Okimono - Elephant ivory - Grande okimono saggio con bambino e Drago Ryu - Cintamani - Firma Somei a rilievo su lacca rossa - Japan - Late 19th century

Large ivory Okimono, single block, depicting wise man holding a baby. Ryu dragon at their feet, with its mouth wide open, enveloping the wise man. Fine and important single block of ivory, with the baby holding in his right hand the Cintamani, the sacred Buddhist jewel, shown to the dragon waiting to receive it, and in his left hand a newly blossomed flower. Unusual and peculiar scene, pictures with a dragon already holding the Tama in its claws are more easily found. Signed Somei in rilief and engraved on the red lacquer. 2,021 gr. Excellent condition - natural veining of the ivory. The lot will be carefully packed 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 Milan Chamber of Commerce (number: 2617) , which will be sent with the lot. Copy of Certificate of Antiquity compliant with the international CITES rules drawn up by the CE. S. AR Archaeometric Study Centre based in London, Milan and Rome, together with the item. The original is only available on request. This item cannot be sold to buyers outside the EU.