The King's Ransom Antiques

 In 1814, a three volume of book of Shunga erotic art was published by the Japanese Artist Hokusai. Shunga art was influenced by illustrations in Chinese medicinal books in the 13th to 16th century. The advent of woodblock printing increased its popularity. The above is Hokusai's most famous shunga design. You would have seen this in the Third Season of Mad Men ! Her expression when she sees it is "Oh my god!" She recovers though, and walks in the office, carrying the painting like a boss. Prepare to say "Oh my god!" again. In 1983, this Netsuke sold for $250,000. Ama and the Squid. At the time it was a record price. Will that record be topped? The original   netsuke, inspired from the 1814 shunga . A bit bawdy. But very finely detailed. David  (561) 212-2809

Some other views so you can see the detail: From the world renown Tomkinson Collection This is number 168, (with original tags from Glendinings and Co. LTD sale in 1922) in the 1898   Tomkinson book “A Japanese Collection” collection, herein described as:  “Okimono. A helmet, surmounted by a dragon and wreathed with flowers, on a stand, forming a small box. 5 1/2” high. Signed Meiski.” It's the only piece in the book that is numbered "168" as the same page number "168" indicating the significance that Mr. Tomkinson ascribed to this wonderful, gorgeous, work of art. The Tomkinson collection, is a two volume 1898 book “A Japanese Collection.”   Two hundred copies were made. The book is highly sought after, and very expensive. Michael Tomkinson was a foremost expert and collector of Japanese antiquities. He had help from the experts of the Emperor of Japan.  Here is where this piece previously formally resided