DESCRIPTION: A signed Japanese ojime, crafted from natural marine ivory and featuring depictions of two of the seven Japanese lucky gods, Diakoku and Ebisu. The ojime was traditionally used in Japan as a slide in conjunction with an inro to hold the cord tightly above the inro, keeping it closed. Now threaded on a long cord, it dates from the late Edo to early Meiji periods.

The carvings show Diakokuten with his ... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: In Japanese lore the only female among the “Seven Lucky Gods” is Benten, the Sea Goddess, also known as the goddess of literature and music. In this remarkably detailed ivory carving (which could be classified as a netsuke or okimono), she is crafted playing her flute while riding on a Shi Shi (Buddhist lion) amid the waves. To the left of the shi shi are two little oni demons reading a scroll. The detail in this fine netsuke is incredible, from Benten’s flowing scarf, bird headd... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: An attractive carved stag horn handle, most likely for a lady’s fine umbrella, with a continuous scene of a small boy next to a woman in elaborate robes with a fan, both standing under a tall pine tree with reticulated branches. The carving is attached with a brass ring to a bamboo handle which has an embedded brass screw receptor for attaching to the umbrella. DIMENSIONS: Stag horn carving is 7 1/2” long (19 cm). Entire length is 15 ¼” (38.6 cm).

DESCRIPTION: Shown here is a gorgeous Japanese ivory page turner of substantial size and unusual quality. Shibayama is the Japanese art of inlaying shell, semi-precious stone or other materials into ivory and lacquer bases. In this piece, the artist used a rare variety of shibayama materials and carving techniques to demonstrate his skills. The handle of one side boasts a frog motif, with one green inlaid stone frog carrying an abalone lily pad, two recessed carved frogs, and a silver metal in... Click for details

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: 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