Lot 57C
Far East, Japan, Meiji Period / Meiji Era to early 20th century CE. A intricately carved African ivory netsuke depicting a complex composition comprised of an otter nestled beneath a root or plant growing at the water's edge, holding a fish in a sack or leaf. This example is particularly remarkable for the complicated pose presented. Note how the otter's legs are positioned; he appears to be treading water as he holds onto the tree root with this left arm. Beyond this is the amazing detail, including inlaid shell eyes, the fine hairs of his coat, the veins of the root or plant . . . there are even tiny bubbles delineated just above his left leg! I could go on and on about this one! Size: 1" L x .75" W x 2" H (2.5 cm x 1.9 cm x 5.1 cm).
Netsukes were both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The traditional kimono had no pockets. While women could tuck away small personal items in their sleeves, men suspended their treasured possessions (tobacco pouches, pipes, purses or writing implements and the like) called sagemono on a silk cord, hanging from their obi (sash). In order to stop the cord from slipping through the obi, a small toggle called a netsuke was attached.
African Ivory. Bidders should be aware of the changing laws regarding commercialization of ivory and other product containing endangered species both on the Federal and State levels. This lot will be accompanied by a signed affidavit from the client that this object was in the United States prior to January 18, 1990, and is to the best of their knowledge and ability made prior to February 26, 1976 in accordance with Federal law. Ivory cannot be shipped out of the United States or to New York or New Jersey, and will not be shipped to California after June 30, 2016.
Provenance: Ex-Paul and Louise Bernheimer, Cambridge, MA and Laguna Woods, CA; All ivory items in the collection pre-date 1900 and were acquired long before the 1970 ban on ivory trade.
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
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#111887
- Condition: Stable, old hairline fissure across root with nice patina.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
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| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |