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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A signed ivory netsuke of a scholar reading, Edo period, 19th…

Edo Period Ivory Netsuke of Scholar Reading

A signed ivory netsuke of a scholar reading, Edo period, 19th century, the finely carved figure of a scholar reading a book lying on his stomach with feet kicked out, his right hand supporting his face with a serene and joyful expression, with fine…

An antique Japanese carved ivory netsuke of a rat seated on two…

Japanese Ivory Rat Netsuke on Rice Cakes

An antique Japanese carved ivory netsuke of a rat seated on two rice cakes, inset eyes, fine dark stained detail, character mark to the base. Height 4 cm.

Signed carved ivory netsuke of a resting crane

Resting Crane Netsuke

Signed carved ivory netsuke of a resting crane

Ivory netsuke, hand coloured and signed

Hand-Coloured Signed Ivory Netsuke

Ivory netsuke, hand coloured and signed

Japanese ivory netsuke, fish

Ivory Fish Netsuke

Japanese ivory netsuke, fish

Japanese ivory netsuke, salamander on vegetation, signed

Signed Japanese Ivory Salamander Netsuke on Vegetation

Japanese ivory netsuke, salamander on vegetation, signed

Signed ivory netsuke carved with many portraits

Multifaceted Ivory Netsuke Portraits

Signed ivory netsuke carved with many portraits

Ivory netsuke, modelled as a man holding a mask across his legs,…

Yellow Flowered Coat Netsuke with Mask-Holding Man

Ivory netsuke, modelled as a man holding a mask across his legs, his coat engraved with yellow flowers, signed, height 3.7 cm

An ivory netsuke of a horse, Meiji period, 19th century, the…

Meiji Ivory Sleeping Horse Netsuke

An ivory netsuke of a horse, Meiji period, 19th century, the recumbent sleeping horse, lightly engraved and inked; unsigned. Height 3.5 cm

An old ivory netsuke, of Daikoku leaning over his massive…

Daikoku Netsuke from Flower Family Collection

An old ivory netsuke, of Daikoku leaning over his massive timber mallet. Signed. Length 4.3 cm. Provenance: The Flower Family Collection.

Signed carved ivory netsuke of a geisha, stained patterned…

Stained Kimono Geisha Netsuke

Signed carved ivory netsuke of a geisha, stained patterned kimono

A Japanese signed ivory netsuke, height 5 cm

Japanese Ivory Netsuke Signed by Artist - 5cm Height

A Japanese signed ivory netsuke, height 5 cm

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, finely carved ivory erotic…

Signed Erotic Ivory Netsuke with Two Figures

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, finely carved ivory erotic netsuke, signed two figures

Netsuke, carved ivory, Masked woman

Masked Woman Netsuke: Carved Ivory Art

Netsuke, carved ivory, Masked woman

Antique Japanese erotic ivory netsuke, C1920. this item, height…

Japanese Erotic Ivory Netsuke, 1920

Antique Japanese erotic ivory netsuke, C1920. this item, height 4 cm

Antique Japanese rat figure ivory netsuke, C1920. Signed to…

Japanese Ivory Rat Netsuke, Signed C1920

Antique Japanese rat figure ivory netsuke, C1920. Signed to base. Height 3 cm

Antique Japanese rat with young ivory netsuke, C1920. Signed to…

Japanese Ivory Rat Netsuke with Young

Antique Japanese rat with young ivory netsuke, C1920. Signed to base. Length 4.5 cm Height 1.5 cm

Antique Japanese ivory rabbit netsuke, C:1920, carved rabbit…

Japanese Ivory Rabbit Netsuke with Tortoise Base

Antique Japanese ivory rabbit netsuke, C:1920, carved rabbit with red stone eyes, accompanied by tortoise to base. Signed to base. Height 3 cm

An ivory netsuke of a seated karashishi with young and onyx…

Seated Karashishi Netsuke with Onyx Eyes - Signed

An ivory netsuke of a seated karashishi with young and onyx eyes, signed, 20th century

Antique Japanese carved ivory netsuke, of a man, signed to base,…

Japanese Ivory Netsuke of Carved Man, Signed, 5cm High

Antique Japanese carved ivory netsuke, of a man, signed to base, 5 cm high approx

Antique Japanese carved ivory netsuke of a frog & a rabbit

Frog and Rabbit Ivory Netsuke

Antique Japanese carved ivory netsuke of a frog & a rabbit

A compact carved old ivory netsuke, of a sh?j? drinking sake…

Sh?j? Drinking Sake Netsuke from Flower Collection

A compact carved old ivory netsuke, of a sh?j? drinking sake from a large bowl. Two character signature. Provenance: The Flower Family Collection. Height 3.3 cm

