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A finely carved Japanese ivory snuff bottle for export, late…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Melbourne
Date:
25-Oct-2015
Lot No.
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Description:
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, 6.5 cm 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:
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Price:
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Category:
Oriental: Snuff Bottles