Japan. Edo period. Seated monkey, curled into a tight ball, its hands and feet covering eyes, mouth, and ears, thus all at once representing the Sanbiki Saru' Three Wise Monkeys'- see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. Ivory, very finely carved, smooth without hairwork, engraved, and polished, with a fine, creamy, natural patina and a beautiful golden to amber-colored, circular area on the back. Signed: Kaigyoku & seal: Masatsugu in a fine rectangular double frame, illustrated by MCI p. 295. H.3cm. Condition A/B. Round cracks.
Provenance: -Isobel Sharpe Collection. -Duveen Collection. -Hindson Collection, no. 120, sold in part VII, no. 1130. -Reiss Collection.
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.