2 Carved 19th Century Ivory Chinese Figurines Man Woman

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2 Carved 19th Century Ivory Chinese Figurines Man Woman

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Sold Date: 02/17/2008
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Ethnic, Folk & Native American Art

I have emailed eBay regarding the sale of these figurines. From what I understand I am able to sell these if they were acquired legally, they are owned legally, they are made from pre-ban ivory, and I must not offer to ship them outside of the United States. That being said, according to everything I know and have read, I am able to sell these statues. Their age makes them pre-ban. Do not bid on them if you are not within the US and please do not email me asking to ship them out of the US.

This auction is for 2 hand-carved ivory figurines or small statues. I am not knowledgeable in ivory or Asian antiquities, so I emailed photos to an online expert. Any information in this listing is based on my observations and the information given to me by the online expert. Should anything in this listing appear to be incorrect please let me know. It is not my intention to misrepresent anything.

Now that all of the necessary disclaimers are out of the way, is the information on these incredible pieces of art. The age is estimated to be late 19th century as these types of figures were very popular at that time and many people brought them back to the US from their "Grand Tour". T are of course many reproductions made of man made materials, but I did the hot pin prick test and do believe that these are true ivory. The online expert thought them to be elephant ivory but could not say for sure without a hands-on appraisal. I also saw a website that described elephant ivory as having crosshatch patterns when viewed in magnification. I was able to find that on the bases of these figures. If somehow these figures are proven to not be ivory I will of course take them back and refund your money.

The carving detail on these pieces is fantastic. They each appear to be carved from individual tusks given the sway of each figure.

The man figure stands 10" tall at the tip of his hat. He weighs 1 lb 6 oz. I do believe that at one time he had a similar bird on his head as the female figure. I have included a close up photo w it shows that it has broken off. You can still see the feet on the top of his head, but the rest of the bird along with a chip off of the man's head are long gone.

The man has a pointy beard with a long mustache. You can see the detail of each hair. His mouth is carved out and you can see individual teeth. In his hand he his holding a basket with flowers. The basket juts out from his body to give it a 3-dimensional look, his clothing behind the basket show detailed carving of buttons or beads. At the bottom of his robe is a mask or a face of a man with a wide open mouth. On the back of the man creeping over his right shoulder is a serpent or Chinese dragon with detailed scales. T are a few fissures running throughout, but none seem dangerously close to causing the item to split in pieces.

The female figure is 11" tall including the bird perched on the top of her head. She weighs 1 lb 3 oz. The online expert thought that the bird was a goose in a nest which in Chinese symbolism can be a symbol of matrimony and are often seen as symbols on engagement gifts. She is holding a goblet and a bottle or pouch of wine or some other beverage. The top of the bottle is carved into the head of a bird. The detail on her hair and robes is very nice. W the man had an open mouth sort of mischievous grin, she appears to have more of a gentle natured small smile -- almost serene in appearance. The bird on her head is interesting to say the least. It is eating or coughing up what appears to be a beaded necklace. T are two dark spots on the bird that could be dirt, but I am unsure.

The female figure has the largest crack or fissure of the two. You can see it in the photos of the base. I have many more photos, please send me your email address if you are interested in viewing them. Some of the photos I have are of the pieces outside so that you can see them in different light.

Please email me with any questions regarding these figures. They truly are ...