African Ivory. Bidders should be aware of the changing laws regarding commercialization of ivory and other product containing endangered species both on the Federal and State levels. This lot will be accompanied by a signed affidavit from the client that this object was in the United States prior to January 18, 1990, and is to the best of their knowledge and ability made prior to February 26, 1976 in accordance with Federal law. Ivory cannot be shipped out of the United States or to New York or New Jersey, and will not be shipped to California after June 30, 2016.

Far East, Japan, Edo to Meiji period, ca. mid to late 19th century CE. This piece is either an African ivory or deer antler netsuke depicting a monkey sitting upon a rock holding an enormous fruit. Just look at the relative scale of our simian friend and his tasty treat. That's quite a large fruit! Finely carved with outstanding detail! Size: .75" W x 2.125" H (1.9 cm x 5.4 cm).

The traditional kimono had no pockets. While women could tuck away small personal items in their sleeves, men suspended their treasured possessions (tobacco pouches, pipes, purses or writing implements and the like) called sagemono on a silk cord, hanging from their obi (sash).
In order to stop the cord from slipping through the obi, a small toggle called a netsuke was attached.

Provenance: Ex-Paul and Louise Bernheimer, Cambridge, MA and Laguna Woods, CA; All ivory items in the collection pre-date 1900 and were acquired long before the 1970 ban on ivory trade.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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#111892

Intact and excellent with nice patina.