Three wood okimono netsuke

Edo period (1615-1868) or Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th century

Edo period (1615-1868) or Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th century
Comprising: Omori Hikoshichi and Chihaya, the warrior standing and bending over from the weight of the creature carried on his back; his hand poised on the hilt of his sword, turning around, discovering the true demonic nature of the beautiful woman reflected in the river, signed Gyokusen, 5.2cm (2in) high; the second of Ii no Hayata kneeling astride the struggling nue monster as he strikes it with his dagger, an archer standing beside him, unsigned; 3.9cm (1½in) high; the third a warrior holding a slab beneath one arm, signed Gyokusai, 4.2cm (1 9/16in) high. (3).

Provenance:
The second: purchased at Sotheby's, London, 9-10 November 2005, lot 1259.