A signed antique Japanese ivory snake netsuke, Meiji period,…

Signed Japanese Ivory Snake Netsuke, Meiji Period

A signed antique Japanese ivory snake netsuke, Meiji period, 1868-1912, a curled snake with its long forked tongue issuing from a its toothy mouth, with engraved and inked scales, signed underside, height 3.5 cm

Early Japanese ivory netsuke. Man carrying sack. Height 3 cm

Japanese Ivory Netsuke: Man with Sack

Early Japanese ivory netsuke. Man carrying sack. Height 3 cm

Japanese rotating face ivory netsuke. Interchangeable male and…

Rotating Ivory Netsuke with Interchangeable Faces

Japanese rotating face ivory netsuke. Interchangeable male and female faces - figure with staff. Signed. Height 6 cm

Meiji ivory carved netsuke of Fukurokuju modelled with a child…

Ivory Netsuke: Fukurokuju and Child

Meiji ivory carved netsuke of Fukurokuju modelled with a child on his back. Signed to the base. Height 4.8 cm, weight 36g

Vintage carved ivory netsuke - Men & Turtle Japanese, painted…

Japanese Carved Ivory Netsuke with Painted Turtle Decoration

Vintage carved ivory netsuke - Men & Turtle Japanese, painted decoration, signed to base. 3.5 cm high, 3.5 cm wide

Japanese carved ivory monkey figural netsuke circa 1920, width…

1920 Japanese Ivory Monkey Netsuke Figurine

Japanese carved ivory monkey figural netsuke circa 1920, width 4 cm

Japanese carved ivory erotic figural netsuke

Japanese Erotic Ivory Netsuke

Japanese carved ivory erotic figural netsuke

Antique Japanese carved ivory netsuke seated scholar, holding a…

Japanese Ivory Netsuke: Seated Scholar with Scroll

Antique Japanese carved ivory netsuke seated scholar, holding a scroll, signed, measures 4 cm high, 4 cm wide

Japanese Meiji period ivory mask netsuke, Buaku mask, the angry…

Fierce Meiji Ivory Netsuke Demon Mask

Japanese Meiji period ivory mask netsuke, Buaku mask, the angry demon, with ferocious expression. Unsigned. Height 4.5 cm

Japanese ivory netsuke. Carved as two masks. Signed. Height 2.5…

Two Mask Ivory Netsuke

Japanese ivory netsuke. Carved as two masks. Signed. Height 2.5 cm

Japanese ivory netsuke. Meiji period figure group depicting an…

Meiji Ivory Netsuke: Actor with Child and Dog Mask

Japanese ivory netsuke. Meiji period figure group depicting an actor holding a dog mask & playing with a child seated upon his back. Signed in an oval reserve. Important note for buyers: international trade in ivory, or items containing ivory components,…

A signed ivory netsuke of a man with a rat, probably Taisho…

Signed Ivory Netsuke: Man with Rat and Peaches

A signed ivory netsuke of a man with a rat, probably Taisho period, 1920s, depicting the figure of a man with a rat upon his shoulder and a basket of peaches at his feet; lightly engraved and inked in colours with signature to underside of cloak. Height 5…

A Japanese carved ivory netsuke, the two fishermen linked by a…

Japanese Ivory Netsuke: Fishermen on a Catch

A Japanese carved ivory netsuke, the two fishermen linked by a rope, both standing upon a large fish, carved tablet signature to the base. W.4.6 cm.

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, of young boy & fish

Boy and Fish Netsuke

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, of young boy & fish

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, of young boy holding a large carp

Boy and Carp Netsuke

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, of young boy holding a large carp

A small old ivory netsuke of a man, seated with a bundle of…

Seated Man Netsuke with Produce Bundle

A small old ivory netsuke of a man, seated with a bundle of produce. Width 3.6 cm. Provenance: The Flower Family Collection.

A small old ivory netsuke of a shishimai dancer, the young boy…

Shishimai Dancer Ivory Netsuke

A small old ivory netsuke of a shishimai dancer, the young boy lifts the lion mask head over his left shoulder. Height 3.2 cm. Provenance: The Flower Family Collection.

