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Dear Forum Members,

Two questions on this 5 inch tall ivory carving depicting Siddhartha ataining enlightenment:

1. Is the country of origin China or Japan?
2. Can you read the kanji on the base? I believe the second character is "OU" and I can't decipher the first.

My impression is the carving is Chinese in style and the kanji on the base is confusing me. It is possible the kanji are not the artist's signature and were added later. On the other hand, Japanese artists certainly could copy Chinese style.

Your opinions are greatly appreciated.

Best regards,
Michael

It looks Chinese to me as well. The characters read from left to right 'Song Yu', perhaps a shop name of 'Song (Dynasty) Jade', or the surname Song and given name Yu of the carver.
Best regards,
Bill H.

This is not Siddartha,but probably one of the 18 lohans,Vanavasa.
This link will tell you about him and his attributes-note the similarity of what they are seated on(plantain leaves)and the rosary.
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/lohans14.htm

Thank you very much Bill for your helpful reply.

Yes Meso, I see they both sit on plantain leaves.

Best regards,
Michael

Give the poor fellow something to eat!

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