Japanese Mammoth Ivory Okimono Fisherman w/ Children (Auction 2026-06-05, Lot 234)

$1,670.50

Tadamori (Japanese, active 20th to 21st century). Fisherman with children. Mammoth ivory and wood okimono carving. Signed in Japanese characters on inlay on base. A lively and finely composed okimono carved in mammoth ivory and wood, depicting a fisherman seated atop a tall ladder platform while two cheerful children climb toward him, the scene animated by delicate incised patterns across the garments and expressive, smiling faces that capture a moment of playful interaction. The fisherman, wearing a broad conical hat and holding a small cup, is rendered with a flowing beard and relaxed posture, suggesting a quiet pause amid daily labor, while the children cling to the ladder rungs with a sense of movement and delight. The warm-toned wood base, inlaid with circular shell elements and raised on short legs above a pierced apron, provides both structural support and decorative contrast to the pale ivory figures. Size: 8.3″ L x 5.7″ W x 11″ H (21.1 cm x 14.5 cm x 27.9 cm); 14.8″ H (37.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Suspended from the ladder, a small woven basket with an intricately carved ivory chain introduces an additional layer of narrative detail, hinting at the tools of the fisherman’s trade. Signed by Tadamori on a small inset plaque, the work reflects the continued tradition of Japanese okimono carving into the modern era, blending technical precision with a gentle, genre-inspired storytelling.

Provenance: private Hagar collection, Wildwood, Missouri, USA

Condition: Excellent. Top platform is removable from base. Fisherman is missing both hands. Expected splitting and fissures to ivory, as well as light patina. Excellent remaining detail. Signed in Japanese characters on inlay on base.