As part of our Japanese art collection we are delighted to offer this breath taking quality carved ivory Okimono signed by the Imperial artist Ishikawa Komei (1852-1913) the captivating subject depicts an Ape sat head down and studying the movement of a large Crab , the Ape cleverly pinning the Crab down by using the palm of his hand on the shell, the crabs Claws flaying in an attempt to pinch the Ape , the carver has captured this subject with fascinating life like detail, the Apes facial features pretty much tell the story for us, the Okimono is simply stunning and would enhance any world wide Japanese art collection, signed to the underside Komei with Kakihan .
Notes: A key figure in the early history of modern Japanese sculpture, Ishikawa Komei was born into a family of temple craftsman and from the age of ten studied painting for a time under Kano Kazunobu (1816–1863) before training as an ivory carver in the workshop of Kikugawa Masamitsu, a netsuke maker. Starting in 1876 he exhibited his work widely at home and abroad and participated in the interior decoration of imperial palaces. In 1890 he was named Teishitsu Gigeiin (Artist-Craftsman to the Imperial Household) and in 1891 he was appointed Professor in the Sculpture Department of the Tokyo School of Art.
Provenance: Formerly part of a European collection .
Condition: As with many Okimono of this type he has suffered stable age related hairline cracks .
Approximate Sizes:
Height: 3.25″ 8.5 cm
Width: 5.75″ 14.5 cm
Depth: 4″ 10.5 cm
Free worldwide delivery and a certificate of authenticity are included within the price of this item, buyers outside the EU are responsible for the costs of any licences that may be required.