Standing
at 9" tall and weight at exactly 19 oz. This is a good size elephant ivory carving
of a father and son harvesting grapes. The lively composition in this okimono
clearly reveals its Western sculptural influence, which emerged during the Meiji
era (1868-1911). It was at this time Japanese ivory carvings began to attain an
International status, particularly during the Japanese-British Exhibition in 1910,
and in an International Exposition at Italy in 1912.
This
joyous okimono is a symbol of prosperity in the Meiji era. Though the subject
of the carving shows a Japanese tradition characteristic of Edo (1603-1867), stylistically
it has an adaptation of European influences. The statue is carved from a quality
Asian elephant tusk, finely polished with a even shine. It has a beautiful cream
white color, appears to be under 100 years of age and is in excellent condition.
