2022 INS Amsterdam Convention
Bokuto – Dragon A wooden bokuto in the form of a dragon. The dragon is flying amongst clouds, his long body turning back on itself as if he is trying to shelter himself from a head wind, his head nestled into his body with his whiskers swept along in front. Flames and clouds lick along the dragon’s body and one large cloud to the underside opens to form the himotoshi. In one of his claws, the dragon holds a tama jewel. The large eyes of the dragon are inlaid in metal. The surface of the wood is worn to the high points with a lovely polish and dark reddish tone. Late 18th or early 19th century Inscribed with a single kanji, “Masa”
Pipecase – Shoki and Oni A stunning pipe case of musozutsu form, in red carved lacquer on a black ground. To the top, a magnificent shoki looks down onto a group of fleeing oni. The five oni scatter, some protecting their heads with their hands and others in complete panic. One attempts to flee with their child atop their shoulders; the young oni has both hands in the air and appears to be enjoying the ride, oblivious to the danger above. When you open the case you’re greeted with a surprise: a little oni has calmed itself and is knelt on its knees, repenting and asking for forgiveness for its mischievous ways. The carving of Shoki is exceptional; his clothes flow and the way his massive beard surrounds his characterful face is an absolute delight. Good composition on a pipe case is always a challenge, whereas netsuke, being 4D, lend themselves to dynamic and interesting compositions. Inro, like paintings, have panels, which gives the artist space to express themselves. By contrast, pipe cases are thin, rounded and lack the depth that gives an artist room to work. So when a dynamic and powerful pipe case such as this appears, it’s a true delight and a demonstration of the artist’s skill and vision. Late 19th century Signed, Toyotsugu To with a seal (Carved by Toyotsugu) Length: 22cm
Pipecase – Toy Elephant A delightfully simple musozutsu-style pipe case. The body is worked in burr wood, polished but not completely smooth, leaving a wonderful textured surface. Inlaid into the burr is a toy elephant, its round roly-poly body in a dark wood with stag antler for the tusk and eye and a lacquered cord around the neck. Simple but brilliant. Late 19th century Signed, Shikko sanjin [A man of mountain/ a hermit, a lacquer artist] with a seal Purchased from Kurstin & Chappell, 1985 Length: 22.5cm
Pipecase – Bird A wood, lacquered and inlaid musozutsu-style pipe case. A beautiful long tailed bird pecks at the gold lacquered ground. Inlaid from five sections of shell, each has a different tone and is carved with fine feathers that create a stunning bird at the centre of the design. Plants with large leaves grow around the bird and extend up the body of the pipe case. Several of the leaves and buds are inlaid in shell, the remaining leaves lacquered in a range of gold and silver tones. Several of the large leaves are lacquered with a textured surface. The body of the case is carved from iron wood with a strong black to dark red grain. The heavy use of inlay can often make a composition busy and distract from the subject, but in this piece the large bird beautifully draws the eye; you then work your way around the rest of the case, enjoying the different sections of foliage. The grain of the wood provides a delightful backdrop. Unsigned Second half of the 19th century Length: 22.5cm
Sagemono Set – Autumn An incredibly delicate pipe case and pouch depicting autumn grasses and flowers. The pipe case, of musozutsu style, is formed of a lacquered body in a brown textured lacquer. From the bottom of the case spring various plants and flowers associated with autumn, in different shades of gold and silver lacquer. The lacquer work is delicate and precise with the design flowing around the entire case. The red leather pouch is equally pleasing with a very fine metal clasp depicting an elaborate flower. Circa 1900 Signed, Taisai (Fukushima Taisai) Length: 21.5cm
