Man with Mask - Japanese Netsuke : Behind his back, a man is holding a mask of Okame, the goddess of mirth. He is pulling on his eyelid, playing a children's game "See my eye."

LOT 591 : .875" x .5" x 1.5"

Cat in a Robe - Japanese Netsuke : This whimsical netsuke is a graceful cat disguised as a woman. In some Japanese legends, long-tailed or two-tailed cats can be bewitch human beings. Please see our jewelry collection for a gold broach of this figure.

LOT 592 : 1.18" x .875" x 2.25"

Angel - Japanese Netsuke : This intricately carved angel with flowing scarves stands firmly on one foot and beats a hand drum. She is a lovely tennin (female) of the Buddhist heaven.

LOT 605 : 1.12" x .875" x 2.62"

Octopus - Japanese Netsuke : The octopus presents a dual image: Its bald head suggest a priest's shaven head, but its tentacles symbolize a comical amorous embrace

LOT 589 : 1.25" x 1" x 1.12"

Two Puppies - Japanese Netsuke Dogs : These animals rest together as friends. Dogs are loyal and sincere. A netsuke of a dog can also represent a wish for an easy childbirth.

LOT 599 : 1.25" x .875" x 1"

Kirin - Japanese Netsuke - Kirin the Kind Gentle Vegetarian : The emblem of kindness and virtue, the Kirin is a vegetarian and a creature so gentle that it will not even walk on grass lest it crush any living being.

LOT 600 : 1.62" x .875" x 1.75"

Dragon - Japanese Netsuke : People born in the Year of the Dragon are healthy, energetic and stubborn. They are the most eccentric of the signs and tend to be soft-hearted.

LOT 601 : 1.25" x 1.75" x .62"

Carp Fish in Waves - Japanese Netsuke : When a carp reaches a sacred place on a river, it is rewarded by being sent on a cloud to heaven where it becomes a dragon to live happily ever after.

LOT 612 : 1.5" x .875" x 1.25"

Man on Turtle - Japanese Netsuke : In folklore, Urashima Taro, a fisherman, married the underwater Dragon King's daughter, the princess who could assume the form of a tortoise.

LOT 585 : 1.25" x 1" x 2"

Dog - Japanese Netsuke : People born in the Year of the Dog possess the best traits. They are loyal and trustworthy, inspiring confidence; they know how to keep secrets

LOT 586 : 1.4" x 1.12" x 1.25"

Mirror Polisher - Japanese Netsuke : Mirrors reflects true images: "As the sword is the soul of the samurai, so is the mirror the soul of a woman. When the mirror is dim, the soul is unclean."

LOT 587 : 1.4" x 1.25" x .875"

Sambaso Dancer - Japanese Netsuke : In the 9th century, Sambaso dancers wearing high hats and carrying fans, performed a religious dance to appease the gods and thwart earthquakes.

LOT 593 : .875" x .62" x 2.75"

Goat - Japanese Netsuke : People born in the Year of the Goat are intelligent, accomplished in the arts, and fare well in business. Their abilities make money for them.

LOT 602 : 1.375" x .75" x 1"

Horse - Japanese Netsuke : People born in the Year of the Horse are popular. They are cheerful, skillful with money and perceptive, although they sometimes talk too much.

LOT 603 : 1.12" x .75" x 1.12"

Otakufu (Goddess of Mirth) - Japanese Netsuke : To prepare for the New Year, Otafuku, the goddess of mirths, pours tea and has tossed beans to keep the demons away. Piece is highly detailed on the bottom as well.

LOT 608 : 1.375" x 1.25" x 1.5"

Chinese Buddha - Japanese Netsuke : When and individual achieves a profound inner peace, he is able to understand the relationships among all things; he is an awakened one, a Buddha

LOT 614 : 1.375" x 1.25" x 1.75"

Cat with Ball - Japanese Netsuke : The Japanese cat is unique with his bobbed tail. This charming cat playfully rests its paw on a ball and wears a special collar indicating he is loved.

LOT 615 : 1" xc .62" x 1.375"

Monkey with Her Baby - Japanese Netsuke : People born in the Year of the Monkey are the geniuses of the Oriental Zodiac. Clever and astute, they are inventive and can solve most problems.

LOT 596 : .75" x 1.5" x 1"

Rabbit - Japanese Netsuke : People born in the Year of the Rabbit are conservative and financially lucky. They make good gamblers for they have the gift of choosing correctly.

LOT 588 : 1.375" x 1" x 1.12"

Deer - Japanese Netsuke : Deer, believed to be and incarnation of Buddha, are symbolic of long life and good luck. The deer is the only animal able to find the sacred fungus of immortality.

LOT 590 : 1.9" x 1.875" x 1.25"

Couple Having Tea - Japanese Netsuke with Woman in Kimono and Man in Foreign Attire. : Representing a scene and activity of everyday life, a Japanese woman dressed in an elaborate kimono pours teas for a gentleman in foreign attire.

LOT 594 : 1.4" x .62" x 1.875"

Rat Eating a Parsnip - Japanese Netsuke : People born in the Year of the Rat are noted for their charm and attraction for the opposite sex. They work hard to achieve goals and are perfectionists.

LOT 595 : 1.5" x.75" x1"

Reclining Ox - Japanese Netsuke : People born in the Year of the Ox are patient, quiet, and inspire confidence. Ox people are mentally and physically alert, and they hate to fail or be opposed.

LOT 597 : 1.9" x1.25" x .875"

Hotei with Baby (God of Good Fortune) - Japanese Netsuke : Hotei is the most popular of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune. He can be recognized by his jolly expression, huge belly, and sack of Precious Things.

LOT 598 : .62" x 1.25" x 1.62"

Tiger - Japanese Netsuke : People born in the Year of the Tiger are fortunate, for the tiger is the sign for luck, as well as courage and strength. Others have great respect for them.

LOT 604 : 1.12" x .875" x 1.12"

Elephant at Festival - Japanese Netsuke : The elephant is the symbol of wisdom in Japanese culture. Here and elaborately decorated elephant, a dancer, and two musician entertain.

LOT 606 : 1.4" x 1.75" x .875"

Dog with Her Puppy - Japanese Netsuke : Dogs are know for the ease with which they give birth, and a netsuke of a dog, especially with a puppy, can represent a wish for and easy childbirth.

LOT 607 : 2" x 1.375" x 1.25"

Benten - Patron or the Geishas (God of Good Fortune) - Japanese Netsuke : Benten is the only female deity among the Seven Gods of Good Fortune. She is the goddess of learning, music, and love - the patron of the geishas.

LOT 609 : .875" x .75" x 2"

Acrobatic Performing Monkey - Japanese Netsuke : An acrobatic performing monkey is dressed in finely detailed clothing. He is doing a backbend and appears to screaming in glee.

LOT 610 : 1.62" x 1" x .875"

Horse with Monkey - Japanese Netsuke : According to Japanese legend a horse with a monkey atop of it symbolizes the energy and impatience of the horse led by the intellect of the monkey.

LOT 611 : 1.12" x .75" x 1.25"

Hawk on Perch - Japanese Netsuke of Hawks and Falcons : In Japan, hawks and falcons have remained a symbol of aristocracy who used them as hunting birds. Hawks symbolize generosity and heroism.

LOT 613 : .75" x .62" x 2.12"

Japanese Standing Cat - Japanese Netsuke : This standing cat poses as if waiting to be adored. He proudly wars a bib, a common accessory demonstrating the owner's love for the cat.

LOT 616 : 1" x 1.25" x 3"