DESCRIPTION: A large, beautifully carved Japanese ivory okimono of a fisherman and his two young sons, one held in his right arm and the other at his feet curiously examining the crabs and fish in the suspended basket. This tender scene is sensitively and realistically carved with charming expression on the figure’s faces and fine detail in the hands, feet and clothing of the figures. Meji Period (1868 – 1912) and in excellent condition with a hefty weight, few hairlines and wonderful patina.... Click for details
DESCRIPTION: An incredibly detailed and finely carved Japanese ivory okimono depicting a robed monk pulling up a lotus leaf with a rat attached, his whisk ready in his hand to swat the beast. The bracelet ring on the monk’s right arm is actually loose, carved from the same piece of ivory as the arm - no easy carving feat! His right foot rests on a stack of manuscripts and a temple muyu (or slit drum); at his feet a puppy has raised his head to watch the scene. This okimono rest on a natural wo... Click for details
Very Fine Japanese Ivory Brush Pot by Yoshimune depicting the Angry Gods, represented by the Dragon and Hawk, punishing Mischievous Monkeys, a Japanese moral fable beautifully rendered in very high relief, masterfully executed and of the highest quality for the most discerning collector. 6.25 inches (16cm) high x 4 inches (10cm) wide.
DESCRIPTION: A sensitive and well carved Japanese ivory okimono of a fisherman standing with one foot on rockwork holding his net. Over his shirt he wears a grass vest and skirt that falls naturalistically to his knees. The net is looped over his right hand and he seems pleased to see that he has caught two fish. Signed by the artist on the base, it dates from the Meiji Period, 19th C., and is in perfect condition with a nice mellow patina. DIMENSIONS: 7 ¼” high (18.4 cm).
DESCRIPTION: A fine, beautifully carved Japanese ivory okimono of a seated arrow maker, body turned to one side while he examines his arrow for straightness with one eye closed. The life-like detail of this superior piece is incredible as seen in his carefully tied headdress, body posture and robe detailing. Signed on the bottom by the artist, this okimono is in perfect condition with even the delicate arrow still intact. Meiji period, 1868 – 1912. DIMENSIONS: 2 ¼” high (5.7 cm).
DESCRIPTION: A beautifully carved Japanese ivory brush pot depicting a continuous scene of a female immortal being approached by an entourage in a landscape setting. She is flanked by two attendants, one of whom holds a large umbrella over her head. A man holding a banner announces the arrival of the entourage, followed by a man with a rope pulling a samurai seated in a wheeled cart. The cart is also being pushed from behind while three samurai bring up the rear of the processional, whose purp... Click for details
DESCRIPTION: A rare 18th C. Japanese Ivory carving depicting Gama Sennin riding on the back of the magical three-legged toad, Chan Chu. The smiling Gamma Sennin caries a coin in his left hand and a gourd (an ancient Taoist symbol of longevity and good health) strapped to his back. The comical toad has bumpy skin, inlaid crossed eyes, and wears an amusing expressing. Inside his mouth is a free-moving ivory ball, not a simple carving feat! Very good condition for an 18th C. ivory piece; excell... Click for details
DESCRIPTION: A beautifully carved and humorous ivory okimono of four bumpy-skinned toads and one monkey, all practicing their Jojutsu moves while standing on a large lotus leaf. Jojutsu, or the "way of the stick" (also known as Jodo), is the Japanese method of stick fighting. Here, each creature is holding a “Jo” (wooden fighting stick) and practicing their techniques. One unfortunate toad has been whacked simultaneously from the front and the back and gasps with open mouth, while the dejecte... Click for details
DESCRIPTION: A well carved Japanese Ivory brush pot featuring a continuous and charming scene of villagers collecting mulberry leaves. Depicted is a whole village of men, women and children dressed in patterned kimonos, all engaged in collecting the broad mulberry leaves in bamboo baskets. An essential step in the process of silk production, these mulberry leaves would then be fed to silkworms until they formed their silk cocoons. This beautiful ivory carving dates from the Meiji Period, 19t... Click for details
A GOOD JAPANESE IVORY SNUFF BOTTLE FOR THE CHINESE MARKET, 19TH CENTURY.
These larger than usual bottles are based on the Imperial bottles made for the Chinese emperor Qianlong who reigned during the second half of the 18th century. This bottle was made in Japan and is superbly carved, as you would expect, with deep undercutting.
