Tenuki is depicted standing, his head covered by his huge scrotum. It is carved in a wood that seems to me to be cherry. The sculpture is simple and vigorous. The netsuké is ideally compact in shape. The patina of the wood is very old and beautiful. There is a 2 characters signature which I have not translated but can do on request. It is probably a well-known artist. I think beginning of 19°, but maybe before. Height: 55mm Very worn.

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

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

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...

The falcon is represented resting on a branch. His expression is attentive and we can guess that he is hunting. The artist knew how to infuse him with all the ruthless savagery in his gaze. It is signed by Haru Mitsu. It is finely carved in wood, probably cherry,the pupils inlaid in black horn.I remember having read that this artist liked to exaggerate certain parts of the body of his subjects, here it is clear that the claws, eyes and beak are strongly exaggerated...

A Japanese unusual stag antler netsuke depicting the head of a swan in finely carved and engraved deer horn, himotoshi under the neck. Meiji period late 19th century Sizes: 2,4 x 6,3 x 1,8 cm. Condition report: Good condition

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...

Circa 1900 Japanese ivory netsuke of a Kappa creature on the back of a catfish. According to Japanese folklore kappa were the size of a small child, but with the strength of many men and lived in streams, ponds, and rivers. Hand carved and artist signed, please note this kappa's facial and eye details. He also features a dish type indentation on the top of his head for holding water when on land. Measures 2.75 inches long

Height: 3.8 cm (1.7 in)
Length: 3.2 cm (1.3 in)
Depth: 2.5 cm (1 in)

Quality wooden netsuke of peasant sharpening his adz on a grindstone; finely carved throughout with a wonderful patina; signed Tomokazu

A Japanese patinated ivory netsuke depicting a group of eight dancing frogs on a lotus leaf with gilded bronze eyes. Meiju signature on mother-of-pearl and natural himotoshi over the stem of the leaf. Edo Period 19th century Sizes: 2,5 x 5 x 4 cm Condition report: Good condition

Length: 4.8 cm (1.9 in)
Height: 3.6 cm (1.4 in)
Depth: 3.2 cm (1.3 in)

Fine and rare Japanese carved netsuke of a reclining horse; natural material; superb hair work and patina; signed Masatomo on a rectangular reserve; good condition

Length: 4.5 cm (1.7 in)
Height: 3.6 cm (1.5 in)
Depth: 3 cm (1.2 in)

Japanese carved netsuke of a mare and foal; nicely carved overall; signed Gyokuzan; good condition

Height: 4.4 cm (1.8 in)
Width: 4.4 cm (1.8 in)
Depth: 2.9 cm (1.2 in)

Japanese carved netsuke of two near-blind peasants, one with a head tumour; guiding their way with a lantern, they struggle, each grasping the ties of a sandal; natural material; age cracks; signed Jugyoku

Height: 2.7 cm (1.1 in)
Length: 4.2 cm (1.6 in)
Depth: 2.4 cm (0.9 in)

Japanese carved netsuke of a reclining puppy scratching his ear; natural material with inlaid horn eyes

Height: 3.1 cm (1.2 in)
Length: 3.7 cm (1.7 in)
Depth: 2.4 cm (0.9 in)

Fine Japanese netsuke of a calligrapher; leaning back and looking pleased with his work, his legs extended under his worktable; stained natural material; minor age related wear; signed

Height: 3.3 cm (1.4 in)
Width: 3.5 cm (1.5 in)
Depth: 2.7 cm (1.1 in)

Japanese carved shishi dog seal block; inlaid eyes; natural material; minor wear; good condition

Ivory netsuke of a human skull.

Japon – Meiji era (1868-1912)
Height 1.2 in (3 cm) – length 1.4 in (3.5 cm) – width 1 in (2.5 cm)

Height: 3.2 cm (1.3 in)
Width: 2.5 cm (1 in)
Depth: 3.5 cm (1.4 in)

Early angular form netsuke of a monkey handler; carved from natural material; a monkey clings to the back of his handler; age lines; good condition