Sagemono Set – Grasshopper A lacquered musozutsu-style pipecase. The body of the case is woven with a stunning circular pattern, each knot resembling the head of a flower. The surface is decorated in gold and black lacquer. A large grasshopper ascends the leaf of a rice plant, the leaf and stem of the plant worked in a delicate textured ishime ground. The details are finely worked and the plant sweeps around from the side of the case to place the gold grasshopper central in the composition. The side of the case is signed Taishin; the signature fits with the style of the lacquer and the unusual use of the base material of the case. When one removes the top section, though, another signature – Homin – appears in an oval sunken reserve. It’s not unusual to have two signatures on a pipe case. I’ve seen many examples of the inlay and lacquer work both signed by their respective artists. At first, I thought that possibly the Homin signature was for a later restoration, but there is no sign of such later work and the lacquer looks original. Further, the style and colour tone of both signatures and their reserves match. My theory is that Taishin signed his name and, due to the spectacular nature of the case, he added the bamboo artists who created it for him. The school have form for this. Zeshin and his pupils worked with other exemplary artists and craftsmen in the creation of their works, including Bokusai, who created inro frames for Zeshin. Bokusai was a 19th century wood worker who is recorded as creating at least one wooden storage box for the Imperial Palace. There are several tomobako in existence crediting such craftsmen. The metal clasp of the pouch depicts six of the animals of the zodiac: a horse, tiger, cockerel, goat, boar and monkey. The light colour pouch matches the pipe case well. Late 19th century Signed, Taishin and Homin Length: 20.5cm
Pipecase – Dragonflies A finely woven rattan pipe case of musozutsu form. The pair of dragonflies in various shades of lacquer face each other, one at the top looking down and other at the bottom looking up. Each creature’s body wraps around the opposite side of the case. Both creatures are treated with different lacquer techniques, the top example being my favourite: the wings are lacquered in ishime that starts a subtle gold and fades to black towards the tips, the veins lacquered in black. The bottom creature’s body is treated in the same fashion, wings lacquered in silver with gold veins. 19th century Signed with a single kanji “Ro” literally means Deaf Length: 20.5cm
Pipecase – Inu-hariko A lacquered musozutsu-style pipe case with a gold inu-hariko (dog-shaped papier-mache box) and various shells scattered in shades of silver and gold. The design is set against a lightly textured dark green lacquered ground. Late 19th century Signed, Jomin Purchased from Ashitane in Japan, 1977 Length: 21.5cm
Netsuke – The Collector What subject could more appropriate for the 2021 INS Amsterdam Convention than the classic Dutchman? Worked from high quality Japanese boxwood with various inlays, Adam Bland’s “The Collector” stands mesmerised with his latest find. He cradles in his hands a miniature version of a netsuke that those familiar with Adam’s work will remember. To his feet, the Dutchman’s own dog is vying for his attention. Speaking with Adam about his latest creation, he tells me he drew inspiration from the artists of the So school, Rembrandt’s “Night Watch” and our post-pandemic resolve. The little mask that hangs from the Dutchman’s waist from a manju adds a wonderfully humorous touch. With each new creation I declare my astonishment at the progress of Adam’s work. It’s not just his technical ability but his creative vision that continue to leap forward. 2022 Signed, Adam Bland, England Length: 6.8cm Width: 2.8cm Depth: 2.8cm
Netsuke – Dogu A study of the ancient (Joman venus) Dogu fertility figure by Adam Bland in Japanese boxwood. The original pottery model was excavated during an alcohological dig in the city of Chino, Japan in 1986. The beautiful lines and strong accentuated curves of the female form lend themselves well to the composition of a netsuke. Adam has captured the textured surface and tone of the pottery perfectly; the recesses around the head, belly and legs appear to have the dirt of millennia underground embedded in them. The himotoshi is formed from a large opening to the bottom of one foot and exits via a small hole to the middle of the back. Adam explains, “This subject provided me with opportunity to combine my love of netsuke with my long enduring fascination with prehistory and prehistoric artefacts.” 2022 Adam Bland Length: 5cm Width: 2.6cm Depth: 2.0cm
