| Antique
Japanese Carved Okimono
Cock
Fighter
Rooster
On Shoulder
Signature: unsigned, Circa: 19th Century
H
5 in.(12.5cm), W 2.5 in.(6cm), D 1.75 in.(4.5cm)
Condition: age cracks, minor loss A
Meiji era okimono carved from the center of the tusk, strongly marked with striations
and cross hatching, cream to gold in color with age patina, well carved with animated
expressiveness, unpigmented engraving except for sumi in the eyebrows and the
eyes of the man and the rooster, and light stain in the hair and embellishments
of the robe; mounted on an ivory slab base. The man is seen in mid-stride holding
his gamecock on a tether, while he himself crows loudly to inspire his reluctant
bird. Cockfighting has a long history in Japan, and was enjoyed for centuries
without prohibition.
Private Collection
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