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Group of three carvings in ivory, Japan, Meiji period, 1868-1912

Height x width x depth: 2.2/2.5 x 2.3 x 2.8/2.9 cm. Total weight: 36 g
Antique group of three carved elephant ivory small skulls (Elephas maximus Linnaeus, 1758 or Loxodonta africana Blumenbach, 1797) made in Japan with great artistry during the Meiji period (1868-1912).
The skulls, small in size, are probably designed as ornamental study elements. The three skulls show smooth surfaces, patinated by time, with pores and cavities rendered with good realism.
The naturalistic rendering is accompanied by a strong symbolic value: in Japan, the skull is often associated with the transience of life, meditation on time and the natural cycle of birth and death, according to a sensibility close to Buddhist thought.
The work combines symbolic, aesthetic and anthropological value, offering a refined testimony to the ivory sculptural art of late 19th-century Japan.
The precision, smoothness and craftsmanship in making these works was also due to the material used, ivory, considered a precious material and indicative of luxury.
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. (expertise Ce.S.Ar. 2025-079)
26/01/2026 23:19:15
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€ 800,00 / 1.000,00
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500,00 €
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Live auction 369

SILVER ANTIQUES, IVORIES, WUNDERKAMMER - Including selected Works of Art from the Count Luigi Rigi Luperti Collection

Palazzo Caetani Lovatelli, thu 19 February 2026
SINGLE SESSION 19/02/2026 Hours 15:00
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