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You are here: Home > Netsuke - Inro

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.

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Japanese Lacquer Inro, 19th Century - JI474045
Our Price: $3,895.00

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”.
Japanese Pipe Case Kiseruzutsu with Inro
Japanese Pipe Case Kiseruzutsu with Inro - JP9J410
Our Price: $2,995.00
Sale Price: $2,695.50

Exceptional Japanese carved bone pipe case or kiseruzutsu with wood inro, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Whimsical design features Japanese gods Ebisu and Daikoku.  Charming representation with wonderful, age-old patina, obviously a much loved and used piece!  Simple, sublime carved wood inro with rich, fluid grain.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  9” (pipecase), 3” x 4” (inro).
Japanese Lacquer Inro Display Stand
Japanese Lacquer Inro Display Stand - JM8X173
Our Price: $1,895.00
Sale Price: $1,516.00

Extremely rare Japanese inro display stand, Meiji period (1868-1912).  Gorgeous gold lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay on rich black ground.  Charming motif of gulls in flight over roiling ocean.   At the top, six fixtures for displaying inro collection. Very good condition with minor distress commensurate with age and use.  A rare and dramatic piece for the collector! Dimensions: 13.5” x 28” x 7.5”.
Japanese Lacquer Inro with 18C. Netsuke
Japanese Lacquer Inro with 18th-C. Netsuke - JM8X176
Our Price: $2,495.00
Sale Price: $1,996.00

Stunning Japanese black-and-gold lacquer inro, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926.  Exquisite detailing and craftsmanship.  Lush gold on black lacquer for an elegant, refined effect.  Beautifully rendered motif of mountain retreat.  Accompanying 18th-century kurogaki wood (black persimmon) netsuke features Hotei and child, ivory rabbit ojime.  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. Signed Nastushige.  Very good condition with minor distress commensurate with age and use.  Dimensions:  3.75” x 2” (inro).
Japanese Inro and Netsuke, Falcon and Rabbit Motif
Japanese Inro and Netsuke, Falcon and Rabbit Motif - JM8X177
Our Price: $3,295.00
Sale Price: $2,636.00

Incredible Japanese handcarved sugi (cedar) wood inro and netsuke by renowned artist Kazuo Mitsutani (Tokyo 1932-), mid-20th century.  Splendid detailing and stunning craftsmanship in bird-of-prey motif with rabbit netsuke.  The inro, a small set of decorative containers traditionally used to carry pills, ink, seals and other necessities, was worn at the belt of the traditional Japanese costume. Very good condition. Dimensions:  3” x 2.5”.
Japanese Netsuke, Staghorn Carving of Shoki
Japanese Netsuke, Staghorn Carving of Shoki - JM8X178
Our Price: $4,495.00
Sale Price: $3,596.00

Striking Japanese carved staghorn netsuke of Shoki the Demon Slayer, Edo period, c. 1800.  Tall, slender form, fine hand-worn patina and mellow color. A delightful rendering in very good condition. Dimensions:  3.75” x 1”.
Japanese Coin Purse or Tobacco Pouch
Japanese Coin Purse or Tobacco Pouch, Edo - JM8X923
Our Price: $2,995.00
Sale Price: $2,396.00

Fantastic 19th-century Japanese coin purse or tobacco pouch kinkara, late Edo period, c. 1800-1868. Beautifully crafted and nicely aged. Detailed design with vivid coloration. Clearly a well-loved and worn item! Includes signed netsuke and bull form ojime.  Dimensions: Very good condition with appealing wear.  Dimensions:  6” x 4.5”.
Japanese Lacquer Inro, Samurai Carrying Case
Japanese Lacquer Inro, Samurai Carrying Case - JM8X92
Our Price: $2,995.00
Sale Price: $2,396.00

Remarkable Japanese black-and-gold lacquer inro, late Edo period, c. 1800-1868.  Splendid detailing and stunning craftsmanship.  Lush gold on gold-speckled black lacquer for an elegant, refined effect.  Beautifully rendered motif of campfire gathering beneath maple tree.   Reverse shows solitary rake in autumn setting. 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. Signed Nastushige.  Very good condition with minor distress commensurate with age and use.  Dimensions:  2.75” x 3.25”.
Japanese Netsuke, Ivory Noh Masks, Meiji
Japanese Netsuke, Ivory Noh Masks, Meiji - JT144
Our Price: $2,195.00
Sale Price: $1,975.50

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 Netsuke, Hirado Porcelain Tiger, Meiji
Japanese Netsuke, Hirado Porcelain Tiger, Meiji - JT147
Our Price: $995.00
Sale Price: $895.50

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
Sale Price: $895.50

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 Ivory Netsuke, Manju Style Noh Masks
Japanese Ivory Netsuke, Manju Style Noh Masks, Meiji - JT142
Our Price: $2,795.00
Sale Price: $2,515.50

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 Meiji Ivory Netsuke, Hotei & Karako
Our Price: $495.00
Sale Price: $445.50

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.
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".
   
 
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