This
beautifully executed ivory tusk depicts a dragon boat loaded with a party of ten
people, joyfully drinking and playing musical instruments. This okimono depicts
the legend of the Seven Luck Gods of Japan who, accompanied by three small children,
are seen sailing, or perhaps racing in the dragon boat festival, which occurs
on the 5th day of the 5th moon in Chinese calendar year.
The
figures of this okimono are carved with great whimsical charms. Polychromed scrimshaw
works detail into the clothes of the figures as well as the dragon boat itself.
The okimono is signed on a rectangular sea coral reserve on its base. Judging
by the even shine of the rich honey patina, and there is no crack and not even
a single hairline on the tusk. Such mint condition can be attributed to years
of careful handling, as well as the superb quality of the Asian elephant ivory
tusk from which it was carved.
