Japanese Meiji Period Carved Bone Miniature Water Kettle
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Item Report
Japanese Meiji Period Carved Bone Miniature Water Kettle
By:Unknown
Style:Meiji Period Japonisme
Origin:Japan
Materials:Carved bone (or possibly faux ivory/bovine bone), pigment, cord
Age:circa 1880-1920
Condition:Very Good (visible patina and soiling, complete with stopper and cord, age-consistent wear)
Value:$80-$200
Maker's Marks / Writing:No visible maker’s mark or writing on exterior from this image.
Date:2025-06-30 12:59:33.002976
Description:
This is a small, dome-shaped carved bone or faux ivory miniature, likely representing a traditional Japanese water kettle or vessel. It features an incised scenic design, a small spout, a fitted lid, and yellow staining, typical of Meiji era (late 19th to early 20th century) export novelties or scholar's desk objects. The stopper and cord suggest it may have also functioned as a netsuke or inro accessory.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A word about fakes.. Japanese export carvings such as this are commonly found, but this piece shows age and patina, with careful incised decoration consistent with Meiji period workmanship. Condition is very good with visible soiling, minor wear, and intact original cord and stopper — features that support authenticity. Value is moderate due to its miniature size and decorative nature, but condition and completeness boost appeal.
Individual Images:
Only one image provided; shows noteworthy construction details like the visible patina on the lid area
hand-incised lines
and a well-used corded stopper
all indicative of age and usage.
Provenance:
No provenance or documentation present.
Condition:
Very Good (visible patina and soiling, complete with stopper and cord, age-consistent wear)
Identification Score: 90%
Form, material, and decorative technique correspond strongly to late Meiji era Japanese miniatures. The style of the carving, the coloration, and the patina all match authentic examples. A very small chance exists it could be a later reproduction, but features align with period originals.
Authenticity Score: 70%
While materials and surface wear indicate authentic age, and the hand-incised decoration and patina are consistent with the Meiji period, there remains a possibility it is an early to mid-20th-century tourist piece, as these were widely produced. However, signs point to genuine period creation rather than a recent reproduction.
Image Memory Note
Miniature Japanese Meiji period carved bone object, possible scholars' or decorative item. Distinct yellow-tinged surface, hand-incised with scenic designs, old corded stopper present.
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