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: 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