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, Meiji period, ca. late 19th century CE. This is a pair of small carved animals made of African ivory. The first is a netsuke in the shape of a rat with naturalistic features perched atop a plant with detailed leaves. His tail is curled around his body and his ears are back on his head, giving him the impression of being apprehensive. The second is an ojime in the shape of a cross-legged monkey with realistic fur and his arms on his knees. He has a charming, friendly face. Both the rat and the monkey are signs of the zodiac; towards the end of the 18th century, it became stylish for people to wear items that depicted the year of their birth. Size of largest: 0.9" W x 0.9" H (2.3 cm x 2.3 cm).

The netsuke is an example of the art of everyday objects. They are small sculptures designed to be worn so that objects could be suspended from the traditional sash (obi) that wraps around the kimono. They were used to carry purses, smoking accoutrement, and inro, "seal baskets", which held seals and medicines. The netsuke, made with two holes through it, was used as a toggle to stop the cord on which those items were suspended. Ojime are the sliding bead on the cord of an inro box.

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.

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#111900

Both are intact and with clear decoration and shape.