Japanese carved ivory okimono/netsuke of Hotei and karako
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
19th Century
This 19th-century Japanese carved ivory piece functions as both an okimono and a netsuke, depicting the deity Hotei in a seated position. The figure is shown smiling with his head tilted upward, interacting with six small karako, or Chinese-style children, who are depicted climbing over his body and robes.
The craftsmanship displays intricate detail, including a prayer bead necklace held by Hotei. The piece is unsigned and exhibits a natural patina developed over time. Physical characteristics include the use of ivory, with dimensions measuring 1.5 inches in height and 2.375 inches in length. The object shows age-related wear, specifically some age cracking and minor damage to the extremities of the karako figures. The base of the sculpture appears to have been stained.
As an ivory carving, this object is subject to specific international and domestic regulations regarding the transfer of animal-derived materials.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Height
- 1.5 inches
- Length
- 2.375 inches
- Material
- ivory
Design
- Motif
- Hotei with six karako
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.