Japanese Netsuke and Inro

Japanese netsuke and inro were traditionally toggles (netsuke) and small compartmentalized cases (inro) worn on the obi or belt of men of the upper class.

Japanese netsuke are prized for their remarkable rendering and tiny size. They were usually carved of ivory, bone or wood with great care and artisanship in order to enhance the reputation of their wearer.

Likewise, inro were practical objects raised to a fine art in their crafting. These are crafted primarily in lacquer and were used to hold small objects such as seals or medicines. Today, Japanese netsuke and inro are in great demand among collectors worldwide.

Sort By:

Page of 1

Japanese Bronze Netsuke, Children Okimono

Japanese Bronze Netsuke, Playful Children Okimono - JC8J815

SOLD
Our Price: $249.00

Delightful Japanese miniature bronze netsuke or okimono featuring laughing children, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Enchanting item with expressive detail. A charming example of fine Japanese artisanship. Delightful item for the collector! Very good condition. Dimensions: 1” x 3” x 3”.

Japanese Netsuke, Ivory Noh Masks, Meiji

Japanese Netsuke, Ivory Noh Masks, Meiji - JT144

Our Price: $2,195.00

Remarkable Japanese ivory netsuke, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Manju style with seven highly animated and finely rendered masks. Later signature reads Tomochika. Very good condition. Diameter: 1.5”.

Japanese Ivory Netsuke, Manju Style Noh Masks

Japanese Ivory Netsuke, Manju Style Noh Masks, Meiji - JT142

Our Price: $2,795.00

Stunning Japanese ivory netsuke, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Manju style with seven highly animated and finely rendered masks. Signed Rakuyo. Very good condition. Diameter: 1.75”.

Japanese Netsuke, Hirado Porcelain Tiger, Meiji

Japanese Netsuke, Hirado Porcelain Tiger, Meiji - JT147

Our Price: $995.00

Whimsical Japanese Hirado porcelain netsuke, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Rare to find such an item in famed porcelain. Charming rendering with relief décor of stylized tiger on bamboo trunk. Very good condition. Height: 1.75”.

Japanese Netsuke, Ivory Karado, Foo Dog Mask

Japanese Netsuke, Hirado Porcelain Karako w/ Foo Dog Mask, Meiji - JT146

Our Price: $995.00

Delightful Japanese Hirado porcelain netsuke, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Sweet rendering of karako or Chinese child holding mask of shi-shi (foo dog) with movable stone inside. Very good condition. Height: 2”.

Japanese Meiji Ivory Netsuke, Hotei & Karako

Our Price: $495.00

Fine Japanese carved ivory netsuke of Hotei with Karako boy and sack, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Fine hand-worn patina and mellow color. Hotei, the legendary god of happiness, laughter, abundance and the wisdom of contentment, is here portrayed with his sack and accompanied by a child. Traditionally, the sack of Hotei is filled with treasures such as food and candy for children. His stout figure, fat belly, and jovial expression are all characteristic of his legend. A delightful rendering in very good condition. Skillfully rendered and in very good condition. Dimensions: 2” long.

Japanese Lacquer Inro, 19th Century - JI474045

Our Price: $3,295.00

Sublime, remarkably crafted Japanese black-and-gold lacquer inro, Edo to Meiji periods, 19th century. Splendid detailing and stunning lacquerwork throughout. Sumptuous gold on black lacquer for an elegant, refined effect. Beautifully rendered “three sisters” design of pine branches, bamboo leaves and plum blossoms gives breathtaking enchantment to the piece. This three sisters combination is the symbol of an auspicious occasion. The bamboo leaves are beautifully inlaid with eye-catching mother of pearl. For added whimsy, a delightfully carved ivory netsuke and coral ojime bead accompany the inro on the attached cord. The inro, a small set of decorative lacquered containers traditionally used to carry pills, ink, seals and other necessities, was worn at the belt of the traditional Japanese costume together with the netsuke and ojime ensemble. Today, this combination of uniquely rendered pieces serve as beautiful testaments of a rich, cultural history, and exquisite works of art for stunning display. Very good condition. Height: 3”; Width: 2.5”. ASK ABOUT OUR INTEREST-FREE LAYAWAY PLAN.

19th-C. Japanese Ivory Netsuke, Karako w/ Deer

Our Price: $1,995.00

Sweet Japanese carved ivory netsuke representing a Karako or Chinese child with a small deer about his shoulder, Edo to Meiji periods, 19th century. Skillfully carved with charming detail. Beautiful veining and rich, old patina. A lovely, traditional scene, superbly carved and beautifully preserved. Very good condition, with appealing even wear, indicative of age. Stunning slender shape lends itself to great artistic insight and imagination. Height: 1.75”; Width: .75”. See Raymond Bushell’s Netsuke Masks for reference.

Japanese Negoro Lacquer Mask Netsuke, 19th C.

Our Price: $2,995.00

Remarkable Negoro lacquer wood mask netsuke, Edo to Meiji period, 19th century. Fabulous traditional depiction of Otafuku or “Happy Woman.” Incredible rendering features skilled carving work with great attention to detail and animation. Rich Negoro lacquer textured effects and colorations. See Raymond Bushell’s Netsuke Masks for reference. An excellent find for the netsuke collector! Very good condition. Dimensions: 1.75" x 1.5".

18th-C. Ivory Manju Netsuke, Full Moon Rabbit

Our Price: $16,000.00

Magnificent 18th-century Japanese Kyoto School manju netsuke, Edo period. Signed by famed artist Okatomo. Represents rabbit in perfect full moon shape. Provenance: Ex. Bushell's Collection. Very good condition. Diameter: 1.5".

Japanese Netsuke, c. 1900

Our Price: $1,495.00

Charming turn-of-the-century Japanese netsuke. Expressive mouse with chestnut. Realistic rendering with fine detail in fur, face. Inlaid black eyes. Rich patina. Two-character mark on mother-of-pearl plaque. Dimensions: 1 ¾” x 1”.

About Us

Layaway Plan

Shipping