An ivory okimono of a geisha
Meiji era, late 19th century
Carved in mid-step with her shamisen balanced on her left, the right hand holding a plectrum (bachi), her long-sleeved kimomo with a scattered chrysanthemum-and-fence design contrasting with an elaborate brocade-patterned obi of peony and floating fans, the incised details picked out in black and shades of gray, signed Muneaki (plectrum broken).
11 1/8in (28.3cm) high