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Can anyone identify the artist of this 2-face okimono? Thank you! David.

Your carving is of a noh character called the 'Two-Faced Witch', and I'm guessing the material may be vegetable ivory (tagua nut) or possibly a marine ivory. The signature seems to be 光山, which I've seen as 'Kozan' with potters, but the carving class may have a different appreciation of pronunciation. Perhaps one of the Japanese collectors can clarify.

For comparison, I offer what I take to be an antique ivory netsuke of the same noh character which has a signature I haven't mastered yet in any category of Japanese art. It was acquired from a gallery I used to frequent but which no longer operates. The quality of this piece reflects more of the late owner's good eye for this genre than I can yet claim in good conscience to possess.

Best regards,

Bill H.

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