Netsuke Identity age and material

[Swanseaboy]

Any ideas on the age/ period of this netsuke? Any is it Ivory or bone

 

Dimensions

 

Width3.2 cm Depth 2.3 cm Height 3.3 cm

 

Is it Meiji period(1868-1912)?

 

Also, I've researched and thought it was ivory as I found concentric lines meaning sperm whale tooth or hippopotamus (see photos) but then I also see what look like blood vessels black marks (Haversian) and they have the concentric lamellae.

 

Any idea of value.

 

Any input much appreciated.

[PietroParis]

This is a crude carving made for export in the 20th century. I would have guessed hippo tooth. It has no value to experienced netsuke collectors, but I guess someone might buy it as curio for 30-40 GBP.

[ROKUJURO]

My first impression was even plastic, but then I saw that an insert was glued into the hollow underside, so possibly bone. I don't see Schreger lines.

In addition to that, I don't see HIMOTOSHI.

[Bugyotsuji]

As above.

Probably three separate sections have been attached. Would not really function as a netsuke. NLO at best.

[John C]

Shaun:

I saw one recently that had fake concentric lines. What gave it away was how perfectly spaced they were. That and the overall quality.

 

John C.

[Bugyotsuji]

(There was a time in the early to mid 20th C when an ivory substitute was in fashion, creamy celluloid with Schreger-type striations. Not applicable here.)