Antique Ivory Carving Information Sought

[hddennis]

Just acquired this carving and would like to know any possible information on it. I'd especially love to know what the artist was trying to show us. It seems to be loaded with cultural icons I'd love to learn more about for example is that an Oni behind the figure? 

Thanks in advance any help or suggestions.

 

Howard Dennis

[Matsunoki]

Hi Howard

Your plaque depicts the Dragon King of the Sea (or an emissary of) and an attendant presenting pearls. It’s a famous legend. 

This should get you started…….scroll down a little bit.

There will be tons more on the web. I think his name was Ryujin but haven’t checked!

https://blog.dma.org/2016/04/20/mother-of-dragons/

[Matsunoki]

Meant to say it is almost certainly a panel from either a table cabinet door or an upright two-fold framed table screen. On the reverse you can see the shadows of the frame.

The recipient of the pearls would probably be depicted on the confronting panel. 
Meiji period, superb quality.

[Matsunoki]

Had a bit more time…..

https://www.bonhams.com/auction/16717/lot/461/an-ivory-kiseruzutsu-pipe-case-19th-century/

https://www.bonhams.com/auction/10241/lot/489/a-very-fine-komai-style-circular-dish-by-inoue-meiji-period-46cm18in-diam/

 

https://www.bonhams.com/auction/14899/lot/7/a-stained-ivory-okimono-of-riujin-dragon-king-of-the-sea/

 

etc etc!!

[hddennis]

Matsunoki,

I can't thank you enough for taking the time to educate me on this latest find. Do you know who the artist is and whether or not he is a known carver?

 

Howard Dennis

[Matsunoki]

Sorry Howard, I’m crap on signatures…I used to focus purely on quality but I’m sure if you put the mei into the translation section someone will tell you. There were hundreds of amazing ivory carvers in Meiji, but virtually no existing contemporary records of who they were. However did this was top drawer.