Okimono - Coral, Elephant ivory, Hardstone, Wood - Hotei 布袋 - Dio della gioia e della felicità - Intarsio Shibayama - Firmato Meido a rilievo - Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912)

Okimono in elephant ivory and wood, of unusual and rare construction with inlay applications in the Shibayama technique in semiprecious stones and coral in the decoration of the long necklace. He carries a finely engraved sack to simulate the texture of the fabric supported with a bamboo stick, with the other hand a fan, and he brings to the obi an inro with his netsuke manju. Signed Meido on red lacquer in relief, an important and much appreciated sculptor. Hotei, one of the seven sages of good luck, with a sack full of gifts symbolising abundance. Like Fukurokuju and Jurōjin, Hotei is also part of Chinese Taoist tradition. Represented as a chubby and laughing man, he is the god of joy and happiness and commonly referred to as the protector of children. His name means 'linen sack' and is in fact depicted with a bag on his shoulder, containing gifts that he distributes to children. 280 g. Excellent condition - natural ivory veining - see photos. The lot will be carefully packaged and shipped within 1 or at most 2 business days from the day of payment. The shipping price includes delivery via UPS, TNT, DHL or SDA courier (depending on destination address) with full insurance and professional packaging. Original certificate compiled by Luca Mastromauro, an expert in Japanese art, registered with the Milan Chamber of Commerce (number: 2617) , which will be sent with the lot. Included with the item is a copy of the certificate of antiquity conforming with the international CITES regulations, issued by CESAR, a centre of Archaeometric studies with offices in London, Milan and Rome. The original is only available upon request. This item cannot be sold to buyers outside the EU.