Netsuke – Halloween Fun A fun netsuke in plum wood by Adam Bland. A large Halloween pumpkin sits atop a base. To the inside, a small candle lights the eyes and mouth; to the outside of the netsuke, a bat sits atop the pumpkin and a rat skulks around the base. Carved around Halloween 2021. Although created as a light-hearted netsuke, the final composition is well worked with a very nicely carved bat and the different surfaces of the netsuke graduating from smooth to the heavy texture of the bats and rat’s body, making for an accomplished netsuke. Carved October 2021 Adam Bland Height: 4.2cm Width: 2.3cm
Seal Netsuke – Shishi A powerful bamboo seal-type netsuke with a seated shishi, head down and snarling. The base is carved from a beautiful section of bamboo rungs with small circular nodes. The shishi, head down and bottom in the air, is full of life and power. An absolute treat of a netsuke, the material displaying a beautiful grain throughout. The base bears a seal cut that reads Teikan. 18th century or earlier. Height: 4cm Width: 3.3cm
Seal Netsuke – Shishi A small wood seal netsuke, Chinese in origin, depicting a horned shishi atop a base. The animal’s mouth is open; within it is a loose ball that moves freely. The surface of the wood is well worn, bearing a beautiful patina. The himotoshi is formed by a natural opening between the animal and the base. To the bottom, a seal has been carved: “Li Honglian yin” (Seal of Li Honglian). Given the name Li Honglian, it is very probable that this seal was originally Chinese before being used as a netsuke. Unsigned 18th century or earlier Height: 3.3cm Depth: 2.3cm Width: 1.3cm
Seal Netsuke – Porcelain Hare A rare porcelain seal-type netsuke depicting a hare in a beautiful celadon glaze. The hare is seated atop a base with its long ears extending upward. To the underside is a seal that reads “Kaisho ui”, meaning “Bring happiness in the east”. The literal translation of two of the characters is “Direction of the rabbit”. According to Ancient Chinese cosmological belief, the rabbit/hare is a sacred protector responsible for the direction east. The himotoshi is formed by an opening between the base and the body of the hare. Height: 3.9cm Width: 3.4cm 19th century
Seal Netsuke – Court Entertainer An interesting seal netsuke depicting what is either an entertainer or a priest holding a fan close to their chest, the other arm lost in a swirl of clothes that disappear over their shoulder as they perform what appears to be a rather energetic dance. The base is cut with a seal that reads “Hoan”. Unsigned 19th century Height: 5.7cm Width: 3cm Depth: 2.3cm
Netsuke – Rat and Young A fine Nagoya school netsuke by Ikko. An adult rat enjoys a head of millet as its young clambers across its back. The young rat holds affectionately onto the ear of the adult with one claw. The hair work of both finely incised and both sets of eyes are inlaid, the adult’s in dark horn and the young’s in a translucent yellow. Several natural openings between the adult rat’s body and limbs would make for a suitable himotoshi. Second half of the 19th century Signed, Ikko (Nagoya school) Height: 3.5cm Length: 3.7cm Width: 2.4cm Ex-Heck collection
Netsuke – Monkey and Young A wonderful monkey and young by Masanao. The mother cradles her young, supporting its head with one hand and its leg with the other, the babe’s body resting on her crossed feet. She looks down at her baby with a doting gaze; mouth open she, appears to be pulling faces or perhaps cooing to it. Masanao-signed monkeys can at best be described as repetitive. Most are stiff, with little personality and feeling conveyed though the carving. But this and at least one other of the same subject and composition that I have seen (but sadly not handled) are on another level. The facial features, hands and fine hair work along with the movement set them apart. The lineage of the Masanao carvers is long, with many overlapping in their production and some carvers working into the 21st century. It’s my belief that this and the other example are from the first Masanao and showcase his strong influence from the Nagoya school. Early 19th century Singed Masanao (Masanao I of Ise, Yamada) Height: 3.7cm Provenance: Sotheby’s, London, 16 November 1983, lot 61.
