Ivory netsuke of a craftsman with a fan. Near the holes reserved for the rope (himotoshi), maple leaves.

Signed below, the first character unidentified: ?夫 .

Japan – Late Edo period (1603-1868) or Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th century – ?夫
Width: 1.9 in (5 cm) – depth: 1.6 in (4.5 cm) – hauteur : 1.6 in (4.2 cm)

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)

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)...

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

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

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

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

Contemporary netsuke of a bee sitting on a honeycomb with grubs and honey cells. Walrus tusk, honey cells are inlaid with Baltic amber. Excellent carving, great realistic depiction of the insect, wonderful patina. Signed on the bottom by the artist Sergey Chernyavskiy. Length 1.87 inches.

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)

Deer horn netsuke, carved naturally from root of the antler.

Japan – Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th century
Width: 1.6 in (4.5 cm) – depth: 2 in (5 cm) – height: 0.8 in (2.8 cm)

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...

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

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...

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