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Dear Experts, I work at the Natural History Museum and we sometimes have to deal with objects made from ivory, both legal and illegal. We had our share of modern netsuke-like carvings but this one is much older and better made. Unfortunately, I do not have local netsuke experts and thus would like to ask opinion of the experts on this forum. We destroy illegal ivory, but authentic pieces we preserve. I would be very grateful to hear your opinions on this piece. The signature is hidden under the cape and hard to photograph.

Going strictly by the good quality photos,it looks like some cheap item ,high speed made.
Perfect for the unsuspecting tourist.
Ernest

What I would like to know (sorry I forgot to include it in the original message):

1) Clues as to the authenticity of this piece. Is it modern fake or old fake or possibly authentic?

2) What character it can depict?

3) Makers signature - can it be deciphered from the picture I posted?

Thank you so much for all your input.

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