Netsuke - Turtle A fine wood netsuke carved as a turtle completely withdrawn into its shell. The tip of the turtle’s nose poking out and looking to the right. The surface of the turtle’s carapace worn to the high points leaving a lovely polish and warm patina. 19th century Signed, Tomokazu Length: 4.6cm Width: 3.5cm Height: 1.7cm Provenance The James A. Rose Collection of Netsuke and Sagemono, sold at Bonhams 17 Sep 2013 Lot 2020. Ex Raymond and Frances Bushell collection, sold Sotheby’s, London, Netsuke from the Collection of Raymond and Frances Bushell, November 18, 1999, lot 279.
Netsuke – Tiger A wood netsuke depicting a seated tiger. The tiger’s mouth is open, snarling, its head turned back looking over its hind leg scratching its neck with a large claw. The himotoshi is formed by a natural opening between the body and legs. Unsigned Early 19th century Length: 3.4cm Height: 2.2cm Depth: 2.5cm
Netsuke – Coiled Dragon A fine wood netsuke depicting a coiled dragon by Hidari Issan. The body of the dragon twists and writhes, its muscular body coiled with a strong backbone running from head to tail, the head resting on one of its huge, dangerous looking claws. The mouth is open, crazed triple inlaid eyes look in opposite directions. The eyes are inlaid in bone, gold and ebony (or another dark material, possibly umimatsu). The other claw holds a tama jewel. To the underside is a massive hind claw, each of the three talons spread. The creature’s tail splits, terminating in two tightly wound balls. The entire composition exudes power and refinement. I’ve handled three other similar dragons by Hidari Issan, each differing in their composition. This example is the only one of the three with a split twin tail. The other examples also have smoother, less worked bodies, whereas this is bulging with muscles. Various natural openings in the netsuke would function well as a himotoshi. Signed, Hidari Issan (Iwashiro province) 19th century, circa 1840 Size: 4.4cm Provenance: S.L. Moss, Such Stuff As Dreams Are Made On, Japanese Netsuke from the Willi G. Bosshard Collection, Number 69. Ex-Willi G. Bosshard Collection. Klefisch, Cologne, June 1996 Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, George Lazarnick Vol. I, p520. Sotheby’s, Honolulu, 22nd January 1977, lot 62. Similar examples: The Julius and Arlette Katchen Collection of Fine Netsuke, Lot 72 – £11,250 Bandini, Rosemary (2019) The Larry Caplan Collection of Japanese Netsuke, pp. 42–43, No. 21 (later sold at Zacke, Austria for 9,760 EUR)
Ryusa Netsuke – Ho-Ho Bird A tama jewel-shaped stag antler ryusa netsuke, the surface in a rich caramel colour. To the front is a stylised ho-ho bird. Its elaborate tail cascades down the ryusa, tangling with the tendrils that extend upwards from the stylised Paulownia at the bottom of the composition. The three Paulownia leaves are the mon of the Toyotomi clan and represent the imperial family. To the reverse, an eight-petaled flower forms the himotoshi with its three leaves connecting it to the tama. Unsigned – Asakusa region Mid to late 19th century Height: 3.5cm Width: 4.2cm Depth: 1.4cm
Netsuke – Precious Objects A beautifully worked kagamibuta-style netsuke in stag antler. Both the lid and bowl are carved from a section of antler with a lovely caramel colour, the lid having pierced openwork decorated in the centre with blossom. The bowl is decorated with various items associated with the Takemono, set amongst crashing waves, representing the nautical theme of the lucky gods treasure ship. Unsigned 19th century Width: 4.4cm Thickness: 2.2cm
Manju Netsuke – Grasshopper A well-detailed wood and lacquer two-part manju netsuke. The body is in a highly polished dark wood. To the front is a grasshopper in various shades of takamakie lacquer. The veins of the grasshopper’s wings are beautifully rendered in fine hiramakie. Unsigned Mid 19th century Width: 4.3cm Thickness: 2cm
