Japan. Edo period. Ca. 1860-70. Ivory with beautiful golden-yellow patina. Finely engraved and subtly colored details. Round, bipartite. In recessed relief the so-called "Oba ga sake" (The wine of the aunt) Ky?gen dance. The dancing nephew with fan and Kanobo (war club), who pretended to be an Oni to get the newly made sake from his aunt. Here quite unusually with a devil sitting behind him. On the back sake bowl and bucket. ? 5.3cm. Signed: Ono Ryomin & Kakihan, T?ky?-School. Condition A/B.
Provenance: -Collection Karl M. Schwarz, ill. Netsuke Subjects Addendum, 2001, no. A 152.
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.