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 appealing little Japanese okimono of two bumpy toads, the carver having used the natural branching of the stag antler to differentiate them. One toad kneels upright, while the other sticks out his tongue. Very pleasing and nicely carved. Good condition with no losses or cracks; most likely Taisho Period, 1912 – 1926. DIMENSIONS: 3” high x 3” wide (7.5 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A charming ivory netsuke featuring a young boy clambering upon the back of a robed man (perhaps Hotei) with bald head and pendulous ear lobes. The two figures have been depicted with wonderfully expressive smiling faces. Their clothing has been stained a rich brown, and the hands and faces left natural ivory. From a private collection, and signed by the artist on the base. DIMENSIONS: 1 3/4” high x 1 7/8” wide x 1 3/8” deep.

DESCRIPTION: This embossed leather tobako-ire is a wonderful example of the fine tobacco pouches made by Japanese craftsmen during the golden age of the sagemono (hanging object). Sagemono hung from the obi (or sash), and were an essential storage accessory, as the kimono did not have pockets. This pouch has been embossed with a naturalistic design and coated in silver, gold and burgundy lacquers. Fastening the pouch is a gold metal clasp decorated with a punched intaglio design. The leather ... Click for details

A fine Edo Period sashi netsuke of a bearded Buddhist sage. Here he appears in a draping robe holding a lotus flower (Buddhist symbol of purity and perfection) and carrying a gnarled staff. This figure stands perfectly balanced on two small feet, indicating the skill of the carver. Sashi netsuke are not as common as traditional netsuke in that they are long and narrow, and are meant to be worn behind the obi rather than draped over it. The inro would then be worn hanging in front of the obi ... Click for details