Netsuke – Acrobat An amusing wood netsuke depicting an acrobatic islander balancing on a drum. The figure’s hands are placed firmly onto the small drum beneath, his legs raised into the air reaching around to the front of his body for his toes to meet under his chin. His face is nicely carved with a rather strenuous expression. To the back, his drumstick is tucked into his belt; the himotoshi is formed by two equal sized holes either side. Unsigned Early 19th century Height: 5.8cm Depth: 3.6cm Width: 3.2cm
Netsuke – Daruma A handful of a saishiki cypress wood netsuke depicting Daruma. Daruma is standing with his chest puffed out and head to one side, with a coy look on his face. The pigment has rubbed away from the high points to reveal the cypress wood beneath. The himotoshi is formed by one small hole and a leger beneath. Unsigned Late 18th to early 19th century Height: 9.3cm Width: 3.6cm Depth: 2.8cm
Netsuke – Dutchman A stag antler dutchman holding a large fan in one hand and stroking his beard with the other. The surface of the material is well worked with a scrolling pattern to his coat and contrasting pattern to his undercoat. The back of his britches are inlaid. Unsigned Late 18th century Height: 8cm Width: 2.1cm Depth: 1.7cm
Netsuke – Chinnan Sennin A bulky, powerful wood netsuke with polychrome pigments applied to the surface. The sennin is animated, with one foot raised and placed onto the back of the dragon’s neck. The dragon works its way down the sennin’s back, its large body twisting and covered in bold circular scales, the green pigment has worn away from the high points. A large himotoshi is formed either side of one of the dragon’s limbs. Late 18th to early 19th century Signed, Shuzan Works signed Shuzan span a huge time period and this example in boxwood is clearly not from the hand of the Sōken kishō artist. This later example is well composed and its bulky size, smooth surfaces and bags of personality make it a really fun netsuke to handle. This is probably why it has sat on my desk for the past two years and is only now being offered for sale (and if it stays at home with me, I certainly won’t be disappointed). Published: Ostasiatiska Museet (1999) Netsuke, p.31. Provenance: Ex-collection of Mrs. Gunvor Bjorkman Two old collection numbers. A 115 and G 741, applied to the back. Length: 9.1cm Width: 3.8cm Depth: 2.5cm
Netsuke – Gamma Sennin A cheerful netsuke depicting Gamma sennin in prunus wood. Gamma is bent over holding onto his toad with one hand. His face is expressive with chubby lifted cheeks, strong eyebrows, upturned round nose and pursed lips. His clothes are covered with mugwort leaves flowing elegantly down his body. The himotoshi is formed by one hole that enters the sennin’s back and exits further down the body to one side, under his gourde. Early 19th century Unsigned Height: 5.8cm Width: 2.8cm
Netsuke – Hotei and Child A well-carved stag antler figure of Hotei and child. Hotei is resting against a large sack and the small child ascending his back, trying to make his way to perch on his shoulder. The netsuke has a nice depth to the carving; the flow and ruches of Hotei’s clothes are particularly well worked. The material has a lovely yellow tone to the surface. The himotoshi is formed by one small and one larger hole to the back. Unsigned Early 19th century Width: 3.7cm Height: 3.4cm Depth: 2.5cm
Netsuke – Teaburi A wood netsuke of a small boy warming his hands. The child is seated, his knees and body pressed against the side of the Teaburi. The outside of the warmer is decorated with beautiful scrolling blossoms. I look at this netsuke and can imagine it as my own boys out playing on a cold winter’s day, running into the house red cheeked and freezing cold, hastily squashing themselves against the warmest thing they can find (almost certainly leaving a trail of destruction behind them). Once warm, I expect his next act was to ask his mother what was for lunch! Mid-19th century Unsigned, Nagoya school Length: 4.3cm Height: 3.2cm Width: 3cm
