AN IVORY LETTER OPENER WITH MONKEY, TURTLE, FROG, CRABIvory letter opener. Japan, Meiji periodThis letter opener’s handle is figurally carved with great humor. A frog on the bottom, carrying a grown monkey (!) playing the flute on its back. A turtle curiously peeks down from a rock above the monkey. A smaller turtle is seen on the rear side, fanning itself. A frog is holding a bamboo stalk in the air, with another frog on top holding a fan. A crab and fish are also depicted. Condition: Excellent condition Provenance: From an Austrian private collectionLENGTH 32 CMThis lot is subject to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora [CITES]. It may only be exported outside the European Union after an export permit in accordance with CITES has been granted by the Austrian authorities. Zacke Gallery cannot and does not guarantee that such export permit may or will be obtained, but will by order of the winning bidder, once and exclusively after the item in question has been paid in full, apply to obtain such a permit at a fixed administrative fee of €100,- per application (fee valid for 'Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono' auction only). This process usually takes 6 months, and most permits we have applied for, have been granted in the past. Our team is happy to assist you with any questions you may have regarding this process