An ivory four-panel folding screen
By Otani Mitsutoshi, Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th/early 20th centuryFinely carved in low relief with a continuous scene of a falconry excursion in winter on the shores of a lake, one falcon tethered on an elaborate perch beneath pine branches on the far left, the falconer wearing fur breeches, poised and holding a falcon on another panel, other courtiers and attendants on the far right, a flock of ducks on a river bank or swimming in water on the revers, above four smaller panels of open work foliage among karakusa ('Chinese grasses'), with engraved silvered-metal mounts; signed Mitsutoshi to (Carved by Mitsutoshi) with a red seal Otani. 28.5cm x 52.5cm (11?in x 20 5/8in).