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Hello I was hoping that someone could give me some information and maybe a translation of what is written on this piece. I was told that it is elephant ivory from Japan circa 1880. Thanks

The carving quality is unacceptably bad for a Meiji object; this is considerably more recent, more likely Chinese, hopefully not ivory.

But six toes, seriously? An elephant was killed for this?

Ivory?????

Later than Meiji, I think.

Possibly based on the woodblock print by Kuniyoshi. I can't find original but here is a postcard copy of the print:

http://www.zazzle.com/%E4%BA%BA%E3%81%A7%E3%81%A7%E3%81%8D%E3%81%9F%E9%A1%94_%E5%9B%BD%E8%8A%B3_face_made_of_peoples_kuniyoshi_ukiyoe_postcard-239578338941920161

Cheers,
Stan

Thank you Stan, you have a good eye. It sure looks like the piece was influenced by that painting. A student perhaps?

I knew the print existed. My failing memory couldn't remember the artist. It took some creative googling to find a picture to post.

Cheers,
Stan

i think this piece is made from mammoth ivory , but this piece dated to the late 20 century and is chinese and not japanese , maybe sold in hong kong in the 80s'-90s',but it is still valuable , there are a lot of erotic art collectors that will like it , but not as an original meiji art.

Thanks Jack, That is a good possibility. I did purchase this piece in the 80's

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