Four Japanese netsuke, carved ivory and bone, 20th century, the…

Japanese Netsuke Carvings, Ivory and Bone, 20th Century

Four Japanese netsuke, carved ivory and bone, 20th century, the largest 5 cm high

A vintage ivory netsuke of a figure in a canoe, a contemplative…

Contemplative Figure in Leaf Canoe Netsuke

A vintage ivory netsuke of a figure in a canoe, a contemplative seated figure holding a scroll in a leaf form canoe, in lightly engraved and inked colours, signature underside, himatoshi to reverse, height 3.5 cm, width 3.5 cm

Japanese ivory netsuke, in the form of two seated men playing a…

"Seated Men Playing Game" Ivory Netsuke

Japanese ivory netsuke, in the form of two seated men playing a game, signed to base, length 5.5 cm

A vintage signed ivory netsuke of two Quail, early to mid 20th…

Signed Ivory Netsuke: Quail Pair on Nest

A vintage signed ivory netsuke of two Quail, early to mid 20th century, a pair of quail huddling on a nest, lightly engraved and inked, himatoshi and characters underside, width 4.5 cm

Japanese ivory netsuke of Tanuki, carrying a large Raccoon bear…

Tanuki Netsuke with Raccoon Bear on Back

Japanese ivory netsuke of Tanuki, carrying a large Raccoon bear on his back, Showa period, 20th century, holding a fan in the other hand, height 5 cm. Provenance: The Estate of the late June Fairall

Japanese Meiji period ivory netsuke, carved in the form of a…

Meiji Ivory Netsuke: European Dressed Man with Horn and Monkey

Japanese Meiji period ivory netsuke, carved in the form of a man holding a horn and monkey in European traditional dress, signed, height 4.1 cm

A Japanese ivory netsuke, of a women wearing a head scarf while…

Japanese Ivory Netsuke: Woman Cooking Satay with Child

A Japanese ivory netsuke, of a women wearing a head scarf while fanning a charcoal stove, a child leans over her shoulder eating a satay skewers, unsigned. Height 3.5 cm

Antique Japanese carved ivory netsuke, decorated with a mouse…

Japanese Ivory Netsuke with Mouse and Scorpion Decoration

Antique Japanese carved ivory netsuke, decorated with a mouse and scorpion, signed to base, 6.5 cm wide approx

An ivory netsuke, depicting a man carrying a large sack in the…

Peach Sack Man Netsuke

An ivory netsuke, depicting a man carrying a large sack in the shape of a peach on his back, holding tightly to the twisted rope. Provenance: Adelaide collector. Height 4.5 cm

An antique signed figural fishmonger ivory netsuke, Meiji…

Signed Ivory Fishmonger Netsuke, Meiji Period

An antique signed figural fishmonger ivory netsuke, Meiji period, 1868-1912, the finely carved and inked figure of a seated man with a wrinkled brow about to chop a fish upon a block; signed underside. Height 2.5 cm

Japanese ivory netsuke in the form of a chicken, signed

Signed Japanese Ivory Chicken Netsuke

Japanese ivory netsuke in the form of a chicken, signed

Ivory netsuke, rats on a sack, signed

Signed Ivory Netsuke: Rats on Sack

Ivory netsuke, rats on a sack, signed

18th century Japanese ivory netsuke of a reclining horse, hind…

Reclining Horse Netsuke

18th century Japanese ivory netsuke of a reclining horse, hind legs missing

Japanese ivory netsuke, man and child on bail, signed

Signed Japanese Ivory Netsuke: Man and Child on Bail

Japanese ivory netsuke, man and child on bail, signed

A small Japanese ivory netsuke, finely carved as a man beating…

Drumming Trio Netsuke

A small Japanese ivory netsuke, finely carved as a man beating a massive drum supported by two other men. Signed. Width 5 cm

An ivory netsuke, of a squirrel. Signed. Height 4.6 cm.

Signed Ivory Squirrel Netsuke

An ivory netsuke, of a squirrel. Signed. Height 4.6 cm.

A humeros ivory netsuke, of Okame seated in a box whilst an oni…

Okame and Oni Netsuke

A humeros ivory netsuke, of Okame seated in a box whilst an oni creeps beside her. Signed. Height 3.9 cm. Provenance: The Flower Family Collection.

Netsuke: group of 3 hand coloured Japanese ivory figural…

Hand-Coloured Japanese Ivory Netsuke Figurines (Set of 3)

Netsuke: group of 3 hand coloured Japanese ivory figural netsukes. 4-5 cm each.

