Approximately 1.75in wide 1.5in tall and 2in long. 100% tusk ivory. Signature not verified.
I purchased it from an “old timer” world traveler and collector in Missouri along with a few other ivory signed and unsigned netsuke pieces.
Dear Nathan,
Your Netsuke or Okimono ( I never know what to say to these types of carved Ivory I explain later ) is made in Hongkong around 1950 / 1960. The signature resembles the Yoshimasa signature but its not made in Japan by him. A Netsuke is a belt knot made for traditional kimono's. Original netsuke do not have a stand like an Okimono does, a statue. Netsuke are very popular collectors items and are therefor made for export to the west from late 19th century until now. Also the Chinese carvers started to made Netsuke to make money from early 10th century until now. They used elephant ivory and other materials. Your netsuke is made of Ivory and has a small problem. Official CITES rule is; you cannot sell ' worked Ivory' after 1947. I think your was made around this date. If you want to sell it in many countries you need CITES certificate or an expert rapport. Be aware of that. My estimation is based on prices made of these in auction. They are sometimes sold as 1920 / 1930 but in many cases they are made later.