We’re pleased to present our first Fine Netsuke & Sagemono auction of the year.

The sale begins with a strong group of fine inro, showcasing a range of materials and lacquer techniques. Highlights include the stitched cherry bark inro by Kanshosai Toyo (Lot 14), and a striking yamimaki-e inro depicting Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s famous Earth Spider print (Lot 25).

The inro are followed by an excellent selection of pipe cases, tobacco pouches, and boxes, as well as a rare bokuto (doctor’s sword), featured as Lot 79.

From Lot 80 to the end of the sale, the auction focuses on fine netsuke, spanning a wide range of materials, styles, and schools. Notable pieces include a detailed carving of shishi lions on a base, signed Tomotada (Lot 149); the transforming goat attributed to Kaigyokusai Masatsugu—our cover piece (Lot 163); and an ingeniously carved basket of fish by Tsukamoto Kyokusai (Lot 291).

Many pieces come with important provenance, including works from the collections of W. L. Behrens, H. Seymour Trower, M. T. Hindson, W. W. Winkworth, J. Bellhouse Gaskell, Isobel Sharpe, Arthur Kay, Michael Tomkinson, Hayashi Tadamasa, Maurice Garcon, Maurice Champoud, Raymond & Frances Bushell, Marcel Lorber, E. A. Wrangham, Julius & Arlette Katchen, H.I.H. Princess Takamado, and Joseph & Elena Kurstin, along with de-accessions from the Kiyomizu Sannenzaka Museum in Kyoto.

We invite you to explore the collection and welcome any questions you may have.

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