Round ivory kôgô box with shibayama technique, inlaid with gold and pewter or silver lacquer. Lake decoration in two cartouches on the side and the top of the kôgô, surrounded by rinceaux.

It could be the representation of views of Ômi, around Lake Biwa (present Shiga prefecture). The temple on the rocky mountain is probably the Ishiyama-dera, built around 762 A.D. in Ôtsu. It is part of the Kansai Kannon pilgrimage circuit...

DUE TO RECENTLY ANNOUNCED CHANGES, AND FURTHER PROPOSED CHANGES THAT HAVE NOT YET BEEN FULLY IMPLEMENTED OR PROMULGATED BY THE US GOVERNMENT, IT IS NOT CLEAR TO US AND MOST ANTIQUE IVORY DEALERS, EXACTLY WHERE (WHAT JURISDICTIONS), TO WHOM, UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES, AND WHAT TYPE OF NEW PERMITS MIGHT BE REQUIRED FOR US TO CONTINUE MARKETING ANY OF OUR ANTIQUE IVORY PIECES FOR SALE...

An ivory netsuke depicting a mouse with horned eyes and head turned backwards, crouching on an overturned candle while the wax flows. Origin: Japan Period: Edo late 18th century Dimensions: 3.4 x 5 x 2 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Ivory okimono with blind travelers defending themselves from the aggression of four scoundrels who try to rob them of their bags and food. The scene involves nine characters, three of whom receive sticks, umbrellas and punches. One of the most curious moments is the character at the top, who loses a geta during the battle...

An okimono depicting a Japanese craftsman building a traditional Japanese helmet, the Kabuto. This Kabuto is a “kawari kabuto”, decorated with imaginative and distinctive elements. The combination of carved ivory, mother of pearl and coral offers a wealth of detail and color to the scene, creating a fascinating contrast between the different textures and materials. Signed under the Kyosai base. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji 19th century Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 7 cm. State of...

Kodansu in ivory in the shape of an elephant, resting on four feet, enriched by refined inlay applications in the sophisticated Shibayama technique. The upper opening, facilitated by a bronze grip, reveals its interior. It bears the signature, engraved on the side. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 6 x 26 x 4.2 cm. State of conservation: Very good

It was carved by a late 19th century or early 20th century artist Ryuzan (柳山). It depicts a smiling mother holding an umbrella and carrying a child on her back. It is 7 1/2" high and 2 3/4" wide (from the bottom) and 2 3/8" thick (from the bottom). It is in great condition.

Okimono expertly carved from a single block of ivory depicting a hunter in the company of an Onagadori rooster. A child stands at the hunter's feet while he strokes the rooster's feathers. This okimono features the Yukiharu 之晴 signature in relief under the base within a rectangular reserve in red lacquer. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 29 x 7.5 x 6 cm. State of conservation: Very good

A bronze and ivory okimono depicting a street entertainer playing the shamisen, a Japanese musical instrument. The player wears a traditional kimono, rests his right foot on his box which he carries along with his umbrella on his traveling journey. It is signed Jōnan 城南 with engraving on the bronze. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji 19th century Dimensions: 21 x 20 x 15 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Okimono depicting Jurojin 寿老人, one of the seven Shichifukujin, a Japanese folklore deity associated with longevity and wisdom. The left hand holds a rolled scroll that reflects the importance of written knowledge and teaching...

Ivory okimono depicting a fisherman returning on his journey, carrying on his back a basket on which his child is resting and holding a large fish. The woven basket, the ropes, the engravings on the clothes and the hands were made with great precision and care. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 24.5 x 10 x 6.5 cm. State of conservation: Very good

It was carved by a late Meiji period (1868~1911) artist Tozan (東山). It depicts a smiling wood cutter taking a break and tying his straw sandal lace. A sparrow is resting on his straw hat. It is 6 1/5" high, 3 7/16" wide (from the bottom) and 3" thick (from the bottom). Aside from two hair line cracks; one on his back head and one on the bottom, it is in great condition.

A Japanese ivory okimono depicting a pair of figs decorated in polychrome. One of the fruits is ripe and shows partial peeling, revealing the inside. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 6 x 5.8 x 4.5 cm. State of conservation: Very good

A Japanese ivory brush holder carved in bas-relief with festive characters dancing and playing next to an elephant dressed for special occasions. On the opposite side a large Japanese "Matsu" pine seems to cover and shade the entire scene. The internal part is entirely patinated bronze with slightly gilded details of the symbols of the chrysanthemum and the pauwlonia flower, two symbolic elements linked to the emperor and the Tokugawa clan. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th cen...

Ivory okimono of a toad carrying an orchestra of five monkeys.
Four monkeys is playing instruments such as the shamisen (long-necked lute with three strings), the shime-daiko (small drum) and the flute. The fifth monkey is larger and is singing while holding a book in his left hand and plugging his ear with the other...

A marine ivory okimono, depicting a Ryu dragon fleeing upwards into the clouds passing under the arm of a character sitting on the tatami. Signature 'Gekko (?) tō' 月古かたな engraved under the base. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 20 x 8 x 6 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Ivory okimono which portrays an affectionate scene of daily life: a father holding his child in his arms while holding the toy desired by the child. The okimono is signed Tomokata under the base. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 17.5 x 6.3 x 5.3 cm. State of conservation: Very good

Ivory okimono depicting Hotei, one of the seven Sages of Good Luck. He is depicted smiling and sitting on his sack, while he holds the stick. Next to him there is a child who hugs the end of the sack. Signed Tomihiro under the base. Origin: Japan Period: Meiji end of 19th century. Dimensions: 5.5 x 17 x 4 cm. State of conservation: Very good