Monkey trainer c. late 19th century

This sculpture of a monkey trainer, by Shioda Toshichika, shows how the art of carving can elevate everyday scenes. It's made from ivory, a precious material that requires immense skill to shape. Notice the smooth, polished surfaces and intricate details, achieved through careful carving. The material’s inherent qualities of density and fine grain are what allow such exquisite refinement. Toshichika likely used a variety of specialized tools, building on centuries of expertise passed down through generations of artisans. But beyond technique, consider the subject: a humble street performer. By immortalizing this figure in ivory, Toshichika challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft, while shedding light on the lives of those who lived by their labor. This piece reminds us that materials, making, and context are all crucial to fully appreciating the artwork’s meaning.