🔎 UNIDENTIFIED My husband thinks he purchased these in Japan in th 80s

[Rjrossate]

 

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[cudamark]

Cool figurines. If ivory and made after 1914, they can't be sold here in the U.S. Owning, or Inheriting them is ok though. Pre-1914 ivory can be sold if you have proof of age. That can be timely and expensive. To tell if it's genuine ivory and not plastic, heat a pin and stick it into the base of each piece. Plastic will melt, ivory will not.

 

[Old Bookaroo]

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Greetings - Those are nice! I'm not an expert - but I found this on the Internets, so I know it is correct:

"A netsuke is a miniature sculpture, originating in 17th century Japan. Initially a simply-carved button fastener on the cords of an inro box, netsuke later developed into ornately sculpted objects of craftsmanship."

As noted, may be ivory, may be mammoth ivory, may be wood.

I would take them to an expert - and not accept the first low-ball offer for them.

Good luck to all,

The Old Bookaroo

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