Ivory is a hard, white material obtained from the tusks of elephants, walruses, narwhals, and other animals. It has been prized for centuries for its beauty, durability, and rarity, and has been used extensively in decorative arts in Western and Oriental cultures from the 18th to the 20th centuries.

In Western cultures during the 18th to 20th centuries, ivory continued to be a popular material for creating decorative objects. A few examples of ivory objects from Western cultures during this time period include:

•    toiletry necessaire: A set of toiletry items made of ivory, late 19th century.

•     more...

As the kimono, the traditional form of Japanese dress, had no pockets, the Japanese men suspended small items they needed to take with them, such as tobacco pouches, purses, pipes and writing implements on a silk cord from their sash, and stop the cord slipping, it was fed through a toggle - a netsuke.

Originally the toggle was made from found objects such as roots or shells, which were selected for their aesthetic appeal, but over time the toggle itself developed as an art form. Many fine carvers devoted themselves to netsuke, but the demand was so great, that their manufacture more...

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Signed ivory netsuke, seated priest with beads, scroll & dog…

Ivory Priest Netsuke with Dog Attendant

Signed ivory netsuke, seated priest with beads, scroll & dog attendant

A Japanese carved ivory netsuke, late-19th century depicting a…

Japanese Ivory Rat Netsuke on Coiled Rope

A Japanese carved ivory netsuke, late-19th century depicting a rat on a coiled hank of rope. Inlaid black horn eyes. Signed, length 6.5 cm

A Japanese 'Changing Face' ivory netsuke, late Meiji period,…

Articulated Ivory Kabuki Netsuke with Changing Face

A Japanese 'Changing Face' ivory netsuke, late Meiji period, 1868-1912, the articulated Kabuki character with long hair carrying a sword, with a revolving head depicting both a threatening and a benign visage, lightly engraved and inked. Height 5 cm

Japanese ivory netsuke - man resting on mushroom

Mushroom Rest: Japanese Ivory Netsuke

Japanese ivory netsuke - man resting on mushroom

Japanese ivory netsuke 'Figure of a Gentleman'

Japanese Ivory Gentleman Netsuke

Japanese ivory netsuke 'Figure of a Gentleman'

An old Japanese carved ivory netsuke, as a father and son, both…

Japanese Ivory Father and Son Netsuke

An old Japanese carved ivory netsuke, as a father and son, both seated, with gourd and cup, length 3.8 cm.

Ivory netsuke of a smoker, standing in traditional robe open…

Ivory netsuke of a smoker, standing in traditional robe open exposing his chest, a pipe to one hand, the other with pouch. Recessed staining and signed. Provenance: Purchased 'Japanese and Other Works of Art' June 1975. Sotheby Parke Bernet Inc. New York.

Ivory netsuke of a demon group with old woman, the two demons…

Ivory netsuke of a demon group with old woman, the two demons on top of a box, the women seated to the front, a skull and snakes beside. Stained and signed. Provenance: Purchased 'Japanese and Other Works of Art' June 1975. Sotheby Parke Bernet Inc. New…

Ivory netsuke of a mythical dancing figure, open dropped drawer,…

Ivory netsuke of a mythical dancing figure, open dropped drawer, one arm raised, wearing voluminous robe, stained. Provenance: Purchased 'Japanese and Other Works of Art' June 1975. Sotheby Parke Bernet Inc. New York.

Ivory netsuke of two men battling with a horse, a warrior on…

Ivory netsuke of two men battling with a horse, a warrior on the horses back, another man below. Signed. Provenance: Purchased 'Japanese and Other Works of Art' June 1975. Sotheby Parke Bernet Inc. New York.

Ivory netsuke of foreigner, wearing traditional robes, a box…

Ivory netsuke of foreigner, wearing traditional robes, a box hangs around his neck, a parasol to his back, signed. Provenance: Purchased 'Japanese and Other Works of Art' June 1975. Sotheby Parke Bernet Inc. New York.

An antique Japanese carved ivory netsuke, the seated gent in…

Japanese Ivory Netsuke of Seated Gentleman

An antique Japanese carved ivory netsuke, the seated gent in traditional robes, the himotoshi drilled through the base and out the lower back. Black stained detail. Height 3.5 cm.

