Signed Tokyo School Japanese ivory okimono of a man holding calabash gourd

手持葫蘆，日本明治時期的象牙雕像，底下署名乙之。整體品相良好，左手持品丟失，以及見細磕，泛黃。 約18.5 厘米高 ，直徑約 6 厘米。

Here we have an excellent Japanese ivory okimono of a man in traditional clothing (jinbei), carrying a calabash gourd.

This is likely a piece from the late 19th to early 20th century, most likely Meiji period circa turn of the century. The attention to detail of carving and Western-influenced realism in this piece suggests Tokyo School craftsmanship. In particular, the large stature and finely articulated joints and head make this a true statement piece. The features, drapery of the clothing and naturalistic post make this one of the finest pieces we have recently come across.
In this piece, the hands are particularly well carved with the labourer’s grasp of the calabash gourd. What is particularly intriguing is that the head, arms and legs are all separately carved and were later put together, almost in an articulated kusshin style.

Price marked at AUD$4000
Measurements: 18.5cm height, approx 6cm diameter around the shoulders
Condition: One stable hairline crack to right foot. Some wear to features and yellowing. Left hand was holding something which is now missing; possibly a fan.

Signed to the base, possibly 乙 之.