A pair of Japanese ivory okimono, Meiji period, 1868-1912

Antique pair of elephant ivory okimono (Elephas maximus Linnaeus, 1758 or Loxodonta africana Blumenbach, 1797) made in Japan with great artistry during the Meiji period (1868-1912).
One of the two okimonos is placed on a raised circular base and probably depicts a samurai caught in a dynamic action. It is carved with great attention to detail, such as the folds of the kimono and the expression of the face, and also features well-detailed carvings that emphasise decorative motifs and anatomical details.
The other okimono shows a squatting man with a cheerful expression, intent on working with a basket, probably related to an everyday activity such as harvesting or cooking. Here too, the details are worked with great care: the facial expression, the hands and the woven basket.

Measures and Weights
Height x width x depth first okimono:  6 x 3 x 3 cm
Base height first okimono: 3.8 g
Weight first okimono: 33 g
Height x width x depth second okimono: 2.8 x 3 x 2.5 cm
Weight second okimono: 14 g

This lot, accompanied by a CITES certificate and expertise issued by Ce.S.Ar Centro studi archeometici, is only available for sale with shipments within the European Union.