Signed carved ivory netsuke of actor with revolving face

Revolving Face Netsuke of Actor

Signed carved ivory netsuke of actor with revolving face

Signed carved ivory netsuke of a reclining stag

Reclining Stag Netsuke

Signed carved ivory netsuke of a reclining stag

Carved ivory netsuke of a monkey holding a fruit

Monkey with Fruit Netsuke

Carved ivory netsuke of a monkey holding a fruit

19th century Japanese carved ivory netsuke in the form of a…

Ivory Buddha Netsuke with Money Bag and Signature

19th century Japanese carved ivory netsuke in the form of a Buddha holding a large money bag, signed

A Japanese ivory netsuke, of a seated man, of compact form.…

Compact Seated Man Ivory Netsuke

A Japanese ivory netsuke, of a seated man, of compact form. Signed, height 3.5 cm.

Antiue Japanese man with gourd ivory netsuke, with rotating…

Japanese Ivory Netsuke with Rotating Face, 1920

Antiue Japanese man with gourd ivory netsuke, with rotating face,C1920. Signed to base. Height 6 cm

A vintage carved ivory netsuke, depicting man tying laces,…

Carved Ivory Netsuke: Man Tying Laces

A vintage carved ivory netsuke, depicting man tying laces, length 47 mm.

Japanese carved ivory netsuke figure signed to base, height 5 cm

Japanese Ivory Netsuke Figure, Signed (5cm)

Japanese carved ivory netsuke figure signed to base, height 5 cm

Japanese carved ivory netsuke figure signed to base, height 5 cm

Signed Japanese Ivory Netsuke Figure - 5cm Height

Japanese carved ivory netsuke figure signed to base, height 5 cm

Early carved ivory seated sage reading netsuke C1940, signed to…

Carved Ivory Seated Sage Netsuke, Signed (1940)

Early carved ivory seated sage reading netsuke C1940, signed to base, height 4 cm.

Antique Japanese carved ivory netsuke, signed to base. Height 6…

Signed Japanese Ivory Netsuke

Antique Japanese carved ivory netsuke, signed to base. Height 6 cm approx.

Vintage Japanese ivory netsuke - working gentleman, height 5 cm

Japanese Ivory Netsuke of Working Gentleman

Vintage Japanese ivory netsuke - working gentleman, height 5 cm

Ivory netsuke of a Actor wearing a Demon Noh mask

Ivory netsuke of a Actor wearing a Demon Noh mask

Japanese ivory netsuke. Man with baby in arms. Signed to base.…

Japanese Ivory Netsuke: Man with Baby

Japanese ivory netsuke. Man with baby in arms. Signed to base. Height 5 cm. W22g

Japanese ivory netsuke. Man on masked cushion, signed.…

Masked Man Netsuke

Japanese ivory netsuke. Man on masked cushion, signed. Provenance: Private Collection, ACT. Height 3 cm

A signed Japanese ivory netsuke, late Meiji period (1868-1912),…

Signed Japanese Ivory Fisherman Netsuke

A signed Japanese ivory netsuke, late Meiji period (1868-1912), the carved ivory netsuke depicting a seated young fisherman wearing a bonnet, proudly holding his fish and basket, signed to the underside. Width 4 cm

A signed Japanese ivory netsuke. Taisho period, 1920s, the…

Signed Japanese Ivory Netsuke: Scholar with Scroll and Brush Pot

A signed Japanese ivory netsuke. Taisho period, 1920s, the signed ivory netsuke depicting a standing scholar, with a scroll and a brush pot in his hands, lightly engraved and inked in black and maroon, signed to underside. Height 5 cm

A vintage ivory netsuke of a geisha, the figure dressed in…

Geisha Netsuke: Vintage Ivory Carving

A vintage ivory netsuke of a geisha, the figure dressed in lightly engraved and inked attire with blackened coiffed hair and carrying a fan, signed underside, height 5 cm

A vintage ivory netsuke of a peasant figure carrying a fan, the…

Inflated Bloomers: Vintage Ivory Peasant Netsuke with Fan

A vintage ivory netsuke of a peasant figure carrying a fan, the bulky figure of a peasant with inflated bloomers and a lightly engraved and inked haori jacket with lotus designs, carrying a folding fan, a finger to his lips, signed to the side of the…

A vintage coloured ivory netsuke of an Elderly artist, an…

Elderly Artist Netsuke with Red Flowers

A vintage coloured ivory netsuke of an Elderly artist, an expressive older man with a paint brush and red ink block, a basket of red flowers at his feet, decorated with green and brown colours upon a 'Tea stained' ground, signed underside, height 5.5 cm

A vintage ivory netsuke of a seated official, the figure…

Vintage Ivory Netsuke of Seated Official

A vintage ivory netsuke of a seated official, the figure wearing an ornamented coat and hat, lightly inked and coloured in green and brown colours, signed to cartouche underside, height 5.5 cm

Carved ivory netsuke, in the form of an immortal with staff,…

Immortal Ivory Netsuke with Staff

Carved ivory netsuke, in the form of an immortal with staff, height 7 cm

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, depicting a seated, emaciated…

Emaciated Man Ivory Netsuke with Signature

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, depicting a seated, emaciated man holding his hand to his ear, signature to base, height 4 cm

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, depicting a warrior with robes…

Japanese Ivory Warrior Netsuke

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, depicting a warrior with robes and swords, with hand held behind back, mark to base, height 5 cm

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, depicting a lady with long hair…

Japanese Ivory Netsuke of Lady with Long Hair

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, depicting a lady with long hair and flowing robes, mark to base, height 4 cm

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, depicting a sumo wrestler, with…

Sumo Wrestler Ivory Netsuke

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, depicting a sumo wrestler, with large belly and decorative skirt, mark to underside, a/f, height 5 cm

Japanese Meiji period carved ivory netsuke, depicting two bears…

Meiji Ivory Netsuke: Playful Bear Duo

Japanese Meiji period carved ivory netsuke, depicting two bears playing, incised signature to base, length 5 cm. Provenance: The Pullinger collection, then Dr. Merna Marie Torrington collection

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, depicting a figure seated with…

Japanese Ivory Netsuke: Seated Cross-Legged Figure

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, depicting a figure seated with legs crossed, mark to base, height 5 cm

Japanese Meiji period carved ivory netsuke, depicting a theatre…

Meiji Ivory Netsuke: Resting Actor on Egg

Japanese Meiji period carved ivory netsuke, depicting a theatre actor resting on egg, incised signature to base, height 3.5 cm. Provenance: The Pullinger collection, then Dr. Merna Marie Torrington collection

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, depicting a figure with sword…

Japanese Ivory Netsuke: Sword-Bearing Figure

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, depicting a figure with sword and bag slung over shoulder, mark to base, height 5.5 cm

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, depicting a scholar holding a…

Scholar Netsuke with Walking Stick and Peach

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, depicting a scholar holding a walking stick and peach, coloured with pigment, signed to base, height 5 cm

Ivory netsuke, carved pierced foliage piece

Pierced Foliage Netsuke

Ivory netsuke, carved pierced foliage piece

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, carved in the form of a statue…

Ivory Buddha Netsuke with Cleaning Figures

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, carved in the form of a statue of a Buddha, surrounded by small figures cleaning the Buddha, height 4.8 cm

Japanese ivory netsuke, carved in the form of seated deity with…

Seated Deity Ivory Netsuke with Fly Whisk

Japanese ivory netsuke, carved in the form of seated deity with fly whisk, signed verso, height 3.8 cm

An ivory netsuke of seated man holding a large lotus Pod, a…

Seated Man with Lotus Pod Netsuke

An ivory netsuke of seated man holding a large lotus Pod, a small & large hole to the underside. Provenance: Adelaide collector, height 3 cm

A signed ivory netsuke of a musician and dragon, probably…

Dragon and Musician Ivory Netsuke

A signed ivory netsuke of a musician and dragon, probably Taisho to Showa period, early to mid 20th century, the seated female musician holding a string instrument and with a dragon at her side; lightly inked and engraved, signed underside. Height 4 cm

Japanese ivory erotic netsuke, Meiji/Taisho period. Height 6 cm

Japanese Erotic Ivory Netsuke

Japanese ivory erotic netsuke, Meiji/Taisho period. Height 6 cm

Stained & signed ivory netsuke man & small child

Ivory Netsuke: Man and Child

Stained & signed ivory netsuke man & small child

Ivory netsuke of a drummer

Drummer Netsuke: Ivory Percussion Miniature

Ivory netsuke of a drummer

A small Japanese ivory netsuke, of an old man and young boy.…

Japanese Ivory Netsuke: Old Man and Young Boy

A small Japanese ivory netsuke, of an old man and young boy. Slight losses. Height 3.7 cm

Three ivory kirin netsuke, 19th/early 20th century comprising a…

Ivory Kirin Netsuke Trio

Three ivory kirin netsuke, 19th/early 20th century comprising a seated kirin with head turned, a baying Kirin with up-stretched neck and a standing kirin the largest 9 cm high

An ivory netsuke, of a dog with ball. Width 4.6 cm.