A Japanese ivory netsuke. First half 20th century. Finely…

Jovial Man with Child and Temple Dog Netsuke

A Japanese ivory netsuke. First half 20th century. Finely carved, engraved and inked, depicting a jovial man with a bundle or implement over his shoulder and a small child hugging a temple dog at his feet; inscribed signature in red underside. Height 5 cm

A Japanese ivory netsuke. First half 20th century. Finely…

Japanese Ivory Netsuke: Peasant and Child

A Japanese ivory netsuke. First half 20th century. Finely carved, engraved and inked, depicting a male peasant with an implement holding a small child in his arms, his foot upon a woven basket; inscribed signature in red underside. Height 6.5 cm

Taisho ivory carved netsuke figure of a sleeping boy with…

Sleeping Boy Netsuke with Stand

Taisho ivory carved netsuke figure of a sleeping boy with painted & etched detail, signed, with a scrolled timber stand, length 4.5 cm, weight 27g

An old Japanese carved ivory netsuke of a hare, seated with his…

Japanese Ivory Hare Netsuke with Signature

An old Japanese carved ivory netsuke of a hare, seated with his head turned towards his back, ears held high, two character mark signature to the base. Height 4 cm

Signed carved ivory netsuke of boy riding a fish

Boy on Fish Netsuke

Signed carved ivory netsuke of boy riding a fish

Signed carved ivory netsuke of an immortal riding a crane

Immortal Crane Rider Netsuke

Signed carved ivory netsuke of an immortal riding a crane

Japanese ivory netsuke of Daruma, late 19th century, carved…

Japanese ivory netsuke of Daruma, late 19th century, carved ivory face with protruding eyes and robe, incised and etched are three chrysanthemum flowers on the front and two on the back, with wooden stand, height 2 cm, width 3 cm. Provenance: Private…

Japanese ivory netsuke, 19th century depicting elderly gent and…

19th Century Ivory Netsuke: Elderly Gent and Child Figurine

Japanese ivory netsuke, 19th century depicting elderly gent and child with gourd on turtle, signed to base

Ivory rat netsuke, finely carved as two mice eating corn,…

Mice Feasting Netsuke

Ivory rat netsuke, finely carved as two mice eating corn, signed with black glass eyes

Antique Japanese ivory figural group netsuke, depicting a…

Japanese Ivory Netsuke: Masked Man and Laughing Companion

Antique Japanese ivory figural group netsuke, depicting a masked man and lying laughing man with a cat in between, red sealed signature to base, width 4 cm

Antique Japanese twin carp ivory netsuke, C1920, signed to base…

Japanese Ivory Twin Carp Netsuke, Signed (1920)

Antique Japanese twin carp ivory netsuke, C1920, signed to base Height 4 cm

Antique Japanese man with pipe ivory netsuke, C1920. Signed to…

Signed Ivory Japanese Netsuke with Pipe, 1920

Antique Japanese man with pipe ivory netsuke, C1920. Signed to base. Height 5 cm

Japanese 19th century carved ivory netsuke a creature tied up…

Carved Ivory Netsuke: Bagged Creature from 19th Century Japan

Japanese 19th century carved ivory netsuke a creature tied up in a bag, purchased Nagoya, Japan c.1960

A signed ivory netsuke of a sleeping boy and Rodent, probably…

Sleeping Boy with Rodent Netsuke

A signed ivory netsuke of a sleeping boy and Rodent, probably Showa period, mid 20th century, depicting a sleeping boy his head resting on his arms upon a woven mat, a rodent on his shoulder, lightly engraved and inked; signed underside, length 4.5 cm

Antique ivory netsuke circa 1910, in the form of 2 turtles, 4.9…

1910 Ivory Turtle Netsuke Pair - 4.9cm Wide

Antique ivory netsuke circa 1910, in the form of 2 turtles, 4.9 cm wide

An ivory netsuke of a Noh theatre actor with revolving face and…

Revolving-Faced Noh Actor Netsuke with Plaque

An ivory netsuke of a Noh theatre actor with revolving face and holding a plaque

A signed Japanese ivory netsuke of a monkey, Meiji period…

Meiji Ivory Monkey Netsuke

A signed Japanese ivory netsuke of a monkey, Meiji period (1868-1912), carved as a monkey suspended from the belly by a rope and with a hand to its mouth; signed to the rear and upon a timber display stand. Height 4.5 cm (without stand)

