A Rare Ivory Okimono - Japanese Fisherman> Exceptional!

Home > Worthopedia – Price Guide > Ethnic, Folk & Native American Art >

Terms and Conditions for using our site

A Rare Ivory Okimono - Japanese Fisherman> Exceptional!

Sold For:

or Sign In to see what it's worth.

Sold Date: 02/02/2007
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Ethnic, Folk & Native American Art

A Rare Ivory Okimono - Japanese Fisherman > Exceptional

This is an extremely rare and exceptioanally fine lifelike early 20th Century ( Meiji Period) Japanese Ivory Okimono, carved from one piece of elephant tusk. The condition is excellent and it is an artist-signed piece. The dimensions are 8.34" x 2.61" x 2.9"

It is in excellent condition with no damage. It is a superb representation of the finest in Japanese carved Ivory. Depicting a "Happy Fisherman" obviously pleased with his "Catch," this Okimono exhibits exceptional execution with exquisite detail. Words cannot describe the value or quality of this carving. The workmanship and incredible detail of the Fisherman, his garment, net, waist-rope and basket, jumping fishes and water-waves are extraordinary.

The Ivory has an exceptional patina and artist's signature. A significant addition to your Ivory or "Object des Arts" collection.

Origin: Japan
Circa: 1970-1900 Meiji Period
Size in Millimeters:
Base 66.39mm x 73.63mm
Height 211.80mm
Size in Inches:
Base: 2.61 inches x 2.9 inches
Height; 8.34 inches
Condition Excellent
Exhibition: Fisherman with Basket and Net
Material: Elephant Ivory Tusk
The Meiji period (Japanese: Meiji Jidai) (1868-1912) denotes the 45-year reign of the Meiji Emperor. During this time, Japan started its modernization and rose to world power status.

After the Meiji Restoration (1868), many traditional Japanese artisans lost their patrons and were forced to reshape their artistic activities in order to adjust to Western concepts of art that began to affect late nineteenth century Japanese aesthetics. Among the most popular new artisans in the Meiji era were the Ivory Carvers. Large Ivory carving quickly developed in the 1880s and lasted for about a decade. Welcomed by affulent Japanese collectors as well as foreigners, Meiji Ivory sculpture became the most popular Japanese craft in Japan and at World Expositions and in Western markets.

The Fisherman with Net, depicted , is the ultimate example of Meiji period hyper-realism, as witnessed by the marvelous expression of satisfaction on the face and the clear musculature of the body. The Meiji artists used their highly skilled techniques to simulate the texture of real objects as represented by the net, basket, garment, water and fishes. This extraordinary Japanese Artistry is carved from a single large block of ivory.