Netsuke – Yawning Courtier A wood netsuke by Minkoku depicting a courtier. The courtier is seated, arms raised above his head stretching, his head thrown back as he lets out a giant yawn. He appears to have just woken from a lovely afternoon nap, as he tries to rouse himself to continue on with his day. The surface of the wood is nicely polished with a pleasing patina. Signed, Minkoku Second half of the 19th century Height: 4.2cm Width: 2.8cm 2.4cm wide
Netsuke – Hozuki A large wood study of a Hozuki fruit group. Three pods are attached to a nicely worked stem, which also forms the himotoshi. The largest of the pods is open, its fruit inlaid with a pinkish red coral. Unsigned Second half of the 19th century Length: 4.8cm Height: 3.9cm Depth: 3.4cm
Netsuke – Osechi Ryori A well worked wood netsuke depicting various Osechi Ryori ingredients. Osechi Ryori are the group of dishes served during the New Year celebrations. The centre piece of the ingredients a large vegetable still attached to its stalk. Laid around one side are gomame (sweetened baby sardines); to the other are several nuts, probably Kuri-kinton (sweet chestnuts). Unsigned Mid to late 19th century Length: 4.1cm Width: 3.5cm
Netsuke – Boar An extremely fine recumbent boar by Hokyudo Itsumin. Seated with its legs drawn in, the animal’s body is covered in dense, coarse hair work to the back that gradually softens down the flanks of the animal. Its snout is raised and stippled, ears pinned back, and the inlays to the eyes give the boar an alert look. A very pleasing example, I particularly admire the twist to the body, the rolls of fat and the way the hooves are carved. The features of the animal show much affinity with the carver Ittan, who has been suggested as the teacher of Itsumin. Signed, Itsuo To (carved by the old man Itsu). Hokyudo Itsumin, Nagoya school. 19th century Provenance: Ex-Schmidt (Bothelt) collection Shown at the Cologne Netsuke Convention Exhibition 2017 Published: Cologne Netsuke Convention Catalogue 2017 No. 162
Netsuke – Three Horses A charming netsuke depicting three horses in wood. Each horse is turning to form a compact oval, two standing, one with head down grazing, the other looking back, and the third horse is seated, delicately licking another. Early 19th century Signed, Issai Length: 4.1cm Width: 3.0cm Height: 3.8cm
Netsuke – Toy Pony A good wood netsuke of a toy pony on a pedestal. The pony has a cloth wrapped around its waist, which is engraved with the mitsu-tomoe-mon. Its head is dipped and tail wrapped around its body. The surface of the wood is well polished and nicely stained. Late 19th century Unsigned Length: 4cm Height: 4.7cm Width: 2.7cm
Netsuke – Horse A seated horse in ebony wood with inlays. The horse is seated with legs drawn in, turning its head to lick its flank. The horse’s eyes are double inlaid. The underside is deeply excavated to allow for the knot to be concealed, with the exit of the himotoshi between the body and a rear leg. Unsigned First half of the 19th century Length: 4.5cm Width: 2.7cm Height: 3.6cm
Netsuke – Sansukumi A wood netsuke depicting a snake consuming a toad in an illustration of the classic tale of the Sansukumi. The snake’s body is coiled in three layers with extensive open work separating each pile. The large toad clings to the body of the snake, attempting to free himself from its mouth. It looks like he will fail and that the snake will consume him. The slug is missing, already inside the toad? The wood is a lovely reddish orange, having worn nicely, and a warm and beautiful patina has formed. A natural himotoshi can be formed between one of sections of open work to the underside. Unsigned Late 18th century Length: 4.6cm Width: 3.3cm Height: 2.3cm