Ivory Dog Netsuke with Ball

An ivory netsuke, of a dog with ball. Width 4.6 cm.

Signed carved ivory netsuke of a woodsman with axe & pipe

Woodsman Netsuke: Carved Ivory Axe and Pipe

Signed carved ivory netsuke of a woodsman with axe & pipe

A Japanese ivory signed netsuke, late Meiji period, 1868-1912…

Japanese Ivory Netsuke: Man with Newborn

A Japanese ivory signed netsuke, late Meiji period, 1868-1912 well carved and finely inked in red and green tones, depicting a man carrying a newborn, signed underside. Height 5 cm

A Japanese ivory netsuke, signed Eiyuki, featuring a man riding…

Eiyuki's Ivory Netsuke: Man on Boar

A Japanese ivory netsuke, signed Eiyuki, featuring a man riding a boar, length 50 mm.

An ivory netsuke of a Recumbent goat, signed with wooden stand.

Ivory Goat Netsuke with Stand

An ivory netsuke of a Recumbent goat, signed with wooden stand.

An ivory netsuke of a Zoomorphic horse, signed with wooden…

Signed Ivory Netsuke of Zoomorphic Horse with Stand

An ivory netsuke of a Zoomorphic horse, signed with wooden stand.

Ivory netsuke of a mountainous village scene, including…

Ivory netsuke of a mountainous village scene, including buildings, figures and tress. Stained and signed. Provenance: Purchased 'Japanese and Other Works of Art' June 1975. Sotheby Parke Bernet Inc. New York.

A Japanese ivory netsuke, possibly representing a Jesuit,…

Japanese Ivory Netsuke of Jesuit with Dog and Flower

A Japanese ivory netsuke, possibly representing a Jesuit, standing holding a flower, a dog seated beside him. signed, height 5.2 cm.

An ivory netsuke of a fox with inlaid eyes and a tea-kettle…

Inlaid Fox Netsuke with Tea-Kettle Badger, Signed

An ivory netsuke of a fox with inlaid eyes and a tea-kettle badger, signed, 20th century

19th century Japanese carved ivory netsuke

Ivory Netsuke: 19th Century Japanese Carving

19th century Japanese carved ivory netsuke

Japanese ivory netsuke of mice hiding amongst rope

Mice in Rope Netsuke

Japanese ivory netsuke of mice hiding amongst rope

Ivory netsuke of a man, signed

Signed Ivory Netsuke of Standing Man

Ivory netsuke of a man, signed

Carved ivory rat netsuke, signed

Signed Ivory Rat Netsuke

Carved ivory rat netsuke, signed

Antique Japanese ivory temple dog netsuke on a ivory…

Japanese Ivory Temple Dog Netsuke on Scenic Base

Antique Japanese ivory temple dog netsuke on a ivory traditional scenic base netsuke, signed to base of temple dog,Height 5 cm approx

Antique Japanese ivory seated figure netsuke, C:1900. Height 3.…

Antique Japanese Ivory Netsuke, Seated Figure

Antique Japanese ivory seated figure netsuke, C:1900. Height 3.5 cm

Signed ivory netsuke of a demon scratching his back

Demon Scratching Back Netsuke

Signed ivory netsuke of a demon scratching his back

Signed ivory netsuke of mythical beast dragon head & tortoise…

Dragon-Tortoise Netsuke

Signed ivory netsuke of mythical beast dragon head & tortoise shell back

Signed ivory netsuke immortal surrounded by three demons

Immortal Netsuke with Three Demons

Signed ivory netsuke immortal surrounded by three demons

Ivory netsuke, 2 animals

Double Animal Ivory Netsuke

Ivory netsuke, 2 animals

Signed ivory netsuke of a farmer resting on his basket

Signed ivory netsuke of a farmer resting on his basket

Stained ivory netsuke of Hotei with child attendant

Stained ivory netsuke of Hotei with child attendant

A vintage coloured ivory netsuke of a Noh figure, a demonic…

Colorful Ivory Noh Demon Netsuke

A vintage coloured ivory netsuke of a Noh figure, a demonic figure with long red hair and fearsome teeth, wearing a kimono and carrying attributes, engraved and brightly coloured, signed twice underside, height 5.5 cm

Three 20th century smoke stained carved ivory netsuke figures…

Smoke-stained Ivory Netsuke Trio

Three 20th century smoke stained carved ivory netsuke figures with bird, monkey and spade. Height 5 cm

Japanese carved ivory seated man netsuke signed to base, height…

Japanese Ivory Netsuke of Seated Man, Signed

Japanese carved ivory seated man netsuke signed to base, height 5 cm

Antique carved ivory fisherman netsuke height 5.5 cm.

