Okimono carved from a single block of ivory, with the exception of the fishing rod, which captures a realistic and fast-paced moment in the lives of two fishermen as they work together. The two figures convey a dynamism and give movement to the entire sculpture. The feeling is that the fish has just taken the bait and the man is, with difficulty, trying to recover the animal...

CUTE JIZO

Lovely little old wood carving Jizo Bosatsu arranged with a contemporary pottery zushi (miniature shrine)...

FOX MASK MOLD

Wooden mold used for making a paper-mache fox mask coming from a closed craftsman studio in Fukushima, Japan. Showa period, 20th century. approx. 18 x 11.5 x 8 cm (7.08 x 4.52 x 3.14in). In worm-eaten condition as is, and wood dust comes out...

Tokyo School ivory okimono depicting an elephant carved with meticulous attention to detail. The first thing that strikes you is the extraordinary realism with which the artist has rendered the folds of the elephant's wrinkled skin. Furthermore, the curiosity and calm that the elephant's eyes exude create a deep emotional connection between the observer and the work itself...

Tokyo school ivory okimono depicting a young boy, with the kimono carved to appear to flow naturally over his body and with an expression of wonder, curiosity and tranquility as he watches the cricket on his leg. The boy's hands and feet, as well as his face, are precisely modeled, showing the artist's mastery of carving ivory to capture the human form and essence. In Japanese culture, crickets are considered symbols of authenticity and beauty...

ASSORTMENT OF WOODEN STAMPS

Original boxed assortment of various 131 pieces of old hand-carved wooden stamps once used for the honorary certificates of a certain Japanese school. Showa period, early-mid 20th century...

NAGAREBUTSU

Meltingly well-weathered Buddhist wood carving statue so-called 'Nagarebutsu' (lit...

Japanese ivory okimono from the Tokyo school carved from a single block, depicting a family scene, capturing the essence of emotional relationships and daily life. In the center we find a father and his two children walking who have just picked large bunches of grapes before placing them inside the basket that the little one on his father's shoulders holds with his left hand. The father is portrayed with an air of wisdom and serenity, highlighting his leading role in the family...

A Japanese ivory Okimono depicting the story of Choryo and Kosekiko, carved from a single block of ivory. The elderly man depicted is Kosekiko of his wise appearance with brown horn inlaid eyes. The young man, on his knees, is Choryo wearing scholarly robes and showing courteous obedience. Following the unification of China into one nation, Choryo lost his native kingdom and aristocratic position and became a wanted fugitive. One day, Choryo saw Kosekiko and the elder tested Choryo's p...

A Japanese okimono in marine ivory depicting a traveler sitting on a trunk. The subject, probably a traveler or a pilgrim, seems to be resting after a long journey...

Ivory okimono depicting a craftsman concentrating while creating some perforated boxes and baskets. The craftsman is depicted seated, wearing the classic kimono knotted at the back and carries the tabako ire with a netsuke manju tied to the obi. Next to the man there is a chest of drawers that contains the tools of the trade. Seal signed Eishō 永章 under the base within a rectangular reserve. Period: Meiji late 19th century Dimensions: 10 x 13 x 7cm...

Ivory okimono depicting a child immersed in the preparation of the traditional Japanese art of ikebana, the discipline of creating harmonious floral compositions. The child is depicted sitting on the ground with a concentrated and serene expression as he observes the bouquet of peonies in his hands to create a floral arrangement. The boy is wearing a traditional Japanese yukata, decorated with geometric patterns and simple details...

Ivory okimono depicting a scene from Japanese daily life in which a man is sitting in front of a small square table holding a bowl of sake and a fan. On the Ozen table in front of the man are a pair of chopsticks and some food, with a brazier next to it used to keep food warm. This okimono is signed by the artist Shizukata 静方, engraved on a red lacquer plug under the base. Period: Meiji late 19th century Dimensions: 5 x 4.9 x 5.2cm...

Excellent ivory vase finely carved in low relief with festive characters dancing and playing music next to an elephant dressed for special occasions. On the opposite side a large masterfully executed Japanese “Matsu” pine seems to cover and shade the entire scene. The elephant in the center is a fascinating and unusual detail, as the elephant is not a native animal of Japan, but is often associated with travel and trade with other cultures. The base is in wood while the internal par...

Large ivory netsuke–okimono depicting an amusing scene during the Shishimai festival with four children jumping on their father's back. The presence of games, masks and fans in the scene reflects the lively spirit of traditional Japanese festivals and celebrations. The himotoshi of this ivory netsuke depicting a father with children is natural as the holes are naturally created under the base. Period: Meiji late 19th century Dimensions: 4 x 4.2 x 3.6cm...

Ivory okimono depicting a scene of family life with a father and four children at play. The scene depicts a dad, portrayed with loving eyes and a sweet smile as he gently holds a small child in his arms and watches the three older children play blind man's buff. The scene of this ivory okimono is enlivened by their joy and enthusiasm as they move with joy and caution, trying to avoid being heard and touched by the "blind man" which in this case is the child on the right. The okimono res...

KUGUTSU

Mask part of primitive wooden puppet as the original form transitioning to Ningyo Joruri (Japanese puppet drama) called Kugutsu. Edo period (1603-1868). approx. 14.3 x 19.5 x 6 cm (5.62 x 7.67 x 2.36in)...

Sagemono complete with wooden tonkotsu with applications depicting different insects in the Shibayama technique, black stone ojime and horn netsuke. Tonkotsu, made of wood, is used in Japanese culture to contain tobacco dust, flavorings or medicines. A group of insects are depicted in great detail on the surface of the tonkotsu, including butterflies, a cricket, bees, a ladybird and a dragonfly...