As part of our Japanese art collection we are delighted to offer this large and high quality ivory okimono by the highly renowned Tokyo school carver Suzuki Nobuyuki , this okimono depicts the most charming image of a beautiful bijin standing in a tranquil garden setting , she stands on a thickly cut finely carved base section that is decorated with a cockerel to her side and a snail at her feet, she holds a sprig of prunus carefully wrapped in paper in her left hand whilst holding a parasol in her right ,the geometry and detailing to the parasol defies belief ,the bijin wears a scarf around her shoulders and over her head giving her an enchanting almost islamic look, her kimono is decorated with the most exquisite detailing imaginable and she stands upon traditional stilted shoes ,signed to the underside SUZUKI NOBUYUKI, she is stunning !!
For a further example of the artists work see a much smaller inlaid Ebisu , lot 282 at Bonhams sale 18823 – 12/05/2011.
The condition for such a large scale piece is very good but comes with minor age related faults, the substantial base has numerous age lines and cracks , we note it is carved with that rustic bark look to the exterior as good Tokyo okimono often were, the superbly carved parasol has at some point been pulled from her grasp, this has resulted in evidence of an old repair to both her fingers and parasol edge , the parasol chip is almost invisible , the finger repair obviously more evident.
In summary this is a high quality okimono by a top Tokyo artist ,in our opinion she would easily command a large five figure price without the minor and forgivable faults.
Approximate sizes
Height 14″ 35.5 cm (maximum)
Width 6″ 15.5 cm
Depth 5.5″ 14 cm
Weight 2200 gms
Free worldwide delivery included in the price of this item, buyers outside the EU are fully responsible for the costs of any licences that may be required, see our other services.