Back

Lot 143

A FINELY CARVED JAPANESE IVORY SNUFF BOTTLE FOR EXPORT
LATE 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY

the ovoid-form, finely carved in deep undercut relief and visible traces of tinted polychrome, the neck with neatly striated petal lappets, and a scrolling ruyi-shaped-cloud pattern. A key-fret band to the foot rim, with matching incised domed stopper, signature to base, 6.5cm high
The snuff bottle carved to one side with the depiction of an elderly Buddhist figure, (possibly Sarutahiko Okami) the Shinto deity guardian of the crossroads between heaven and earth. Here he is illustrated with an outstretched hand for calm, and holding prayer beads in his other, to protect a young boy below from the fierce eagle Tengu who is seen with large beak, emerging from the clouds above, to swoop down from overhead; to the reverse, the Shinto Priest from the Sacred Text of Tengu seen here in the traditional manner, meditating under overhanging pine trees with his eyes closed, nestled amongst rockwork and beside a waterfall, a symbol of misogi (water purification, strength and guidance).

Reference: Please see Christie's, New York, 19 March 2008, Lot 234 for a very fine


Estimate $1,000 - $2,000

Sold for $1,300
Asian Art, Classic Furniture & Objects

AUCTION
Sale: LJ8080
12:00pm - 25 October 2015
333 Malvern Rd, South Yarra 3141

VIEWING
21 October 9am-8pm
22-23 October 10am-4pm
24 October 10am-5pm

CONTACT
Chiara Curcio
chiara.curcio@leonardjoel.com.au


SIMILAR ITEMS

Lot 124

A RHINOCEROUS HORN

Estimate: $40,000-60,000

Lot 400

MATHEWS, GREGORY MACALISTER. (1876-1949) THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA

Estimate: $40,000-60,000

Lot 188

A LARGE CHINESE POTTERY FIGURE OF A GROOMING COURT LADY TANG DYNASTY (618-906)

Estimate: $35,000-45,000

Lot 125

A RHINOCEROUS HORN

Estimate: $25,000-35,000

To top