Project Description
Wood Seal Carved as an Elephant
The elephant covered in a cloth incised with an asanoha (morning glory) pattern and pierced with a single inome (stylised boar’s eye). The seal beneath is cut with a very finely detailed horse
Unsigned. Circa 1880
Length: 4.7 cm
This may be a European japoniste carving, but if so, I believe that it was executed fairly early in the West’s love affair with Japan. It shows a familiarity with Japanese design and carving, not least in the outline of the horse which reminds me of ones I have seen on tsuba
MR3085
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