Ivory Figure, XIX Century

Japanese ivory figure on a lacquered wooden pedestal that depicts an ancient warrior with a fiery expression standing on a Buddhist lion. This figure is completely made of real ivory except for the wooden pedestal. It is a valuable antique dating from the 19th century that has survived to our days in really good condition. The piece keeps all its parts and embedded decoration, and shows only a slightly flaw in the foot which rests on the lions head: a slim crack just in the ankle. Nevertheless this detail can scarcely be appreciated and does not interfere with the figure's total look.The Japanese warrior stands on a lion which shows itself in profile. The man is leaning his left leg on the animals back, and bends his left knee to rest his foot on the lions head. His facial expression is fiery and concentrated, quite expressive. The figure is profusely hand-carved and we can even distinguish every hair of the warriors heard and beard. On the other hand, the lions face also bears a lively expression and it seems to be smiling widely.All the figures surface is embedded with small semi-precious stones and pieces of materials: jade and mother-of-pearl, for example. The embedded pieces are disposed in an organized manner and form floral patterns or embellish the engraved motives. On the lion the decoration is different and the embedded pieces are scattered at random, as if they simulated some spots on the animals skin.This ancient figure will surely embellish the most complete collection of oriental articles and ivory antiques with its exoticism and noble look.Measurements: Height: 350 mm. including base, 290 mm without the base. Width: 125 mm.