7th Nov, 2025 13:00
Fine Netsuke & Sagemono
97
Ɏ A SUPERB AND RARE IVORY NETSUKE OF AN INARI FOX WITH TWO TAMA (SACRED JEWELS)
€3,000
€6,000
A buyer’s premium of 30.00% (including VAT) applies to the hammer price of this lot if your bid is successful.
Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Superbly carved, the netsuke depicts an Inari fox (kitsune) seated in a graceful, twisted pose. Its slender, elongated body is animated with a curling tail that sweeps around above a sacred jewel (tama), while a second jewel is clasped securely between its forepaws. The fox turns its head back in a gentle, almost playful smile, the expression enriched by sharply incised eyes, brows, and whiskers. The smooth, polished ivory has acquired a superb, unctuous patina from centuries of handling. Generous himotoshi pierce the underside and belly, showing clear signs of use.
HEIGHT 6.7 cm, LENGTH 5 cm
Condition: Very good condition, with minor wear and light traces of use. Expected age cracks.
Among foxes (kitsune), it is the white fox - messenger of Dakiniten, later identified with Inari, the deity of cereals and harvest - that holds particular importance. Countless shrines dedicated to Inari were erected across Japan, often flanked by pairs of fox statues, many depicted holding a pearl or a key in their mouths. Worshipers visited these shrines to pray for wealth and prosperity, while each year in early February, during the Hatsu-uma Festival, Inari netsuke such as the present example may have been worn as symbolic amulets.
Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a fox with tama, dated to the 18th century, 8.2 cm (height), at Sotheby’s. Fine Netsuke Inro and Lacquer from the Estate of Madelyn Hickmott, 8 Feburary 1989, New York, lot 215, illustrated on the cover of the catalog (sold for USD 68,200 or approx. EUR 153,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).
Unsigned
Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Superbly carved, the netsuke depicts an Inari fox (kitsune) seated in a graceful, twisted pose. Its slender, elongated body is animated with a curling tail that sweeps around above a sacred jewel (tama), while a second jewel is clasped securely between its forepaws. The fox turns its head back in a gentle, almost playful smile, the expression enriched by sharply incised eyes, brows, and whiskers. The smooth, polished ivory has acquired a superb, unctuous patina from centuries of handling. Generous himotoshi pierce the underside and belly, showing clear signs of use.
HEIGHT 6.7 cm, LENGTH 5 cm
Condition: Very good condition, with minor wear and light traces of use. Expected age cracks.
Among foxes (kitsune), it is the white fox - messenger of Dakiniten, later identified with Inari, the deity of cereals and harvest - that holds particular importance. Countless shrines dedicated to Inari were erected across Japan, often flanked by pairs of fox statues, many depicted holding a pearl or a key in their mouths. Worshipers visited these shrines to pray for wealth and prosperity, while each year in early February, during the Hatsu-uma Festival, Inari netsuke such as the present example may have been worn as symbolic amulets.
Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related ivory netsuke of a fox with tama, dated to the 18th century, 8.2 cm (height), at Sotheby’s. Fine Netsuke Inro and Lacquer from the Estate of Madelyn Hickmott, 8 Feburary 1989, New York, lot 215, illustrated on the cover of the catalog (sold for USD 68,200 or approx. EUR 153,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).
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Auction: Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 7th Nov, 2025
We're pleased to present our final Fine Netsuke & Sagemono Auction of the year.
The sale opens with a distinguished group of fine inro, representing a wide range of materials, lacquer techniques, and artistic styles. Among these, a particular highlight—and one of the most significant works to appear in our rooms in recent years—is the complete inrō set by Ogawa Haritsu, illustrating The Twelve Months. First published in 1928 (F. M. Jonas – Netsuke), this exceptional set now appears on the market for the first time (lot 11).
The inrō are followed by an excellent selection of sagemono, including notable examples by the esteemed artist Hasegawa Ikko (lots 68–73). Learn more.
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Viewing
3 - 6 November 2025
10 am - 6 pm
7 November
10 am - 12 pm
as well as by appointment
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