A MASTERFUL AND MONUMENTAL SECTIONAL IVORY OKIMONO OF A COCKATOO Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The feathery bird is perched on a black burlwood stand, its talons tightly gripping a branch. The bird is crafted with superior naturalism, the plumage is masterfully carved and threedimensional with neatly incised lines. The cockatoo has its head slightly lowered and the large eyes are lacquered in black with inlaid silver rings for the pupils. The defining attributes of this exotic bird are the long tail feathers and the crest on the back of its head. HEIGHT 62 cm with stand, 29 cm without stand Condition: Very good complete and original condition. Minor wear and natural age cracks and very minor losses and chipping to the edge of some feathers. Provenance: British collection. The cockatoo is not native to Japan and was probably introduced by the Dutch. It became a popular theme in Japanese art, perhaps most famously treated by the woodblock print artist Ohara Shoson (1877-1945). This monumental sculpture was probably intended for a Japanese World Fair during the Meiji period. Auction comparison: Compare to a near identical example sold at Bonhams, Asian Art, 10 July 2013, Edinburgh, lot 21.