Antique Japanese Ivory Okimono
Wood Cutter
With Eagle and Monkey
Signed: unsigned, circa: Showa, early 1900s'
H 7 in.(17.5cm), W 3.5 in.(9cm), D 1.5 in.(3.8cm)
measurement not including wood base
Condition: cracklines, o.a. good

An antique ivory okimono, cream to gold with distinct markings and striations, engraved details contrasting with open areas of smooth polished ivory, depicting a falconer with an eagle and monkey, the eagle gripped tightly by one of its legs, showing a fierce gaze, but folding her wings as she comes to rest. The man is most likely the cadger of a hunting party, as falconry was quite popular in Japan, and someone must be appointed to provide a perch for the bird. This woodsman may have been called to deal with his master’s animals, and bears an expression of uncertainty as the eagle bates and the monkey importunes.

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