I don't own many Asian objects but bought a collection on netsuke about 35 years ago, and this is the last one I own. Extra large, it's just been a favorite I've kept in my collections. Time to let them go. This is a signed figure (see bottom), so perhaps those of you who are serious collectors might know more or recognize this signature. I had some exquisite and very old fine netsuke at one time, but sadly, several were stolen from locked display cases way back when I had them in an antique mall. I guess this one was too big to stick in someone's pocket. Sad reminder. My interests moved from the little cloisonné teapots and netsukes and I am down to just 2 pieces now (sold separately). I'm unsure if the smaller animals are supposed to also be elk. Dates c.1800s, possibly earlier.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. I thought from one of my photos, one small animal ear has a chip, but I've just inspected and it must have just been an angle of view. They are all perfectly intact. The antlers used to come out and now they are stuck with beeswax to keep from losing them. Holding firmly. It might have 'gelled' over the decades. It's a heavy solid carving. I hope someone can enjoy it at least as long as I have.
IMPORTANT NOTE regarding antique tortoise shell or ivory: We are great supporters of protection for endangered species in our modern world. We never buy or sell anything 100 years or newer; we donate to anti-poaching organizations; we don't hunt; we conserve in ways that impact global warming (we're totally solar at home), knowing those measures also protect the animals in the wild today. We also recognize the vast cultural history we preserve with our care and reverence for these antique objects, and agree with CITES that objects over 100 years of age have nothing whatsoever to do with species depletion in our current world.
Our offering exceeds the age limitation of "more than 100 years of age", and is well within the exemption for CITES regulation. If imported, met the CITES regulation. This item will be handled and shipped from our Utah business, and is not available for shipment internationally, nor within the USA to California, NY, Nevada, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington if it contains ivory, sorry. Please see our small print for more details.
