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 Hardwood Netsuke, Wild Boar - JP3J427

Price: $1,495.00

Wonderful, intricately carved Japanese hardwood netsuke of a wild boar, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926. Artist signed on underside. Marvelous realistic proportion, detail and pose. Very good condition. Dimensions: 1” x 2.5” x 1”.

Japanese Pipe Case Kiseruzutsu with Inro

Japanese Pipe Case Kiseruzutsu with Inro - JP9J410

Price: $2,995.00

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 Netsuke, Hirado Porcelain Tiger, Meiji

Japanese Netsuke, Hirado Porcelain Tiger, Meiji - JT147

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”.