Okimono- Is it real?

I recently bought a Japanese Camel Okimono from a seller at Ebay.
He wrote it was from the late 19th century, and that the material was a semi-precious stone. At first glance, it appears to be resin, although it passes the hot needle test It is missing one of its eyes (may indicate wear due to old age). I don't think it's ivory either. Can someone shed light as to what material, what theme and which era this piece is from? Thanks.

 

Earl, I could be wrong, but to me it looks like a nicely carved bone souvenir from a country where they have camels.

 

What kind of camels? This looks like a cross between a dromedary & a Bactrian.





I have a Japanese ivory netsuke of a camel; it's Bactrian.

Meaning...? Camel does not look like any kind of stone. Bone & ivory don't melt, but they can singe.

 

I couldn't remember the word dromedary in any language, and I figured someone would correct me.

 

Except look at those short legs. I've never known a camel to slink!

 

I don't know if it is a realistic portrayal.
Or it could be a genetic disorder. Be kind.

 

Tigers aren't native to Japan either, yet the Japanese include them in many art pieces and poetry for centuries (I understand they have over 30 words for Tiger, except 'Tora'). This crossbreed between a dromedary and a two-humped Camel could be inspired by Chinese art, or by campaigns to the mainland... I'm being hopeful here, and might be wrong

 

The material is very dense, like Ivory. Only ivory is a bit cooler against the lips . Bone is much lighter and hollow, usually with brown stripes and pitting. Is it a condensed silica resin? Photo of the feet is added here ->

 

Can you add a photo? I'm curious now...

 

I think it's quite a nice form and carefully detailed, whatever the material ..can you see any Schreger lines (cross section grain) in the material?
However faint, there should be some grain visible if it is indeed ivory.
Because of the shape of the carving, these lines would more than likely appear at the ends (head and rear) of the piece, so might be harder to spot.

 

It's hard to see any distinct lines, since the carving is very elaborate and simulates wool quite convincingly. However, I spot some brown discoloration near the nose

 

We prefer not to talk about things like that.

 

well at least it isn't at the rear end

 

carved bone..imo.

 

You don't know where it has been.

 

..

 

I am trying to envision what bone, in any animal, is large enough to get a solid piece of that size, and can't think of many. It would have to be a leg bone with a very thick wall.
On the last view of the underside - is it a trick of the light, or is there a difference in color/texture between the outer side of the camel and the underbelly? I am wondering if it might be walrus tusk.

 

If it is, that would explain the lack of visible grain ...It doesn't look like bone to me either - I'd take a flyer on it, I quite like the form.