Asian Ivory

Snyder delivers a visually stunning survey that will delight those with an eye for exquisite Asian craftsmanship. The six hundred photographs are the primary draw, offering a rare glimpse into the gilded world of okimono and ivory artifacts. However, this book is not for casual readers or those expecting dense philosophical discourse on esoteric traditions; it remains firmly rooted in decorative arts history. It may also disappoint collectors seeking definitive market valuations, as the focus is strictly on historical accounts and visual documentation rather than commercial appraisal. The integration of European traveler accounts adds depth but requires an interest in cross-cultural exchange. Ultimately, it is a specialized archive for those who value the symbolic weight of carved characters and the artistic legacy of Meiji-era artisans above all else.

This book is a treasure trove for the discerning collector who appreciates the intricate beauty of Asian ivory. Readers will gain access to over six hundred luminous photographs that capture the exquisite details of okimono figures, scholar’s brush holders, and delicate wrist rests. Beyond mere aesthetics, the text provides essential historical context by weaving in accounts from European travelers and symbolic folk tales. It offers a comprehensive survey of the wider universe of ivory artifacts, including sword hilt fittings and cricket cages. For anyone seeking to understand the symbolic weight behind each carved character or tracing the trade’s journey, this volume serves as an indispensable visual and historical archive. It transforms appreciation of these gilded objects into a deeper understanding of their cultural significance and artistic legacy.

Meiji Ivory Aesthetics

The book deeply explores the stylistic shifts during the Meiji period, highlighting how artisans adapted traditional techniques to meet global tastes while maintaining intricate figural precision and cultural symbolism in their work.

Cultural Symbolism

Snyder decodes the narratives embedded in the carvings, using folklore to explain the personified beliefs and mythological characters depicted in okimono, offering context that transforms mere observation into deep cultural understanding.

Trans-Pacific Trade

The text examines the historical flow of ivory goods from Japanese and Chinese workshops to Western markets, documenting the economic and social interactions through the eyes of nineteenth-century European merchants and travelers.

“The carver’s chisel does not merely shape ivory; it captures the breath of folklore, turning silence into a narrative of gods and spirits.”

“From the tea houses of Kyoto to the galleries of London, the ivory trade wove a complex web of desire and diplomacy.”

✍️ More books by this author Snyder, Jeffrey B

🏛 Books from this publisher Schiffer Publishing