Meiji period; hippo ivory and lacquer. Height:
This Japanese polychrome ivory figure of a samurai is finely carved with defined features. He wears an elaborately pleated and decorated robe with a cape collar and carries a sword. He looks up and his expression is thoughtful, as if he wonders if he should use his sword or not! The piece has hairline age cracks along the sides of his clothed body. It is signed.