Antique Japanese Ivory Okimono
Monkey
Rowing on Log
Signature: unsigned, Circa: 19th Century
h. 3.5 in.(9cm), w. 2 in.(5cm), d. 1.25 in.(3cm)
Condition: very good!

Perhaps a reference to the Monkey King Sun Wukong, as known from the Chinese classic “Journey to the West”, or simply a symbolic depiction of a child reaching into adult hood, this beautifully carved okimono fantastically renders the spirited life of the Japanese Macaque. Brownish yellow fur, realistically etched, wraps around the entirety of the two figures and the Macaque’s characteristic short tail. The father’s open mouth reveals the carver’s skill in the form of tiny individuated teeth and a curving tongue, hands and feet incised with detail down to the joints. While reaching up from his father’s leg, the little monkey naively attempts to grasp the scepter, inlayed with multi-colored stag horn. The piece is chipped in a few places; the child’s fingers on his right hand and one toe on the king monkey‘s right foot. Signs of restoration to the king monkey’s left foot. Otherwise, in very good condition.

Soild to Private Collection