Object Description
Japanese mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell inlaid ivory vase
Japanese, late 19th Century
Height 27cm, diameter 10cm
This vase, crafted from an ivory tusk, is a fine example of the Shibayama technique. The tusk is inlaid with a variety of fine materials, including tortoise shell and mother of pearl, all arranged to compose a twig laden with flowers, birds, and butterflies.
The tusk is supported by a carved wooden base.