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Subject:identifying Okimono - signature and time
Posted By: Ruben Wed, May 27, 2026 IP: 5.29.214.160
Hello everyone,
I would be very grateful for your assistance regarding the attached Okimono.
Could anyone help identify the signature/mark?
Is it possible to tell if it is made of ivory or mammoth tusk?
Can its age be estimated (and perhaps its approximate value)?
This Okimono has been in my family for at least fifty years.
Thank you very much for your help!

Subject:Re: identifying Okimono - signature and time
Posted By: Ruben Thu, May 28, 2026
I see the pics weren't attached. attaching again.







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Subject:Re: identifying Okimono - signature and time
Posted By: I.Nagy Sun, May 31, 2026
大明成化　Da Ming Chenghua
Made during the Chenghua reign* of the Great Ming Dynasty
is engraved on the bottom

* 1465-1487

However, it does not necessarily mean that the item is an original from that period. There is a high likelihood that this is an “attributed marking".

By the way, have you already done the hot needle test on the figurine?

With regards,
I.Nagy

Subject:Re: identifying Okimono - signature and time
Posted By: Ruben Wed, Jun 17, 2026
Thank you for your reply!
Regarding the test, I see no need in that. The figurine is cracked with age and shows all the signs of authenticity. not to mention it's weight (like a stone).

Subject:Re: identifying Okimono - signature and time
Posted By: Mark Mon, Jun 08, 2026
Mammoth extinct i believe.
Regards,
Mark@imperial
Adams Asian Art

Subject:Re: identifying Okimono - signature and time
Posted By: Ruben Wed, Jun 17, 2026
That’s true, but mammoth ivory is still used in art. Surprisingly to me, it's actually cheaper than ivory art because there are legal restrictions on ivory, while there are none on mammoth tusks

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