

Antique Japanese Ivory Okimono
Japanese Antique Okimono Pair of Two Ivory Hare/Rabbits
Age:Late 19th/Century
Descriptive qualities& condition:
Dimension: 1-0”h x 1-0”w x 2-0” l
The hare in Japan is seen as a symbol of good fortune. They are often considered “kami”, (spirits in disguise). To walk well in the world was to consider and honor this elemental truth of nature. The wise man or woman understands that all is not always as it might appear. This compelling Ivory Okimono depicts two recumbent hares with each head looking upwards with incised faces, inset eyes, with laid back ears appearing supple and quivering with charm. Each has fully detailed paws. One holding a lychee nut and the other a plump daikon, a radish. Look closely and we see an in-depth study of its character and a high level of artistic acumen in the symmetrical and finely rendered parallel lines of this creature's body. The subtlety and refinement of these Okimono clearly approached a sculpted statuesque ideal.
Both are undoubtedly carved in the late 19th century. Not unlike many carvers of this time, there is little information available on the carver, particularly that they are not signed. The ivory is beautifully aged with a patina varying in a rich cream color.
Antique Condition: Excellent condition with all parts remaining with detail finely picked out and has worn gently over the years. One has its bead and cord for attachment. The other piece does not have his cord.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: A special Thanks to preservation efforts, animals and endangered materials, (e.g. ivory, rare woods and semi-precious stones) are conservatively used today, if not banned altogether. However, we recognize that these materials have been important since ancient times for making a wide range of functional and decorative items. We only feature antique ivory and rare tree species because, while we support conservation, we truly feel that the experience and appreciation of historic artifacts should also be preserved.
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