Netsuke – Toad and Skull A wood netsuke depicting a toad climbing atop a skull. The large toad is poised to push itself to the top of the skull, its trailing leg gripped just above the eye socket. The somewhat stylised skull has two almost comical front teeth and deeply excavated eye sockets. Toads from the Masanao school are a staple, often seen on sandals or broken buckets; the skull provides a nice change. The himotoshi is formed by a natural opening at the back of the skull. 19th century Signed, Masanao Length: 3.7cm Width: 3.3cm Height: 3.7cm
Netsuke – Frog and Lotus Pod A fun little netsuke depicting a frog seated on a lotus leaf with a large lotus pod beside him. The seeds of the pod are inlaid with six seeds that move freely when lightly shaken. The eyes of the frog are double inlaid. To the underside, the himotoshi is formed by the branch that connects the leaf to the pod. Unsigned 19th century Length: 4.5cm Width: 3.0cm
Netsuke – Frog on a Lotus Leaf A delicate ebony netsuke of a lotus leaf with a small frog perched on top. The panels of the leaf are strongly defined, with the centre of each panel covered in fine hairwork. Across the top is a section well carved to appear rotten. The centre of the leaf is completely hollow. The smooth frog contrasts nicely with the textured leaf. The himotoshi is formed by a single hole to the underside, with the knot able to be concealed within the inside the leaf. First half of the 19th century Inscribed, Okatomo Length: 4.6cm With: 2.4cm Depth: 2.1cm
Netsuke – Butterflies A wood, lacquer and metal manju netsuke of butterflies. To the front, worn lacquer tendrils and a pair of metal inlaid butterfly set against the wood body of the netsuke. The reverse, the himotoshi and faintly lacquered gold Kao. Early 19th century Signed with a Kao Length: 4.3cm Height: 3cm Depth: 1.3cm
Mask Netsuke – Beshimi A wood mask-type netsuke of Beshimi by Deme Kunimitsu. The features of Beshimi are strongly carved with large powerful eyebrows, a huge nose and deeply excavated eyes. Signed to the verso across the large bar that forms the himotoshi. Signed, Deme Kunimitsu Late 18th to early 19th century Height: 4.2cm Width: 4.2cm Depth: 2.5cm
Netsuke – Hanya Mask A large wood mask carved from boxwood. The rustic netsuke is carved in the form of a Hanya mask with the demon’s eyes inlaid. The himotoshi is formed via a hole drilled into a bar to the reverse. Unsigned 19th century Height: 5.5cm
Netsuke – Ono no Komachi A stag antler figure depicting the old poet Ono no Komachi. The haggard old lady stands, head hunched forward with a drawn expression on her face. Wearing a long raincoat, she holds a basket in one hand and a walking stick in the other. Her large hat hangs down her back. The legs and top of her head are plugged to conceal the natural channel in the material. The himotoshi is formed by two holes to her back. Unsigned 19th century Height: 7cm
Netsuke – Entertainer A lacquered wood netsuke depicting an entertainer. Carry his box he lifts the cloth covering the top ready to reveal the surprise within. The surface lacquered in various shades. Second half of the 19th century Unsigned Height: 4.5cm
Netsuke – Daruma A manju netsuke with daruma carved to the front. Himotoshi formed by one larger and one smaller hole to the verso. Unsigned 19th century Width: 3.6cm Height: 3.2cm
Netsuke – Rashomon Demon A wood netsuke of the severed arm of the Rashomon demon. Flung over the top, an Oni cries into his hand, holding a set of prayer beads in the other. 18th century Unsigned Length: 5cm Width: 3.7cm Depth: 2.7cm
Netsuke – Sneezer A seated professional sneezer in wood. His head is tilted back, poised to unleash a giant sneeze. In one hand he holds his nose-tickling aid, inlaid. To the underside, the himotoshi is formed by one small and one larger oval hole. Signed Gyokko Late 19th century Height: 3.7cm Width: 4.1cm Depth: 2.7cm