An Ivory Okimono Depicting Ashinaga and Tenaga with a Drum, Signed Hidemasa

A Japanese ivory okimono depicting Ashinaga ("Long Legs") and Tenaga ("Long Arms"), two legendary figures from Japanese folklore belonging to the eponymous tribes renowned for their extraordinary physical characteristics.

The two characters are traditionally portrayed together, as in this example: Tenaga supports a drum while Ashinaga, holding a drumstick, strikes it. Finely carved from a single block of ivory, the sculpture displays remarkable craftsmanship, with the drum embellished by horn studs.

The figures are distinguished by their characteristic long, curly hair and full beards, features that, according to traditional Japanese iconography, evoke the appearance of the first Europeans to arrive in the Far East.

Signed Hidemasa, engraved on the drum.

Period: Edo period, 19th century
Dimensions: 6 × 4 × 3 cm
Condition: Excellent overall condition.