuchi and an Oni. Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 3.7 x 3.7 x 2.4 cm. Conservation status: Excellent condition

19th Century Japanese Wood Carved Netsuke See, Hear, No Evil Wise Monkey Signed

The monkey 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) tall by 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide.

It has surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Please contact us for more photos.

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Boxwood netsuke depicting a Karashishi with his mouth wide open, accompanied by a perforated ball, protected with his front paws, a symbol indicating a male shishi, representative of the Yang principle and male energy. Signed Minkoku. Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 3.3 x 3.5 x 2.7 cm. Conservation status: Excellent condition

Boxwood shunga netsuke with skillfully carved natural himotoshi depicting two mushrooms. A touch of genius is found in the depiction of the smallest mushroom, which is placed upside down above the larger one's head. From this small cavity emerges a delicate caterpillar carved from blond horn. Engraved signature Masatomo 正友. Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 2.4 x 4.2 x 3.6 cm. State of conservation: Excellent condition - There are natural openings in the wood.

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)

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

A boxwood netsuke depicting a monkey trying to catch a turtle, which retracts its head and legs inside the carapace. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century. Dimensions: 3.4 x 3 x 2.5 cm. State of conservation: Very good

A boxwood netsuke depicting a snake coiled around itself. Signature engraved under the base. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji late 19th century. Dimensions: 4 x 3.5 x 2 cm. State of conservation: Very good

19th Century Japanese Wood Carved Netsuke Figure

It is 2.2 inches (5.7 cm) tall by 1.1 inches (2.8 cm) wide. It is 8.8 gram.

It has repairs at the foot, surface wears and scratches (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy with it for any reason, return it for a 100% refund of the amount you originally paid...

Height: 4.2 cm (1.6 in)
Width: 3.2 cm (1.3 in)
Depth: 1.8 cm (0.7 in)

Very high quality wooden mask netsuke depicting Okame; fine carved modelling throughout; signed to the reverse, Ryukei; good condition

Length: 4.1 cm (1.6 in)
Height: 2.9 cm (1.2 in)
Depth: 3.8 cm (1.4 in)

Fine Japanese wooden triple mask netsuke; depicts characters showing Beshimi, Oni and Tenkaichi; a very good example of this style; good condition

Boxwood netsuke in the shape of a trunk, based on the ikebana stand.

In the floral art of ikebana, the flower holder (kenzan) is placed in the base. The flower stems are planted on in. Sometimes a support of this shape is used as decoration, with the flower holder placed inside.

Japan – Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th century
Width: 1.6 in (4 cm) – depth: 1.2 in (3 cm) – height: 0.4 in (1.7 cm)

Lacquered wood netsuke depicting the Kyōgen theater mask of a monkey (saru), very recurring in traditional Japanese theater. The mask is characterized by the typical physiognomy of the monkey, with large fixed eyes and an open mouth, of a lacquered red colour. The netsuke is signed Deme Saman 出目左滿. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 4 x 2.9 x 2.2cm. State of conservation: Very good

A large size netsuke depicting Rakan made of boxwood depicted seated in a meditation position, with legs crossed and back straight. His hands firmly hold the hossu, a liturgical object, a symbol of his role as a monk. This netsuke is signed Ryukei 隆桂 on an ivory dowel, as is the tuft of hair. Origin: Japan Period: Edo 19th century Dimensions: 7 x 6 x 4cm. State of conservation: Very good