Carved Ivory Fisherman Netsuke

Antique carved ivory fisherman netsuke height 5.5 cm.

Antique Japanese carved ivory netsuke carved ivory figure with…

Japanese Ivory Netsuke with Children

Antique Japanese carved ivory netsuke carved ivory figure with children, signed to base, height 5 cm approx

Japanese carved ivory netsuke figure signed to base, height 5…

Japanese Ivory Netsuke Figure, Signed

Japanese carved ivory netsuke figure signed to base, height 5 cm,

Antique Japanese ivory netsuke -boy crouched down c1920, signed…

Japanese Ivory Netsuke: Crouching Boy, Signed (1920)

Antique Japanese ivory netsuke -boy crouched down c1920, signed to base, 3 cm high

Vintage Japanese ivory netsuke, in form of tree trunk. Signed.…

Japanese Ivory Tree Trunk Netsuke

Vintage Japanese ivory netsuke, in form of tree trunk. Signed. Height 4 cm approx.

Antique Japanese ivory netsuke - Man and Deer, 3.8 cm high.

Japanese Ivory Netsuke: Man and Deer

Antique Japanese ivory netsuke - Man and Deer, 3.8 cm high.

A Japanese ivory netsuke, Meiji period, 1865-1912, carved to…

Bow-legged man with scythe ivory netsuke

A Japanese ivory netsuke, Meiji period, 1865-1912, carved to depict a bow-legged man with chubby cheeks holding a scythe; with a framed signature underside. Height 5 cm

Japanese ivory netsuke. Woman carrying box & water bowl. Signed…

Japanese Ivory Netsuke: Woman with Box and Water Bowl

Japanese ivory netsuke. Woman carrying box & water bowl. Signed to base. Height 5 cm. W22g

A vintage ivory netsuke of a man carrying nunchucks, the older…

Vintage Ivory Netsuke: Man with Nunchucks

A vintage ivory netsuke of a man carrying nunchucks, the older figure in a lightly engraved and inked robe carrying a basket and two square section poles joined by a rope, signed underside, height 5.5 cm

A vintage ivory boar netsuke, the naturalistic model with a…

Vintage Ivory Boar Netsuke with Prominent Mane

A vintage ivory boar netsuke, the naturalistic model with a prominent mane in tea stained and inked, colours, signature to the ham and himatoshi underside, width 4.5 cm

A vintage signed ivory elephant netsuke, a caparisoned elephant…

Signed Ivory Elephant Netsuke with Beaded Head Dress

A vintage signed ivory elephant netsuke, a caparisoned elephant with a strapwork and beaded head dress, signed to foot, with himatoshi underside, height 3.5 cm, width 5 cm

Signed carved ivory netsuke of a duck

Carved Ivory Duck Netsuke

Signed carved ivory netsuke of a duck

A Japanese ivory netsuke, of a boy serving sake to an old man,…

Boy Serving Sake Netsuke

A Japanese ivory netsuke, of a boy serving sake to an old man, two character signature under the base. W.5 cm.

Japanese ivory netsuke 'Figure of a Drummer'

Japanese Ivory Drummer Netsuke

Japanese ivory netsuke 'Figure of a Drummer'

A Japanese carved ivory netsuke, of a man seated with a cup and…

Japanese Ivory Netsuke of Seated Man with Sake Gourd

A Japanese carved ivory netsuke, of a man seated with a cup and sake gourd, his robes detailed in natural colour and light staining, signed to the back

Signed carved ivory netsuke of two turtles on a mat

Turtle Duo Netsuke

Signed carved ivory netsuke of two turtles on a mat

Signed carved ivory netsuke of a court official, stained…

Stained Court Official Ivory Netsuke

Signed carved ivory netsuke of a court official, stained patterned coat

Signed carved ivory netsuke of a reclining temple dog

Ivory Temple Dog Netsuke

Signed carved ivory netsuke of a reclining temple dog

An ivory netsuke study of a woman, standing in traditional…

An ivory netsuke study of a woman, standing in traditional robes holding a staff and shield. Stained and signed, height 5.3 cm. Provenance: Purchased 'Japanese and Other Works of Art' June 1975. Sotheby Parke Bernet Inc. New York.