Posted 9 years ago
shaygirl
(1 item)
I inherited this small (approx. 10in.)statue in 1969...I've always loved it but wondered where it originated and if it's bone or ivory...any info appreciated.
asian statue (chinese or japanese?) | ||
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Posted 9 years ago
shaygirl
(1 item)
I inherited this small (approx. 10in.)statue in 1969...I've always loved it but wondered where it originated and if it's bone or ivory...any info appreciated.
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Hi, welcome to CW :-)
Close up of any sides and of the bottom will help!!!
You can upload 3 more pics by the edit post button.
Check there for identifying ivory:
http://www.realorrepro.com/article/Ivory-genuine-fake--confusing
https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/resources/pub/E-Ivory-guide.pdf
thank you kyra for the ivory info..I read it with great interest..here are a couple more pics I hope they help..
You're welcome :-)
From what I can see, cracks and color, I vote for ivory.
The stone, coral and mother of pearl inlaid deco work is called "shibayama"
Google for it to see some marvelous examples!
wonderful! thank you so much kyra! Does the signature at the bottom have any significance or possible dating?
Sorry, shaygirl, I've no knowledge on asian signatures ! Maybe some specialists will see and know :-)
I would help but I do not have a book on ivory marks could be a shop mark or a artist. You could try Gotheborg web site someone on one of the forums might know. From the Pictures it doesn't look like elephant ivory no crosshatched lines that I can see on the bottom. The color is right Could be some other type of ivory walrus it doesn't show alot of lines only on the outside edges and all the others would be like tree rings. If no grain patterns I would say its not ivory.
Its also a carving of the Goddess of Mercy most likely Japanese in origin
thanx grendel...I will check out that web site..do you think I should attempt the hot needle test?
I would not personal do that does damage and could hurt the value. Do you have any antique dealers in your area?. Do you see any of the lines on the piece? Like shown on the two websites kyratango gave you? those web sights will give you ways to test without the hot pin test. Easy test take something made of plastic touch your cheek or wrist then do the same with the carving if it feels cooler than the plastic its more than likely ivory. Ivory should feel cooler than the plastic at ambient room temperature. long as its not sitting the sun or been holding in your hands. I hope this helps
hi Grendel - a few days ago I tried the plastic vs. ivory test and after a few hours in the same location the statue was definitely cooler than the plastic. I'm just wondering if the density of the plastic is important.
No it shouldn't make a difference. Is there any of the lines like shown on the web sites? I still think it is ivory just not elephant unless you see the crosshatch marks and those should be seen on the bottom of the piece.
There also exists the possibility that it is another animal's ivory and not of an elephant.
T A
I don't see crosshatch marks...but also I was wondering about her overall "lean"...like it was carved from a curved material which also led me to think it wasn't synthetic...I could be fooling myself...so if not elephant ivory..then crosshatch lines are absent in other ivories?
Have a look for walrus tusk :-)
http://www.webbs.co.nz/node/64468
Kyra - I have goose bumps!! Absolutely beautiful and so similar to mine! So I'm starting to feel good about it being walrus ivory...thank you so much for your responses!
You're very welcome!
It had no chances to be plastic :-)
Walrus would only have rings around the outside edge they would show only if they didn't carve them away.