DESCRIPTION: A Japanese staghorn netsuke in the form of the beloved Gamma Sennin (Liu Hai in Chinese lore) carrying a large frog on his back and holding his staff in his left hand. With happy expression, bare feet and round pot belly, he wears a cloak of incised mugwort leaves as he wanders about with his magical frog. Dating from the late 18th to early 19th centuries, there are traces of red lacquer on both the frog’s and sage’s faces, and one chip to the frog’s hindquarters. A lovely netsu... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A fine Japanese ivory netsuke dating from the Edo Period (late 18th to early 19th C.) depicting Hotei, the Japanese god of prosperity and happiness. Tradition identifies Hotei with the eccentric Chinese Zen priest Pu-tai. Here he is depicted with his rotund belly (symbolizing his benevolent nature), laughing merrily and balancing on his head a large bag filled with riches. The himotoshi are found tucked within the folds of his sleeve on the back, and show consistent wear for the... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: Japanese ivory ojime, in ball form with intricate pierced flower petal design, mounted with gold fittings to serve as a cuff link or button. Meji Period, 19th C., excellent condition with aged patina. DIMENSIONS: 3/4” diameter (2 cm).

DESCRIPTION: What a delightful piece! Here we find a processional “in the round,” as a group of characters from Japanese lore parade around a leafy tree. Among them is Diakoku with his hammer, Benkei carrying the Miidera Bell, and the blind man who has fallen and bumped his head! And of course, two oni do their best to disrupt the group and cause mischief by grabbing and pushing. Each character is carved in deep relief with wonderful expression and detail. Excellent condition with a nice pat... Click for details

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).