Meji Bronze Elephant

[Ed]

Looking for Meji period, or possibly other period Bronze elephants.  The main criteria is that they are in excellent condition and have Ivory tusks. 

 

Thanks,

Ed

[Matsunoki]

If you can risk import from the UK here is a nice smallish one by a very good studio.

https://www.sellinga...iod-bronze-elephant/

[Ed]

  On 12/4/2023 at 4:52 PM, Matsunoki said:

If you can risk import from the UK here is a nice smallish one by a very good studio.

https://www.sellinga...iod-bronze-elephant/

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I'll check it out.

Thanks,

Ed

[Matsunoki]

  On 12/5/2023 at 1:04 PM, Ed said:

  On 12/4/2023 at 4:52 PM, Matsunoki said:

elephant/

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I'll check it out.

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Meant to say….they call the tusks deer antler to avoid our ivory laws. I’d be pretty confident they are ivory.

[Bugyotsuji]

It’s possible the tusks have been changed.

[Brian]

Doubt the ivory is easy to remove, but if they can be detached, it would be easy to leave them behind, and have one of the US Knifemakers make a new pair to fit. Piece of cake for anyone with offcuts
Of course it would be a pity, but rather that that confiscated.
Btw, I find it quite a nice item.

[Matsunoki]

  On 12/4/2023 at 4:00 PM, Ed said:

and have Ivory tusks. 

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Ed…..how critical are ivory tusks? I only ask because they were also made with integral bronze tusks by the same excellent studios eg Seiya, Maruki etc.

From an investment point of view bronze tusks would be better……they can’t fall foul of misguided ivory legislation and thus will probably be more saleable in future years.

Also have you seen the groups of tigers attacking elephants? Rather gruesome but often superb quality.

Just a thought….

Best. Colin.

 

[Matsunoki]

For a Quick Look at quite a few varieties have a squint at this website and put “elephant” into his search box.

https://steveslyjapaneseart.com

[Alex A]

Prefer the price of that first Elephant, seems a good price for that manufacturer

[Bugyotsuji]

Certainly has elephant presence.

[Ed]

The first one posted is nice, but I do not think the tusks are original.  They do say the tusks are "antler", so either my assumption is correct or they are attempting to bypass the Cites requirements. Either way could cause a sticky mess or worse, a loss of the item if caught up in customs.

 

I do prefer original ivory tusks, the bronze ones do not have the same appeal. If the work of an all bronze piece was exceptional, I would consider them. 

 

The guy Sly is too high.

[Matsunoki]

  On 12/6/2023 at 9:47 AM, Ed said:

 

The guy Sly is too high.

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Just thought you could see a selection of decent pieces in one place. I agree he’s not cheap but has good things. Happy hunting 

[Ed]

  On 12/6/2023 at 10:14 AM, Matsunoki said:

Just thought you could see a selection of decent pieces in one place. I agree he’s not cheap but has good things. Happy hunting 

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Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the link.  I have seen many of these bronze works over the decades, just never had much interest in collecting them. 

 

Thanks again,

Ed

[Ed]

Any individuals with Bronze Elephants, I am still looking.

[Alex A]

One here, all bronze, don't mention who made it.

 

Can find some good antiques in here, for anyone interested.

 

https://www.antiques...gers_c1880/as755a199

 

[Alex A]

Another good site, a few on here.

 

Large one with Ivory, says exempt

 

I don't know much about the rules, antique should be ok??, dunno

 

"Please note: Registered as exempt under the Ivory Act 2018
REF: EKK34L2T"

 

https://www.sellinga...ist-genryusai-seiya/

[Matsunoki]

  On 12/10/2023 at 5:33 PM, Alex A said:

I don't know much about the rules, antique should be ok??, dunno

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Hi Alex

For items with very minor ivory content (less than 10% I think) you can apply for exemption from the Ivory Act …..of course you have to pay a fee!  
Antiques are not per se exempt….the ban applies to everything unless it qualifies under the very tight exemption criteria. It’s a stupid ill considered law that will not save a single elephant. Michael bloody Gove is responsible for this mess. You’ve got to be careful with ivory grips and scales on knives, pistols, swords…..🤬🤬🤬

[Alex A]

Was looking for cannons but then started looking at Bronze stuff

 

Get why folks like them.

[Matsunoki]

……meant to say it’s going to get worse. Gov are going to extend the ivory ban to include whale bone/tooth etc work ie all that magnificent scrimshaw work on whale teeth done over hundreds of years and worth a lot of money suddenly becomes worth nothing …..and it won’t be within any exemption criteria. Where is the sense in that? It’s blatant vote attracting propaganda and tough luck on lifelong collectors. No compensation will be offered. 

[Ed]

Yeah, buying any type of ivory is risky. I was almost caught up in a sting operation by the dept. of wildlife and fisheries over some walrus ivory. It resulted in my becoming very leery when buy anything which remotely looks like ivory.

 

[Matsunoki]

Saw this and thought of you…..

https://www.the-sale...635555434e905b3e1e49

[Ed]

  On 5/14/2024 at 2:05 PM, Matsunoki said:

Saw this and thought of you…..

https://www.the-sale...635555434e905b3e1e49

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Thank you for posting it. I like it, although if those tusks are ivory, it will probably never get out of the UK. Even if not ivory, I suspect shipping to the US will be met with opposition from the know it all powers that be.

 

Best,

Ed