An Impressive Pair of Japanese Shibayama Tusk Vases, Meiji Period, finely inlaid in mother of pearl, tortoise shell and coral. The tusks depicting cranes and wild fowl amidst hydrangea, chrysanthemum and lily, having carved rock formation to base and cranes in flight to top of frieze, the vases seated in a decorative hard wood slipper, approx 35 x 13.5 x 10.5 cms, supported on carved rose wood stands, the stands having floral and key form design in high relief inlaid with mother of pearl and four ivory carved floral panels. (one having original collectors label to base and character marks in ink to one ivory panel, approx 19 x 21 x 21 cms.Provenance: From a private collection belonging to the Late Dermott Levins, avid Oriental collector, Levins bought from notable London galleries and auction houses in the mid-1940's including Glendining & Co New Bond Street, Yamanaka & Co New Bond Street and later Sothebys。Note to Prospective Purchasers: Several countries prohibit the importation of property containing material from endangered species. Potential purchasers should familiarize themselves with Customs regulations prior to bidding, if they intend to import from the United Kingdom.