Sculpture with ivory inlay, China, late 19th-early 20th century

Height x width x depth: 38 x 18 x 15,5 cm

Antique carved wooden sculpture, embellished with inlays of elephant ivory (most likely attributable to Elephas maximus Linnaeus, 1758 – Asian elephant), and mother-of-pearl, made in China between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The piece is a superb example of Shibayama, a decorative technique involving the inlaying of various precious materials onto a wooden base, typical of the high-quality craftsmanship produced for international markets and royal courts. The main body is carved from a single block of dark wood, featuring an elaborate motif of perforated rock and gnarled pine trunks, creating a naturalistic setting of great visual depth. Within a large central niche, resembling a sacred grotto, stand two male figures (likely sages or dignitaries) carved with ivory elements, such as faces and hands. The robes are adorned with intricate floral motifs, whilst the expressiveness of the faces and the gestures of the hands bear witness to extraordinary technical skill. The wooden surface is entirely embellished with dense carvings of plant motifs featuring ivory and mother-of-pearl inlays. At the top, a spread-winged phoenix (Fenghuang) in ivory dominates the scene, a symbol of peace and prosperity, whilst other symbolic elements such as small buildings and birds are scattered along the entire height of the piece, inviting the viewer to a 360 degree view. Created during a period of intense cultural exchange between East and West, this sculpture is not merely a decorative piece, but a masterpiece of micro-carving. It represents the pinnacle of Chinese artisans’ ability to blend diverse materials to create a symbolic microcosm, where nature, humanity and myth coexist in harmonious balance, making it a piece of exceptional collectible value.

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. 2026-099)