Two Mammoth Ivory Okimono, Sleeping Man and Figure with Fish

East Asia, China / Japan. A pair of okimono figures carved from mammoth ivory. The first depicts a seated figure with hair dressed in twin buns, cradling a large fish. The second portrays a sleeping man, his bearded head bowed deeply into the drapery of his voluminous robes, carved with beautiful realism that captures the quiet weight of slumber. Both display the rich honey and cream tones and dense natural craquelure characteristic of mammoth ivory, and each is inscribed on the base with characters. Mammoth ivory, recovered from Pleistocene permafrost deposits in Siberia and Alaska, became a favored substitute for elephant ivory among 20th-century carvers. It is distinguishable by its cross-hatched surface craquelure and mineral staining, both visible here. This item is made of or contains Mammoth and qualifies for exemption under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) as an antique. Due to strict federal and state regulations governing the sale and transport of ivory, this item may not be shipped internationally or to residents of the following U.S. jurisdictions: CA, CT, DC, HI, IL, MA, MD, MN, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OR, VT, and WA. Buyers are solely responsible for ensuring that their purchase complies with all applicable local, state, and federal laws regarding the acquisition, possession, resale, or transfer of ivory. While we guarantee that this item meets the criteria for ESA exemption under federal law, we strongly recommend that prospective buyers consult with local authorities to verify legal eligibility in their jurisdiction. This lot cannot be shipped to CA, CT, DC, HI, IL, MA, MD, MN, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OR, VT, and WA or outside the United States. Item # 204205

Estimate:$350

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