Okimono Identification

[ArcanusRad]

Good evening, I have some Okimono that I'm seeking identification for. If anyone is able to help me please? 

 

They are beautiful! Hopefully my images have attached to this post.

 

Thank you in advance.

[ROKUJURO]

Hi ArcanusRad,

welcome to the NMB! Please sign all posts at least with a first name and an initial, so we can address you politely.

The first OKIMONO is probably meant to show EBISU, one of the seven Gods of Luck. The signature is perhaps XX YAMA/ZAN (the photo is upside down)

The second is signed MASAMITSU - reading may be different for this field of arts. It looks recently painted - not so nice.

The ivory lady (can't read the MEI) is a bit crudely made and looks like a tourist piece.

Our experts will certainly tell you the details.

[Matsunoki]

K.

Sorry to tell you that all of these are extremely low quality “tourist” type items and good examples of what elephant ivory should NOT be used for. They are illegal to sell or trade in the UK under our new laws. The signatures are not to be taken seriously and in no way can they be regarded as Japanese Works of Art. 

[SteveM]

Top:              松山  Matsuyama

Middle:         as Jean says, 正光 Masamitsu

Bottom:        玉昇 Gyokushō

[ArcanusRad]

Thank you all for your honesty and expertise. Do you have any recommendations for reading up on this subject?

Kind regards, Jordan.

[Matsunoki]

12 hours ago, ArcanusRad said:

Do you have any recommendations for reading up on this subject?

Jordan

There are a few books on the subject…..I think the dealer Laura Bordignon has been published and there are some old Barry Davies catalogues that can be found. Simple put “Okimono” into Amazon and eBay book sections and see what turns up.

Remember ivory okimono are now illegal to sell or trade in the UK. You can own them but you can’t “move them on”. Wood and metal ones are OK.

All the best.Colin.