DESCRIPTION: A very fantastic and humorous ivory okimono of a terrified fisherman balancing on three tree stumps, Meiji Period, c. 1880 - 1910. This poor fisherman has obviously gotten the surprise of his life by catching something he really doesn’t want! Beneath him is a strange creature in a grass skirt: part turtle, part frog, part demon perhaps? In his fright the fisherman has dropped his pole and does a precarious balancing act on top of the stumps in an attempt to escape the bizarre cr... Click for details
DESCRIPTION: In this appealing little ivory okimono we see that three oni have captured Shoki’s hat and are clambering over it with glee. Demonstrating fine detail, we see the demons’ mischievous natures in their faces, the fine work in their clothing and the elaborate designs on Shoki’s pointed cap. Signed in a red cartouche on the underside of the hat, this okimono is in excellent condition with a nice patina and mellow wear; Meiji Period, 19th C. DIMENSIONS: 2 ¼” wide (5.7 cm) x 1 7/8” hi... Click for details
A large 19th century image of Amiddha standing in a welcoming gesture on a tall base, the serene countenance gazing through lidded eyes nonplussed at the world of man. The entire image is gilded in gold excepting the back which is lacquered black and the lotus petals which are green pigment. With base the image is roughly 2 feet (60 cm) in total height, the image itself just under 1 foot (29 cm) in height. Parts of the images intricate Hoya and base are missing. Not surprising in a country s... Click for details
This is a fascinating Japanese elephant ivory carving (okimono) from the famed Tokyo school of ivory carving. It is of a seated priest holding up a bowl with what appears to be smoky incense pouring out of the bowl. The priest has a long staff across his body that is highlighted by four rings. The detail on the priest’s robes, face, feet and body are extremely well executed. The priest sits on a rocky ledge as he looks upward toward the bowl being held high by his left hand. The figure measures ... Click for details
Here is something unusual, an ox horn erotic toy with accompanying finger dildo, also of horn, dating from the 19th century enclosed in a kiri-wood box. The large piece is very thin walled, making it translucent. The smaller piece is heavier and seems to be made for a bit more abuse. There are two holes in the base of the larger piece for tying it on. The larger item is 6 inches (15 cm) long and the smaller 2-1/2 inches (6 cm) long. Both are hollow. The small piece is in excellent condition... Click for details
A suzuri ink grinding stone, the basin sculpted from an ancient Kawara roof tile decorated with the remnants of painted flowers. It is roughly 10 x 8 inches (25 x 20 cm). The roof tile is likely from the Nara to Heian period, or possibly of earlier Chinese origin as items from the continent were traditionally highly revered.
DESCRIPTION: A beautiful round ivory box, the lid design skillfully carved in deep relief of a coiled dragon with double inlaid eyes among sea waves. The fitted sides have been left smooth and the bottom has a raised circular foot. Meiji Period (1868 – 1912), and in virtually perfect condition with no breaks, chips or repairs. DIMENSIONS: 2 ½” diameter (6.4 cm) x 1 ¾” high (4.5 cm).
Wonderful Japanese small okimono of two frogs (smaller frog on top of a larger frog), carved in great detail out of boxwood, amazing detail and a great sense of wimsy, by the famous artist: Masanao, signed. Meiji Period.
Size: 1 3/8"
Whimsical Japanese ivory okimono of a cat opening a clam shell, wonderfully carved with intricate detail, signed, Meiji Period (1868-1912).
Size: 2 1/2" high
DESCRIPTION: A Japanese ivory okimono with incredibly fine carving depicting Gamma Sennin carrying a magic toad on his back, while carefully shading him with a large curled leaf. The detail on this carving is remarkable as evidenced by the thinly carved and delicately curled leaf that is undercut and almost fully separated from the rest of the piece. Also of note is the detail in Gamma Sennin’s long hair, his delicate hands and the finely carved signature on the base. Gamma Sennin (Liu Hai in ... Click for details
