A carved hardwood and ivory netsuke, A carved hardwood and ivory netsuke, early 19th century, Japanese, in the form of a snail on a bamboo shoot, signed 'Deme Uman Saku', 8cm long Saku means 'made by'. The Deme Uman family/studio, which spanned the 18th and 19th centuries, were renowned for their netsuke of Noh actor masks and a netsuke of this type by them is unusual. IMPORTANT NOTE This lot contains elephant ivory material. Please be advised that several countries, including those in the EU and the USA, now prohibit the importation of ivory items unless under specific conditions. Accordingly, prospective buyers should familiarise themselves with the relevant customs regulations of their country and ensure they are able to import this item prior to bidding. This item has been registered as exempt from the UK Ivory Act 2018, on account of it being made before 3 March 1947 with less than 10% ivory by volume. Ivory declaration submission reference: 8D3ZY6GH. Condition Report: No obvious major faults.