OKIMONO: MONKEY FAMILY.
Japan. Edo period. 19th c.

Ivory with finely engraved details; the eyes inlaid light horn with black pupils. Sitting monkey mother; eating a peach with pleasure. Six tussling young animals climbing around her; trying to alienate the topmost one from its captured peach. Height 4.8cm; width 4cm. Sign.: Hoichi koku (carved by) in rectangular reserve; cf. MCI p. 166; also called Yoshikazu. Condition B. Two restored imperfections and crack on reverse.

Please note that objects made of ivory; rhinoceros horn and turtle shell; due to Cites regulations can only be sold within the European Community. At present the export in third countries is prohibited.
Art trade; Van Ham.