Antique Japanese Ivory Okimono
Magician
Performing with Two Rabbits
Signed: Hiroyuki, 19th Century
H 5.75in.(14.5cm.), W 2.5in.(6cm.), D 1.5in.(4cm.)
Condition: Very Good, pigment loss

This is an elegantly carved ivory statue, a superb specimen of late Edo era okimono. Signed on the base in a oval reserve, the scripted signature is identified as Hiroyuki, a prolific early to mid 19th century carver whose name is more frequently seen on netsuke. This rare ivory carving affords us a glimpse of Hiroyuki's admirable original talent. The humorously conceptualized character who appearers to be a magician. He is wearing a funny high hat, wearing a meticulously incised scrimshaw robe, seated with body turn to his right, cheerfully smiling as he presents a rabbit in the basket, and another is leaning by his feet. The okimono is astonishing in naturalism, combined with his ingenuity with the use of simplified curves in the whale tooth. With the magician formed in round, he avoided over-working on the material, hence effectively creating an attractive visual harmony that can be admired from any angle. Thus the design is like a netsuke, there is no protruding parts to the okimono. The whale tooth ivory is beautifully aged with a patina varying from a rich cream to light-gold. It appears to be solid because of its weight. Besides paint loss, there is no damages and is in excellent condition.

Private Collection