284 - Ɏ GREGG STRADIOTTO: MONKEY OJIME

Ɏ GREGG STRADIOTTO: MONKEY OJIME By Gregg Stradiotto, signed GS USA, late 20 th century Carved from fossilized walrus tusk as a monkey curled into a compact, playful pose, its long limbs entwined around a section of bamboo. The head is tilted inquisitively forward, the softly modeled face animated by large, striking eyes inlaid in faceted translucent red glass, their dark centers lending an unusually vivid expression. The fur is delicately incised throughout. The cord channel runs through the bamboo. Signed with the artist’s initials GS. LENGTH 2.7 cm Condition: Excellent condition. Gregg Stradiotto, raised in Colorado, developed a passion for drawing early on, shaping his lifelong dedication to studying nature and culture. In 1970, he joined the Anasazi Origins Project in New Mexico as a field archaeologist and illustrator, exploring the transition from hunter-gatherer to Pueblo sedentary cultures. His interest in traditional stone toolmaking evolved into carving and sculpture. After relocating to Washington State in 1980, he focused on carving wildlife and Bering Sea Eskimo subjects for a decade. In 1989, he shifted to carving netsuke full time, blending Eastern and Western mythological symbolism in his figurative work, particularly in his archetypal figures. His works are represented, among others, in the collection of H.I.H. Prince Takamado (1954-2002). Auction comparison: Compare a closely related fossilized walrus tusk netsuke of a daydreaming monkey by the same artist, signed with the artist’s initials, dated late 20 th century, 5.8 cm high, at Zacke, 3 May 2024, Vienna, lot 227 (sold for EUR 2,340). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.