Matsunoki

I agree Piers…..and if ivory they are a contributing factor to the modern mass slaughter of elephants in Africa which in turn has led to ivory bans on the sale of wonderful older works of art which hasn’t saved a single elephant. ☹️

Sorry, still the same conclusion. All fake. Not sure extra images will tell us anything else.

Sorry to say that from these images they all look like modern fakes. None exhibit the skill and subtlety of Japanese carving. Some may be ivory which just makes it worse. Personally I would rather own one genuine piece than a multitude of these.

Captures the chaos of the battle. I love the huge war club!

? Shill bidding? haven’t heard it called shipping! The perils of auctions. Very dishonourable if suspicions are accurate…..but not surprising.

Do anything you can to avoid auctioneers. With their massive buyers premium and sellers commission they will keep between 40-50% of what someone pays and you will probably have to do all the descriptions anyway or risk their lack of expertise ruining results. The advice above re trying to work with a trusted dealer is good advice. You might even find one to buy the whole collection but choose carefully.

Maybe Lewis is referring to the yawning gap that appears to exist below the shikoro to the back and sides where tare and nodawa offer no extra protection? Lewis …..anything else you can tell us? Location, age etc? Looks in near perfect condition

Indeed depending on your local laws. Illegal to sell in UK.

Hi Mal Agree with Piers…..elephant ivory and fairly “modern”. As for function….most likely (imo) a tourist souvenir of modest quality. Is there a small hole going into the mouth in which case could be pendant or a key ring having lost its loop.

Possibly……you ask em? I’ve never had dealings there……🙂…..bit too posh for me…

Is that really the reverse Piers?….seems strange if it isn’t seen…..but I know nothing about this type of netsuke

And…….?🙂

B4me🙂

Sometimes, searching and then finding “stuff” like this is far more enjoyable than shelling out big bucks for something that was sitting highly visible in the spotlight. Wish I woz there🙂

I give up.