Japanese Carved Walrus Ivory Okimono of a Human Skull
A Japanese Carved Walrus Ivory Okimono of a Human Skull ‘Memento Mori’ a large Python entwined around it with a Frog in its Jaws a Toad and Frog carved into the back of the Skull beneath the curling Snake
Smooth silky old patina
Meiji Period – late 19th century
Size: 5.5cm high, 5.5cm deep, 3.5cm wide – 2¼ ins high, 2¼ ins deep, 1¼ ins wide
Smooth silky old patina
Meiji Period – late 19th century
Size: 5.5cm high, 5.5cm deep, 3.5cm wide – 2¼ ins high, 2¼ ins deep, 1¼ ins wide
Okimono means ‘carving to stand in an alcove’ and these miniature sculptures were made in Japan in the 19th century almost exclusively in ivory. They were often carved on commission for western patrons who required a larger rendering of a favourite netsuke. Their fine detail and highly skilled naturalistic carving suggests that they were undoubtedly intended as original works of art to be contemplated and enjoyed at leisure.
Japanese Carved Walrus Ivory Okimono of a Human Skull
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