Hartman Rare Art, Inc.

A family-owned business since 1927

For 85 years, the Hartman Family and our associates have consistently worked to provide quality antique merchandise to our customers at competitive prices. Should you have any questions about the pieces we feature on this website or if you would like to inquire further about a specific item, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Our gallery is located in midtown Manhattan and easily accessible on the second floor. Please note the entrance to the building is on 53rd Street between Park and Madison Avenues. We are open to the public Monday to Friday from 9:30AM until 4:30PM.

The Japanese have a long tradition of creating stunningly beautiful sculptures and objects composed of carved ivory. Specifically, the figural okimono carvings are noted for their fine detail and exquisite craftsmanship. The selections on this page represent an array of the okimono we carry.

In March 2006, Hartman Rare Art hosted an exhibition of our finest Japanese Ivory Okimono. The printed catalog is still available through our gallery and a few of these items are featured alongside other okimono in this section. If you are interested in requesting this catalog with a full price list, please contact us.

If you enjoyed perusing these items, you might also want to see our Japanese Netsuke plus Chinese Ivory sections. And please feel free to browse our Hartman Rare Art Ebay Store.

Japanese Carved Ivory Man with a Bell and Lantern, Muneyuki

This finely carved okimono features a man walking over rocks, carrying a large bell and paper lantern. This piece was carved by the artisan Muneyuki in Japan during the 19th century. The piece is carved in exquisite detail; the okimono is composed of several separately carved pieces pieced together. The figure measures approximately 7 inches length. Muneyuki's signature appears on the underside of the base.

Ji01

Price: $10,000

Japanese Carved Ivory Boat with Passengers

Twenty detailed figures in various poses occupy this boat with a dragon figurehead at the prow. Each figure's tiny eyes are dotted black. The ends of the carving are mounted on a carved wood stand. No visible marks, made in Japan (late 19th/early 20th). Condition: slight hairline crack on back, otherwise very good. Dimensions: 13.25" length.

Ji7093

Price: $1,700

Japanese Carved Ivory Hourglass Vase

An hourglass-form, hollowed-out carving featuring a horizontal, floral panorama with landscape on the upper portion and figural reserves on the bottom, both very detailed. No marks, made in Japan (late 19th/early 20th). Condition: some chipping and slight interior cracks, otherwise good. Dimensions: 4" ht, 3" diameter.

Ji7095

Price: $3,300

Japanese Carved Ivory Man with a Dragon

The subject of this okimono is a man with a bowl from which a dragon rises. The man appears to be seated in front of a screen with the implements for making tea. It is quite possible the subject was inspired by a Japanese folk story or legend. The piece is delicately carved. The modeling is rather naturalistic. An artisan's signature appears on the underside. This okimono measures 7.5 inches height. This piece was formerly from the Mary Jane Buchanan collection.

Ji06

Price: $2,500