This is a large okimono of superior quality tusk material, made from one mass; cream-gold in color. Stippling of the surface serves for the hair--what there is of it, and the beard. The uncolored pristine ivory is well carved with plenty of undercutting, which displays the artist’s skill in realizing the three dimensionality of the design. The high hand polished surface reflects light softly, with depth and translucence. The effect is of cream with close striations. Inscription on the bottom reads “Great Qing Dynasty” though the piece is pre-1950.

In theory it ought to be possible to identify Lohan by their attributes and postures; in reality this is not so easy. Artists have taken many liberties over time and it is often difficult or impossible to identify such a figure with certainty. Although there are only eighteen Lohan, their appearances vary and their attributes are often altered and/or unrepresented. This Lohan, who has been identified as picking his ear(!), can be found groups of the eighteen Lohan. He is seen here as a mendicant wearing simple garments and accompanied by two dogs, one of whom is partially hidden in the folds of his robe, the other jumping down from his lap. The _expression on the finely carved face is rather abstracted and comical, reflecting the necessity of sometimes concentrating on the most mundane of matters.