A Magnificent Large Tokyo School Ivory Group

Item Reference 298

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Depicting the warrior Omori Hokohichi striding over reed-bound stepping stones in a river carrying a beautiful young girl with a parasol and wearing a fringe of orange-blossom in her hair, all with intricately carved fine details, the faces full of expression and the robes incised with textile designs, on a rootwood stand, inscribed Fort Portal 7, Japanese, Meiji period (1868-1912).

Dimensions

Height: 26in; 62cm

Footnote

The legend of Omori Hoko(h)ichi has many versions, but this okimono appears to show the one where the great hero offers to carry a beautiful lady across a ford. Half way across he catches sight of their reflection and realizes that she is, in reality, a witch, whereupon he puts her to death with his sword.

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