DESCRIPTION: A well carved and quite appealing ivory netsuke of Fukurokuju holding a fan in one hand and his staff in the other. Immediately recognizable by his tall, domed forehead, Fukurokuju is a Japanese deity of happiness, prosperity, longevity, and wisdom. Here he is depicted seated with a hairy tailed turtle (minogame) at his feet, also a symbol of longevity which is purported to live 10,000 years. Most likely dating from the late Meiji period (c. 1900), it is in excellent condition a... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A charming and well carved ivory netsuke depicting two monkeys climbing on a rock that has a pierced center. Wonderful detail is found in the monkeys’ fur and the rock’s texture. Most likely dating from the first half of the 20th C., it is in excellent condition and signed on the base. DIMENSIONS: 1 ¾” high (4.5 cm) x 1 ½” wide (4 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A well carved, stained ivory netsuke depicting a screaming kirin with inlaid eyes. The kirin (in China, called the Kylin) is a mythical hoofed beast of good omen and pure heart. Said to appear in conjunction with the arrival of a great sage, it is sometimes referred to as a Japanese unicorn, and is often depicted with what looks like flames all over its body. This kirin netsuke is signed “Kangyoku”, and dates from the late Meiji to Taisho Periods (early 20th C.). DIMENSIONS: 3”... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A very fine antique ivory manju netsuke, exquisitely carved in the form of a peony over rockworks in raised relief. The delicate petals are so realistically carved you can almost see the flower open and unfold. Around the perimeter is a raised edge suggesting two halves that are joined, but actually the netsuke is solid ivory with two himotoshi on the reverse. Also on the reverse is the artist’s signature, Mitsumasa", along with additional markings. Excellent condition (no crac... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: An excellent dark shibuichi kozuka, dating from 1710 – 1730, with extremely fine katakiri engraving (incised engraving like brushstrokes). Shown is the Japanese waka poet and aristocrat, Narihira (825 – 880 A.D.), who is said to be the hero of “The Tales of Ise”. He has been traditionally regarded as the epitome of the “beau homme” in the Japanese culture and is believed to be one of the men who inspired the hero of the “Tale of Genji”. Here he stops to admire blooming kerria as... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A rare and extremely old pair of menuki in hand worked detail on a yamagane base (unrefined copper) featuring a hyotan vine with blossoms and gourds, including inlaid dewdrops and mercury-gilt detail highlighting the gourds. Unsigned, Ko-Mino School, 1320 – 1370, and of very good quality. DIMENSIONS: Each approximately 1 5/8” long (4 cm).