MANJ? SENNIN INKI.
Japan. Meiji period. Last third of the 19th century.

Ivory. Domed in one piece with deepened central peg. In delicate; recessed relief with darkly accentuated details the Sennin Inki (governor of the border pass of Han Kuh) in belted garb standing in a hilly landscape; with the opened manuscript of 'Tao Te King' in his hands; which was given to him by Laotse after his studies of the principles of Taoism. See for this scene Hokusai's Manga Vol. 3. The back depicts a beautiful golden-yellow natural patina; with two ring cracks and the sides golden-yellow to amber-coloured patina. ?7.6cm. Condition A/B. Two ring cracks.

Provenance:
-Old collection no. 063.

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.