Far East, Japan, Edo to Meiji period, ca. mid to late 19th century CE. An unusual netsuke, carved from the tip of an African ivory tusk of creamy off-white hues, signed on the back, depicting a spirited rabbit or hare sitting in profile with an inlaid light amber glass eye and long perky ears. The hare is associated with legends about the moon that tell of it keeping the moon disk clean. He is known as the moon hare, and is in effect a Japanese "Man in the Moon." He is said to have lived for a long time and turned white as he grew to an advanced age. The artisan displayed wonderful skill and artistry setting this adorable creature at the base of the tusk in such a way that the uncarved tusk serves as an imaginative setting, perhaps representing a crescent moon. Two perforations on backside for suspension. Size: 1" W x 2.5" H (2.5 cm x 6.4 cm)
The traditional kimono had no pockets. While women could tuck away small personal items in their sleeves, men suspended their treasured possessions (tobacco pouches, pipes, purses or writing implements and the like) called sagemono on a silk cord, hanging from their obi (sash).
In order to stop the cord from slipping through the obi, a small toggle called a netsuke was attached.
Bidders should be aware of the changing laws regarding commercialization of ivory and other product containing endangered species both on the Federal and State levels. This lot will be accompanied by a signed affidavit from the client that this object was in the United States prior to January 18, 1990, and is to the best of their knowledge and ability made prior to February 26, 1976 in accordance with Federal law. Ivory cannot be shipped out of the United States or to New York or California.
Provenance: Ex-Paul and Louise Bernheimer, Cambridge, MA and Laguna Woods, CA; All ivory items in the collection pre-date 1900 and were acquired long before the 1970 ban on ivory trade.
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#111882
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品相报告
Intact and excellent. Tip of tusk shows some unevenness from old wear and abrasions.