Chinese or Japanese ?

[robinalexander]

These markings are actually on an ivory puzzle ball and I understand that should be of Chinese origin. 

 

However the seller believes 'could be' Japanese.

 

Sorry about the orientation but I'm not sure which way is up.

 

Thank you in advance.

Rob

[Bugyotsuji]

You mean the two marks on the surface of the stand?

決 and… (弓?)

The photo is pretty fuzzy. Most Japanese characters come from Chinese anyway so there is often little difference. There are strong national differences in the style of writing the very same characters. These ones look to have been written by a Chinese person, I would guess.

These ivory balls are as you say typically Chinese.

 

 

 

[robinalexander]

Thanks Piers, that pretty well sums it up very nicely I think.

 

All the best.

Rob

[Baka Gaijin]

Much of this intricate carving came from the Canton area, now known as Guangzhou.