Ivory Carving Translation Sought

[hddennis]

Picked this ivory carving  today at local antique mall.  Half a pound of ivory,  4 x 4 x 2 1/2 inches. Would love to know what it says.

Any help greatly appreciated.

 

Howard Dennis                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

[SteveM]

Hello Howard,

You are not getting many replies because I think this piece is Chinese rather than Japanese. 

The writings refer to Chinese eras, artistic themes, and artists (I think).

 

For example, the far left of picture #3 mentions 大清元年仲冬月中旬製　(Made in Year 1 of Qing Dynasty, Mid November). 

I don't know how Chinese dynasty dating conventions work (i.e. I don't know if they work the same way as Japanese era dates), so I can't tell you what the above date would be in the western calendar (Google says Qing year 1 is 1616, but...I would be surprised if this piece were more than 200 years old, judging by the clarity of the characters carved and the color inlays).  

 

Anyway, maybe one of our Chinese-speakers can jump in with something more definitive. 

[hddennis]

SteveM, thank you for your response, 

 

Any suggestions as to where I might post this to get translation and maybe a date?

 

Howard Dennis

[hddennis]

Anyone else having trouble getting replies?  I just got my second email and second notification on this board only to find nothing there?  Never done that before. Once this morning and again just a few moments ago.

 

Howard Dennis