Okimono - Ivory - Signed Ōshū 王秀 and Uchida 内田 in red seal - Honors the spirits of one's ancestors - Pilgrims worshiping a statue of Fudō Myōō 不動明王 - Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912)

Okimono - Ivory - Signed Ōshū 王秀 and Uchida 内田 in red seal - Honours the spirits of one's ancestors - Pilgrims worshipping a statue of Fudō Myōō 不動明王 - Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912) . Exceptional okimono in ivory, representing the Obon festival, a semi-religious tradition that honours the spirits of deceased ancestors. In this exquisite carving appears Mokuren, inlaid with amber on the eyes and mother-of-pearl on the back. According to tradition, Mokuren searched the six worlds to find his beloved deceased mother, because he wondered how she was after her death. In this representation Mokuren is worshipped by various characters, celebrating this holiday, including a food stall. Signed on base: Ōshū 王秀. Uchida 内田 red seal. Japan. Late 19th century. Meiji period (1868-1912) .