Higher-end netsuke signed Please help Translate

[Winchester]

I believe this is a higher-end netsuke and I am sorry the pictures truly do not do it justice.

 

Can someone please help translate the signature?

 

it is finely carved, very nice patina which doesn’t show well in the photos, and has a lot of detail and refinement in my opinion.

 

I am a newer collector so if I am mistaken on the quality or another detail please forgive me, I am reading books and studying daily.

 

Thank you for your help and any opinions outside of the signature as well.

 

 

[Winchester]

I was limited due to file size but here are a few more; again, I am sorry my phone does not pick up all the refinement or details.

[Bugyotsuji]

Sadly Winchester I am afraid this may be a heavily stained, not antique Netsuké with a ‘Chinese’ signature. (The signature is written by a Chinese person wanting it to look Japanese.)

Most Netsuké collectors start out this way (myself included) until by reading and handling and visiting museum collections we can develop a more critical eye.

[Winchester]

Hi Piers,

 

Thank you for letting me know. I’ll keep studying and learning. 
 

Appreciate your help and hopefully this is a learning opportunity for the next person.

[Bugyotsuji]

Great that you are taking it this way, W.
Try posting over on the International Netsuké Society (INS) forum if you like, for second opinion(s) and further advice.