Okimono - Elephant ivory - Raro soggetto - Karyōbinga 迦陵頻伽 - Uccello del paradiso Buddista - Japan - Late Edo period

Very rare ivory Okimono in a single block depicting Karyobinga. Finely sculpted down to the smallest detail, like the wings or the feathers, almost suspended as if flying, on lacquered plinth from a later period. Originally, the Karyobinga was a bird similar to a sparrow that lived in the snow-clad mountains of the Himalayas and produced a melodious birdsong. The subsequent sutras state that it used to live in the paradise (Gokuraku 極 楽) of Amida 阿 弥陀 Buddha. When depicted, the karyōbinga has the head of a bodhisattva (bosatsu 菩薩) and the winged body of a bird. Its tail is similar to that of a phoenix (hō-ō 鳳凰) . The dimensions only refer to the ivory figurine; the base in black lacquer, from a later period, is included in the lot. In very good condition; some of the feathers have had their tips shortened and filed 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 Milan Chamber of Commerce (number: 2617) , which will be sent with the lot. Along with the item is a copy of the certificate of antiquity conforming with the international CITES regulations, issued by CESAR, a centre of Archeometric 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.