Ivory okimono of flying Squirrel
Japan, Meiji period, 19th century
A very unusual ivory okimono of a flying squirrel. The four legs are spread out, with expanses of skin filling the gaps between front and back legs. The long tail is slightly lifted. The exterior of the okimono is exquisitely carved to resemble the animal’s fur. The eyes are inlaid in horn. The base is signed Gyokuen.
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