A signed Japanese ivory netsuke of a sleeping man, Meiji period…

Sleeping Ivory Netsuke, Meiji Period

A signed Japanese ivory netsuke of a sleeping man, Meiji period (1868-1912), a corpulent male figure with an expressive face and pendulous ears reclining and asleep, one leg upon a cushion, lightly inked and signed underside; upon a timber display stand.…

Antique Japanese carved ivory netsuke pig figure. Height 3 cm

Japanese Ivory Pig Netsuke

Antique Japanese carved ivory netsuke pig figure. Height 3 cm

A small old ivory netsuke, of a man astounded as a boy cleaves…

Astounded Man Netsuke with Child Inside

A small old ivory netsuke, of a man astounded as a boy cleaves a massive fruit to reveal a child inside. Signed. Height 3.3 cm. Provenance: The Flower Family Collection.

Antique Japanese ivory netsuke water carrier signed to base,…

Japanese Ivory Netsuke Water Carrier, Signed

Antique Japanese ivory netsuke water carrier signed to base, measures 5 cm high

Japanese ivory netsuke. Basket with removeable abalone shell…

Abalone-topped Japanese ivory netsuke basket

Japanese ivory netsuke. Basket with removeable abalone shell top. Length 5 cm

A Japanese ivory netsuke, of a young boy sitting astride a…

Boy on Taiku Drum

A Japanese ivory netsuke, of a young boy sitting astride a taiku drum. Signed, height 3.8 cm

Signed ivory erotic netsuke

Ivory Erotic Netsuke

Signed ivory erotic netsuke

A Japanese netsuke carved ivory in the form of a monkey, signed…

Himiko's Ivory Monkey Netsuke

A Japanese netsuke carved ivory in the form of a monkey, signed 'Himiko, 5.5 cm across

Japanese ivory netsuke, depicting a man holding a fish, signed,…

"Man with Fish" Ivory Netsuke

Japanese ivory netsuke, depicting a man holding a fish, signed, height 2.5 cm

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, depicting an oni standing on a…

Oni Netsuke with Gourd and Cup

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, depicting an oni standing on a large sack, holding a gourd and cup, signature to base, height 5 cm

Large Japanese carved ivory netsuke, depicting an oni with…

Japanese Ivory Oni Netsuke with Umbrella

Large Japanese carved ivory netsuke, depicting an oni with umbrella on his back, standing on one leg, signature to back, height 6.5 cm

A nicely carved Japanese ivory netsuke, of a rat chewing its…

Japanese Ivory Rat Netsuke with Inlaid Eyes

A nicely carved Japanese ivory netsuke, of a rat chewing its own tail, lightly tea stained, signed with square seal on the right haunch. Inlaid eyes. Height 3.6 cm

A vintage ivory netsuke of two figures and a lion, early 20th…

Intricate Ivory Netsuke: Figures, Lion, Archer, Whisk, Stabbing

A vintage ivory netsuke of two figures and a lion, early 20th century, intricately carved and depicting a standing figure with an archer's bow and fly whisk and a crouching figure stabbing the grimacing lion, with himatoshi, and signature underside,…

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, depicting a bearded figure in…

Carved Ivory Netsuke of Bearded Figure with Trident

Japanese carved ivory netsuke, depicting a bearded figure in uniform, holing a trident in one hand, mark to base, traces or pigment, height 6.5 cm

An antique signed ivory netsuke of a mouse, Meiji period, 19th…

Meiji Ivory Netsuke Mouse with Signature

An antique signed ivory netsuke of a mouse, Meiji period, 19th century, two character maker's mark to cartouche, a delightfully carved figure of a curled mouse grasping its tail, finely, incised with remnant red brown ink, himatoshi to the reverse and…

Two antique signed ivory netsuke, Meiji period, 1868-1912, a…

Meiji Ivory Netsuke: Rabbit and Rats in Basket

Two antique signed ivory netsuke, Meiji period, 1868-1912, a rabbit, and two rats crawling on and out of a wicker basket, signed underside, height 3.5 cm, and smaller

Japanese Meiji period ivory netsuke, in the form of a rat…

Meiji Ivory Rat Netsuke on Corn Cob

Japanese Meiji period ivory netsuke, in the form of a rat perched on a corn cob, incised two character mark to base, length 4.5 cm

Oriental ivory netsuke - senin, signed

Signed Oriental Ivory Netsuke of a Senin

Oriental ivory netsuke - senin, signed

Japanese ivory netsuke, rats, signed

Signed Japanese Ivory Rat Netsuke

Japanese ivory netsuke, rats, signed