Figure (Okimono)
1890-1910 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
These magnificent dragons are carved from what appears to be a single piece of ivory. Their eyes are inlaid with mother-of-pearl and ebony. Their bodies intertwine as they struggle for possession of the Tama, a sacred jewel, formed here from a pure rock crystal. This figure is signed 'Yoshiaki' and 'made by Maruki, Japan'. The popularity of these intricate ivory carvings grew from the demand of westerners who encountered such pieces at the first Japanese Domestic Industrial Exposition in Ueno Park, Tokyo, in 1877.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 3 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Carved ivory, inlaid with mother-of-pearl and ebony, with crystal ball |
| Brief description | Okimono, carved ivory, of two entwined dragons supporting a crystal ball, ivory, Japan, 1890-1910. |
| Physical description | These magnificent dragons are carved from what appears to be a single piece of ivory. Their eyes are inlaid with mother of pearl and ebony. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Gallery label | Dragons with the Buddhist pearl of enlightenment
1890–1910
Signed ‘Yoshiaki’ and marked ‘Made by Maruki, Japan’
Ivory and crystal; wood stand
Margary Gift
Museum no. A.178-1969
(04/11/2015) |
| Credit line | Margary Gift |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | These magnificent dragons are carved from what appears to be a single piece of ivory. Their eyes are inlaid with mother-of-pearl and ebony. Their bodies intertwine as they struggle for possession of the Tama, a sacred jewel, formed here from a pure rock crystal. This figure is signed 'Yoshiaki' and 'made by Maruki, Japan'. The popularity of these intricate ivory carvings grew from the demand of westerners who encountered such pieces at the first Japanese Domestic Industrial Exposition in Ueno Park, Tokyo, in 1877. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.178 to B-1969 |
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| Record created | January 9, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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