Antique Ivory Carving Information Sought Item 2

[hddennis]

This is a second carving I bought on my latest quest. I'd like to know anything I can on artist's name and whether he is a known carver. I also would like to know anything about the carving itself as far as what it depicts.

 

Howard Dennis 

[Matsunoki]

Hi Howard

Another lovely quality okimono. I think the Mei is Naomitsu…..as mentioned in your other piece, hardly any records exist for these talented carvers….there were hundreds of them. Probably the best carvers that have ever lived. (Imo)

I think the subject depicts an Ainu man and his wife making rope. It’s not a subject I’ve ever seen before. 

[hddennis]

Matsunoki,

Thanks again for your help. I was very curious about their garments and I'd guess being Ainu would explain that. Would their clothing be actual leaves? What a laborious task that must have been.

 

Howard Dennis

[Matsunoki]

39 minutes ago, hddennis said:

Would their clothing be actual leaves?

Honestly Howard…..I don’t know. I would assume so but I only reached the conclusion that they were Ainu because I couldn’t find another explanation and have never come across any myths or legends that would explain the subject matter. I wonder what @Bugyotsuji thinks? 

[Bugyotsuji]

Just seen this, apologies. The leaves are traditonally said to be mugwort, designating a sage or shaman as they have strong healing properties. In fact the name moxabustion comes from them, the active part being 艾 Mogusa (蓬 Yomogi plant) in Japanese. (Think 'mogu' and 'mogi' and 'mugwort') They can be dried and powdered for use in burning over acupuncture points, but I have found their compressed juice will seal and heal a knife cut beautifully. They are also used in food, such as Yomogi-mochi rice cakes