By Toshimichi, signed Toshimichi
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)

Finely carved as a samurai warrior clad in full armor, a large katana and a tanto attached to his belt, and raising one hand to beat a large war drum. His robe is neatly incised with mons and chidori (plovers) above crashing waves. The artist signature TOSHIMICHI on the underside of the irregularly-shaped base.

The underside applied with an old label: 第百七十七號、価壱百五拾円、東京 世継富五郎 “Dai hyaku-nanaju-nana-go, atai hyaku go ju en, Tokyo, Yotsugi Tomigoro” [No 177, price 150 Yen, retailed by Yotsugi Tomigoro, Tokyo]. There are six works exhibited by the name of Yotsugi Tomigoro at the International Exhibitions: 1893 Chicago Columbus Expo (the winning section), and at the 1900 Paris Expo (general entry and winning sections). Furthermore, Yotsugi Tomigoro exhibited a mantel piece (possibly an okimono) at the 1904 St Louis International Exhibition, USA.

HEIGHT 20.5 cm

Condition: Good condition with only very minor. The mallet that was in the samurai’s right hand is now lost but easily replaced. The hilt of the tanto has been re-attached.
Provenance: French private collection.

This item contains or is made from elephant ivory and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Please note that in compliance with EU regulation effective January 19th, 2022, all items carved from elephant ivory before 1947 must carry a legal trade permit issued by the Austrian ministry of trade, or any other appropriate authority within the European Union. For this reason, any sale of such item can only be concluded after such permit has been granted. All payments made prior to the issuance of the respective permit will be held in escrow until the application for the permit has been approved. Please note that according to EU regulation it may take up to 3 months until the permit has been granted. In case the permit is declined, or not granted after 3 months, the payment will be returned to the client immediately.