Netsuke Carved Ivory Tiger Signed Unsho Hakuryu Japan Edo 19th Century

Small Netsuke* sculpture in finely carved ivory depicting a tiger in a defensive position (ears back and threatening mouth), signed by Unsho Hakuryu**, from the Edo period, mid-19th century. This netsuke is in good condition, superb quality. Signed, see photos. Note: tiny scratches and wear of time, see photos. Specimen in worked ivory, prior to July 1, 1947 and therefore in accordance with EC Regulation 338/97 of 09/12/1996 art.2-Wmc. *The Netsuke: The Netsuke is a traditional Japanese clothing item used to hold sagemono (literally "hanging objects"). Indeed, the kimono does not have a pocket, the various everyday objects are transported in a kind of small box called sagemono. These objects are suspended from the obi of their owner by a cord. ** Unsho Hakuryu was a carpenter working for Asano Naritaka (1817-1868), a ruling daimyo of Hiroshima. Alain Ducros speculates that Unsho Hakuryu was first a student of Mitani Goho, carving mainly in wood, and that he later met Ohara Mitsuhiro (1810-1875) around 1857, when Mitsuhiro was already famous and had returned to his hometown of Onomichi. It was only then that Hakuryu began carving ivory. During the Bunkyu period (1861-1863), tigers were a major attraction because the Japanese only knew them from legends, paintings, and their skins imported from China. Dimensions Height 2.8 cm Width 2.8 cm Depth 2.5 cmReference: E60 1050All photos are on: www.antiques-delaval.com