Antique Japanese Elephant Ivory Okimono
Father and Son
Catching King Fisher
Signature: Kyoji, Circa: Meiji
H 5.75 in.(14.6cm), W 2.75 in.(7cm), D 2.3 in.(5.8cm)
Condition: excellent!

This Meiji era ivory okimono is a wonderful example of the depiction of the mise-en-scenes from common life that became very popular during g the Meiji era in the late 19th and early 20th century.

Here a young boy tries to catch a goose that has excitedly flown up into his father’s arms. The father is dressed in traditional farmer’s clothes indicated by the breastplate and loincloth made of straw. The father’s vital countenance expresses gentle joy and amusement. The boy wears a loose kimono rendered with attention to the natural folds and falls of the cloth. Simple ornamentation is found on the kimonos of both father and son. The filial pair express a well-fed contentment: a simple life rendered in rich moments.

The gooses feather's are magnificent and there is a most elegant arch to the beak and neck as though this fine fowl's next escape is towards the heavens.

The artist's signature is at the bottom of the figurine. There is also a decorative motif on the ivory vein mark indicative of the detailed artistry of the statue. The statue is in excellent condition except for the goose’s left chipped wing. (SD)

Sold to Private Collection