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.
