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Just acquired this netsuke and would like to know who made it and what he was trying to portray as it seems to be loaded with many symbolisms I don't understand.
Howard Dennis

I don't see any Schreger lines. This doesn't appear to be ivory. Likely, it is plant ivory (taga nut) or plastic. This means it is modern and a tourist piece.

Cheers,
Stan

URL Title :Identify Ivory

It's definitely ivory. The lines are there but very hard to see as the carver left very little area without texture which hides the lines.

Howard Dennis

Just got this back from a professional Ivory restorer and he has just reassured me what I already knew that it is indeed elephant ivory. Does anyone have anything constructive to add to my original post.

Howard Dennis

I think Stan's comments were spot-on.

As for being "constructive", anyone responding to your request for assistance at least deserves your thanks prior to your disagreeing with whatever they might say.

We are all limited by your photos, and you are the editor responsible for providing the photos which will best represent your item. In this case, you have failed to show your item in the best light, with sharply focused photos, showing the most possible evidence of what the material might be.

Despite what your "ivory restorer" told you, based on your photos your item does not appear to be ivory.

Cheers
Gman

So I should give thanks to the only two response's I got that failed to give me a translation nor an explanation which were the only things I asked for and instead chose to run down my piece as a fake which tainted it to anyone reading my post who might have chosen to translate or offer their explanation of what they thought the piece meant? I chose not to mention the restorer by name as their reputation didn't need to be ridiculed by your assumptions but if you know as much as you claim about ivory I'm sure you would recognize the name as it is all they do on a large scale for many years.
Thanks,
Howard Dennis

No worries, it is what it is, and I will now join the ranks of other readers who ignore your posts.

I am curious why your well known ivory restorer didn't immediately provide you with all of the background information you seek.

I, and many others here, have spent significant amounts of time researching items for others, and even though your item does not appear to be ivory based on your photos, I might have spent some time on the iconography of your item had your attitude not deterred me from feeling like doing so. You do understand that we are not paid consultants....right?

I hope you come away with something here, as in provide better photos of whatever you are seeking information on, be thankful for any responses you get, and try to avoid making people avoid helping you. But I doubt any of it will sink in.

Final thoughts? Usually when I think a piece is not ivory, I am looking for bubbles or seam marks, given the inadequate photos, the kicker for me is the feet and toes, which don't look carved.

For future reference, you only get one chance to make a first impression.

Good luck
Gman

Gman,

Thanks for the defense.

If the original poster's social skills weren't so poor, I might try harder to help. His concentration on the maroon background in his original pictures distracts from the object. The middlin' quality of his piece makes me think that it is newer rather than older. Also, the pattern on the child's garment leads me in that direction. Also, the lack of wear around the hole augurs for newer over older. Normally, I would try to look up the artist, but feel it is not worth my time.

If he is interested in the subject matter, he might try learning a little about Japanese mythology and the Oni.

Cheers,
Stan

URL Title :Oni

Boy, you two don't have too high of an opinion of yourselves do you? Since I have SO many problems, please point out to me in my original post where I asked if this was real, what it was made of and how to do photography?

Howard Dennis

I have a copy of George Lazarnik's book "The Signature Book of Netsuke, Inro and Ojime Artists in Photographs" but decided that your attitude did not warrant my time to research your figurine. A few copies of this rare book are available from book dealers starting around $400.00 if you care to pursue your search.

Claus, why would I want to research my "figurine" as you called it, when it has already been declared junk by your "experts"? Or did you just enjoy joining the others in ridiculing me and my "figurine" and being able to brag about your $400 book?

"Thanks"
Howard Dennis

Simple request for translation and interpretation is met with totally wrong information and uncalled for trashing of my item and me and because I didn't kiss your rings for this unprovoked attack I'm punished for not bowing in awe. Give me a break! You snobs can go back to you little kingdom and play your childish games I'll find out what I need from people who don't demand to be worshiped for tidbits of information even when it's wrong.

Howard Dennis

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