How do you test if something is ivory?

How do you test if something is ivory?

Ivory, along with many types of bone, are very smooth to the touch, and feel substantial, hard, and durable. If the surface is rough or feels soft or flimsy, it is very unlikely that your piece is genuine ivory or bone. Although some types of bone can feel as smooth as ivory, most do not.

Though authentic ivory is made from elephant tusks, people imitate with bone or even plastic, which can be weighted to feel like ivory. You can usually tell if the piece is a fake made of bone by observing the tunnels in the bones – authentic ivory will have no striations.

How tall is an ivory Netsuke from Japan?

A JAPANESE MEIJI PERIOD CARVED IVORY NETSUKE OF AN EGG SELLER – SIGNED, the netsuke depicting a seated man with his basket of eggs, the artist has signed the base and perhaps reads “lome”, himotoshi formed to the base, 4cm. A Japanese ivory netsuke of a market trader, holding a basket, character marks to base. Height 42 mm.

Are there any hand carved netsuke in Japan?

A Japanese bone carved Inro with Japanese hand carved netsuke of a nude lady laying on a squid with black bead eyes and signed by the artist. A Highly detailed Japanese netsuke figure of a Nude Geisha sat upon a skull. Signed by the artist. A Highly carved Japanese netsuke of an old man looking up, Signed by the artist.

What kind of materials are used to make Japanese netsuke?

Japanese netsuke can be made from a wide variety of materials including ivory, hardwood, clay or porcelain, metal, and in rare cases, even walnuts or coral. The most common medium for creating is ivory netsuke. However, as obtaining ivory from a live animal is now illegal, production…

How tall is Netsuke from the Meiji period?

Japanese 19th Century Signed and Superb Quality Carved Stained Ivory Netsuke of a Japanese Male Figure wearing long robes and holding a large fan and cup. Looking up to the sky. Meiji period 1864-1912. Height 3″ inches – 7.5 cm. Excellent condition in all aspects.

How many carved ivory Netsuke are in a collection?

A COLLECTION OF SIX JAPANESE CARVED IVORY A COLLECTION OF SIX JAPANESE CARVED IVORY NETSUKE: A COLLECTION OF SIX JAPANESE CARVED IVORY NETSUKES. Comprising a firewood merchant, a man with water A COLLECTION OF FIVE JAPANESE CARVED IVORY A COLLECTION OF FIVE JAPANESE CARVED IVORY NETSUK: A COLLECTION OF FIVE JAPANESE CARVED IVORY NETSUKES.

Are there any fake netsuke figurines out there?

Fake netsuke figurines made of resin do not have the “veins” and patina of the real ivory. Imitation netsuke is often lightweight. If you have purchased a netsuke which you suspect might be fake, try inserting a heated needle into the netsuke base. Resin netsuke figures will show signs of melting. Netsuke fakes are also poorly rendered in detail.

How tall is an ivory temple dog netsuke?

Japanese carved ivory temple dog netsuke (height 5 cm approx). . An antique ivory netsuke of a Chimp and a rabbit, Meiji period, 1868-1912, an unusual composition of a chimp standing upon the back of a rabbit, his, left foot on one ear and tugging at the other, himatoshi underside, height 5.5 cm

How tall is a Japanese ivory netsuke rat?

A compactly carved Japanese ivory netsuke of two rats, with inlaid eyes. Lightly age stained, small himotoshi underneath. Width 3.2 cm. A Japanese ivory netsuke of a samurai, standing holding a model of a temple shrine. Small himotoshi to shoulders. Height 5 cm.