Far East, Japan, Meiji Period / Meiji Era to early 20th century CE. This pair of netsuke, made of African ivory, is probably from the earlier part of the listed range; the animals lack the perfect realism that began in the later 18th century. One is a horse standing atop a whale-life figure; the other is a pair of monkeys, probably mother and child, in a playful pose. Both animals are featured in the zodiac, and likely were owned by people whose birth years corresponded to these animals. Size of largest: 1.3" W x 1.3" H (3.3 cm x 3.3 cm).
The netsuke is an example of the art of everyday objects. They are small sculptures designed to be worn so that objects could be suspended from the traditional sash (obi) that wraps around the kimono. They were used to carry purses, smoking accoutrement, and inro, "seal baskets", which held seals and medicines. The netsuke, made with two holes through it, was used as a toggle to stop the cord on which those items were suspended.
African Ivory. 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 New Jersey, and will not be shipped to California after June 30, 2016.
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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#111902
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品相报告
Both are intact, with slight wear but shapes and decoration clear.