Antique
Japanese Ivory Okimono
Mother
and Child
Carrying Flower Basket
Signed:
unsigned, circa: early 20th century
H 6.5 in.(17cm), W 2 in.(5cm), D 1.75
in.(4.5cm)
Condition: age cracks, o.a. very good! The
love between a mother and child bringing home the bounty of a trip to the market,
gorgeously rendered in this ivory okimono. The mother gently supports the child
by reaching her arm around while the child clings to her sturdy shoulders. A flowering
basket of fruit is suspended from the mother’s right hand; persimmons, grapes,
and bread rendered in precise detail. Hanging from the child’s hand, a bunch of
grapes to share with his siblings. A chrysanthemum motif, a sign of the Japanese
throne, is etched into the rich contours of her kimono, furthering this embodiment
of Japanese motherhood. The creamy patina has aged attractively, though the piece
does have its minor imperfections; including a hairline around her neck suggest
that it may have been an old restoration. Neverheless the okimono remains in excellent
presentations.
Sold
to Private Collection
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