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A finely carved, engraved and partially pigmented Japanese ivory okimono, depicting Hotei, Daikoku and a karako gathered around a large mallet (uchide no kozuchi), signed Gyokuzan.
At the centre, Daikoku is depicted standing atop the mallet, smiling, holding a second mallet raised in one hand and carrying his characteristic sack over his shoulder. At his feet is a carved rat, a traditional attribute of the deity. To the left, Hotei is seated, recognisable by his smiling expression and prominent belly, holding a bowl containing mochi, with another mochi in his hand. On the opposite side, a karako climbs along the handle of the large mallet, carrying a voluminous sack over his shoulder.
The large uchide no kozuchi forms the central element of the composition and is finely carved with wood-grain patterns and incised concentric rings. The garments, sacks and accessories of the figures are enriched with minute engraved and pigmented geometric and vegetal motifs. The composition develops across multiple levels and is distinguished by the quality of the carving and the richness of its details.
The signature is incised beneath the mallet.
Period: Meiji, late 19th century.
Dimensions: 15.5 x 16 x 10 cm.
Condition: Excellent.
