Ivory, inlays. Japan, Meiji, 19th - early 20th century
Small and refined lidded vessel, richly decorated with colorful inlays mainly from distinct mother-of-pearl, the elephant zo displaying merry expression, the saddlecloth
rendered with figural relief on either side, one carved with the Goddess Benten and lute, the other side carved with a man grabbing his long beard, possibly Jurojin due
to long ears; the oval lid decorated with encircling lotus and further with a three-dimensional figure of a boy standing and holding a drum ko-tsuzumi, very fine face with spirited features; the underside of the lid bearing a red inlaid signature KO-GYOKU (possibly Hakuyosai Kogyoku or successor), some of the multiple miniature inlays lost but hardly noticeable.
HEIGHT 10,8 CM
From the collection of Baroness Vera Krassilnikoff von Gerzoff