One signed, the other unsigned Japan, early 19th century to Meiji period (1868-1912)
One ivory netsuke depicting a sennin (immortal) standing, wearing the characteristic yomogi (artemisia leaf) robe, holding up a basket in one hand and carrying a minogame in the other. Note the cord attachment through the himotoshi to the sennin’s back and sleeve as well as the separately carved basket cover. The other (signed) ivory netsuke depicting a sumo wrestler wearing a long garment finely incised with foliate and geometric patterns.
HEIGHT 9.7 cm (the sennin) and 5.3 cm (the sumo wrestler)
Condition: Very good condition with only minor surface wear, the sennin netsuke with few natural age cracks. Provenance: UK private collection.