By Gyokuhosai Ryuchin, signed Gyokuhosai
Japan, Tokyo, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)

The ivory netsuke, depicting various fruits and nuts including ginkgo nuts, chestnuts, and acorns. A large centipede is crawling across on top. The nuts partially carved in sukashi-bori (openwork) with inscriptions on top, showing various landscapes, a boat, a house, various figures, and a big leaf. Two himotoshi through the underside and the signature GYOKUHOSAI.

LENGTH 4.5 cm

Condition: Good condition with natural age cracks.
Provenance: German private collection.

Auction result comparison: Compare with a similar ivory netsuke of a group of shells by Gyokuhosai Ryuchin by Bonhams London in Fine Japanese Works of Art on the 13 Sep 2011, lot 2012 (sold for EUR 1,431)

This item contains or is made from elephant ivory and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Please note that in compliance with EU regulation effective January 19th, 2022, all items carved from elephant ivory before 1947 must carry a legal trade permit issued by the Austrian ministry of trade, or any other appropriate authority within the European Union. For this reason, any sale of such item can only be concluded after such permit has been granted. All payments made prior to the issuance of the respective permit will be held in escrow until the application for the permit has been approved. Please note that according to EU regulation it may take up to 3 months until the permit has been granted. In case the permit is declined, or not granted after 3 months, the payment will be returned to the client immediately.