Ivory Netsuke with Calligraphy - Translation?

Hi everyone!

Can anyone help identify whether or not this Netsuke is ivory, or if it is old and possibly of value? Can anyone translate the calligraphy or even recognize what language it is?

It is about 2-1/4 inches tall.

 

Hello, Sam. Since netsuke are a Japanese art form, I would expect the language to be Japanese, even if the piece is a copy made in China. Your photos do not allow us to see the material well enough to form an opinion on what it is.

 

Thanks Bronwen. Sorry about that. The forum instructions said to use 480 by 640, so I reduced them. Here they are full size but cropped to reduce file size.

 

Speaking of the Walking Dead...

 

@ Sam Wainford

Go back to edit and click full image,a photo of the bottom might help also.

 

On the basis of the pics......no artist siggy....and all that dark shading....
I'm going with resin ......... not ivory...

 

We could definitely use a pic of the bottom. Right now, I agree with resin.

 

Yeah, you are probably right. Do you think I should try the hot needle test?

 

Still looks like resin.

 

The bottom has carved cross hatches on it and you cannot see the grain. Based on the consensus, seems like they may have been put there to look like the ivory lines. I will try to get a pic, but I don't think it will reveal much.

With all the experts here, I have another ivory piece that I'll post in a new thread shortly --- with larger pics.

Thanks!

 

Hi,
NO NO NO NO never use the hot needle test!!!!!! It has ruined so many items and people. If it is resin it can flare up and burn you it will always leave a black hole, tiny or large.
greg

 

No on the pin test! The guy's clothing is Japanese, and I'd say resin is likely. As for what it says ... dunno.

 

Maybe Oiwa?



http://mentalfloss.com/article/59737/10-horrifying-demons-and-spirits-japanese-folklore

 

Here's the bottom of the netsuke. It has what could be a signature I suppose.

 

Update- I did post a pic of the bottom...

 

Yeah, just more evidence for resin, probably made in China. They're brilliant at it. Let's see the other one when you're ready.