Ikkan (Nagoya, 1817-1893), A Wood Netsuke of a Rat, Edo period (1615-1868) or Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th c., The rat looking up and slightly to the right, a shōgi (Japanese chess) game piece beneath one forepaw, its tail curling round to form the himotoshi at its right side, the eyes inlaid in dark horn and the front teeth in bone, signed in an oval reserve Ikkan, 1 1/2in (3.8cm) wide, Lot 15, Estimate: US$2,000-3,000, Netsuke and Inrō from American Collections Online Sale 

Netsuke and Inrō from American Collections
July 1 – 9, 2025 at 12:00 EDT
Online

Bonhams is thrilled to unveil their Summer Sale of netsuke and inrō, now live online! Discover a captivating array of miniature masterpieces—many offered without reserve.

From their first appearance in the great cities of seventeenth-century Japan, netsuke were used as practical toggles for suspending everyday items from a man’s sash (since the traditional male kimono had no pockets) but, more importantly, they also signaled their owners’ interests, discernment, and relative wealth. Typically carved from wood, ivory, or metal, netsuke became highly collectible art objects due to their fine craftsmanship and artistic value. Today, they are sought after by enthusiasts worldwide, while some of the finest examples are regularly showcased in leading museums such as the V&A in London, the Baur Foundation in Geneva, Tokyo National Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

This is your perfect opportunity to acquire these charming miniature treasures before the sale closes on July 9!

To view and place bids, click here.