Figural Polychrome Japanese Carved Ivory Ear of Corn with Interior Village Scene

Collectibles : Decorative Arts : Asian

 

This charming ivory carving depicts an ear of corn complete with yellow kernels and slightly green husk. The piece of ivory has been carved from a single piece and hollowed out to reveal a village scene of working men, a bridge, trees, etc. A truly memorable trinket from the old Japan.

The base is carved flattened so it can stand on its own. It is also artist signed (see last photo). The signature is incised into the carving and not colored in so as not to detract from the overall look.

The piece is in excellent condition overall but it is worth mentioning a couple of possible defects. I say "possible" because it is unclear as to whether these are anomolies of the piece of ivory or flaws that occurred without deliberateness. One is the bottom right edge of the husk is not pointed like the top one. Frankly, I think that is so that the piece can stand level because if it was curved downward as the upper one is curved upward, it would not sit upright and flat. Secondly, in the same area, the tip of the kernels of corn are dark - as though charred. Why that is so, we have no idea. It is how we purchase it.

A little larger than many we have seen, this one measures 4 3/4" x 1 3/8" x 1".

Item ID: twt2227