Antique Japanese Ivory Okimono
Dancing Geisha
Performing Dance
Signed: Ichiyo. Circa: Meiji, 19th-20th Century
H 3.5 in.(9cm), W 2 in.(5cm), D 1.25 in.(3cm)
Condition: very good

This graceful Meiji era ivory okimono shows a delicate young geisha in motion as she dances a traditional fan dance. One foot is raised the other firm in the back. Her classical kimono is beautifully rendered with an intricate and very precise floral design. Her obi is layered and textured with a vine design that mirrors a delicate spine. Tied to the kimono is a silk scarf bumped and textured in the traditional shibori style, an elaborate dying process were the entire piece of cloth is systematically tied, dyed and scrunched to create beautiful textured patterns. The geisha's laquered coiffure is seamlessly rendered and delicately embellished with exquisite flowers in her hair. Her whitened face is distinctive giving this statue a particular individualism that evokes more than archetype. Her fan is symmetrical and poised. The ivory is signed in a square reserve and is in very good condition. (SD)

Sold to Private Collection