A group of two Japanese netsuke from the Meiji period (1868-1912). The first is a carved wood netsuke depicting a shishi (mythical lion dog) in a dynamic, crouching pose with an open mouth and expressive features. The stylized mane and tail are composed of deep, swirling curls, and the wood has a dark reddish-brown patina. An incised rectangular cartouche containing two kanji characters is located on the underside near a hind leg, although the signature is not clearly legible. The second is a carved organic material netsuke, depicting a small reclining puppy. The form shows the animal curled with its head slightly raised and features a cream-coloured patina. The underside is fitted with a pair of himotoshi (cord holes) for attachment. This item is unsigned.