Japan. Edo period. Late 18th / early 19th century.
Ivory, delicately carved, meticulously engraved and darkly accentuated. Father in rich, girded robes, laughing happily at his two little sons, one standing in front of him holding a drum in his left hand and the stick in his right, his brother grabbing the latter while sitting on his father's shoulder. H.4.5cm. Signed: Hidemasa on oval reserve, presumably the artist mentioned under 2 in MCI p. 138. Condition A. Please note that objects made of ivory, rhinoceros horn and turtle shell, due to Cites regulations can only be sold within the European Community. At present the export in third countries is prohibited.